GUJRANWALA, Sept 30 The City District Council on Wednesday criticised the Punjab government for appointing a grade-17 officer as district coordination officer here.

A council meeting, presided over by City District Naib Nazim Jamal Hasan Manj, asked the provincial government to replace the DCO with a grade-19 or grade-20 officer. The meeting also called for immediate transfer of DCO Shahid Niaz.

BEATEN UP A Wapda union leader was beaten up by the men of his union over an election row here on Wednesday.

Wapda Hydroelectric Central Labour Union Regional Vice-Chairman Abbas Ali Bajwa was on his way to his office when union worker Kashif and his four unidentified accomplices thrashed him and also took away Rs2,700 and a cell phone from him. He was admitted to the district headquarters hospital.

Later, Bajwa's supporters protested against the incident and demanded action against Kashif and his accomplices.

Civil Lines police have registered a case against Kashif and his accomplices.

BANKING COURT A banking court on Wednesday declared two key men of the Khanani and Kalia proclaimed offenders and ordered forfeiture and auction of their properties after they did not appear in the court.

According to the Federal Investigation Agency, Fazal Mirza and Naimat Mirza were involved in illegal transfer of money abroad.

NOTICES The Sales Tax Department has served notices on more than 6,000 businessmen and multinational companies for not filing tax returns for the fiscal year 2008-09.

It's learnt that 9,421 registered companies and businessmen have not filed their returns so far.

The department has warned that it can impose up to Rs45,000 fine on these companies and individuals and blacklist them.