SHEIKHUPURA, June 21: The district council members passed a unanimous resolution here on Monday demanding removal of the district coordination officer. Criticizing DCO Tariq Najeeb Najmi, District Nazim Chaudhry Tawakkalullah Virk alleged that he had weakened the district government system.

The Nazim alleged that the DCO habitually used delaying tactics in executing various development schemes. For instance, he said, Mr Najmi had not released funds worth Rs656,000 to each union council for the last many months despite approved by the elected representatives.

The Nazim said the DCO allegedly surrendered all the contingency funds of the district government departments with his unlawful orders and converted the amount into 'discretionary status.'

He said Mr Najmi was acting as the Lord Clive of East India Company. Mr Virk accused the district coordination officer of strengthening 'biradrism.' The treasury and opposition members also chanted slogans against the DCO.

Later, a parliamentary group meeting, presided over by Sardar Ahsanullah, was held. The participants urged the president, prime minister, NRB chairman, governor, chief minister for immediate transfer of the DCO from Sheikhupura. The members threatened to tender resignations if their demand was not met.

ENCOUNTER: An alleged robber was killed in an exchange of fire with Narang police near Jewan Goraya village on the Badomalhi Road, some 70 kilometres from here, on Monday morning.