FAISALABAD is the third largest city of Punjab.  Its population is about half a million and it has the status of a division. Its major districts are Toba Tek Singh, Nankana Sahib, Chiniot and Jhang while many Tehsils are also attached with it. It produces 55 per cent of Pakistan’s total export. It is also rich in industries making commercial goods.

Unfortunately, the establishment of a High Court bench at Faisalabad has never been a priority of politicians and bureaucrats even though protests have been held many times to give importance to this  issue. Whether it be an issue of carving out new provinces or some other issue, devolution of power always pinches politicians.

It is quite strange that while it is established in other relatively backward divisions of Punjab, somehow it is never established here. The role of Lahore in this regard is not that of a big brother.

A person regarding a petition or hearing of a case has to travel to Lahore from Faisalabad division. In this connection, he has to pay a handsome amount to lawyers to travel from Faisalabad to Lahore. He also has to take leave from his job. He has to travel early in the morning come rain or fog. This is clear discrimination. Now when people are calling for new provinces, why shouldn’t the authorities pay heed to the problems of existing provinces?

M. KHURRAM YASIN Faisalabad