SHEIKHUPURA, Oct 1: The Nazims of nearly 100 union councils, headed by District Naib Nazim Zahid Yasin, took out a rally on Friday against alleged excesses and nepotism of DCO Tariq Najeeb Najmi.

The Nazims took out the rally in place of dozens of women councillors, who staged a sit-in outside the DCO's office as a protest against overlooking their demands for development funds and honorarium.

It was the 23rd day of the women's protest on the issue. Speaking on the occasion, the Naib Nazim criticized Mr Najmi for what, he said, his stern thinking. He said the DCO was bent on devastating the local bodies set-up.

He said the protest campaign had entered almost 25 days due to non-cooperation of the DCO but the government higher-ups in Lahore and Islamabad had yet to pay heed to the situation despite knowing about it.

Women councillors head Aapa Suriya Fatima, the opposition leader in the district assembly, said Mr Najmi lacked prudence to tackle the problems. "He is responsible for creating difficulties for the people of the district."

She said the development projects had been stopped, as the DCO had not approved the budget even after four months. She demanded the president, governor and the chief minister to replace the DCO, otherwise, councillors and Nazims in the district assembly would quit their seats.