CHINIOT, June 30 Over three decades long struggle of the local people bears fruit on Wednesday (today) when Chiniot starts functioning as an independent district of Punjab.

Formerly a tehsil of Jhang district and situated on the edge of the river Chenab, Chiniot is the 36th district of the province. It comprises Chiniot, Bhawana and Lalian tehsils.

Rana Tahir Khan, who was appointed as DCO-cum-project director in the first week of May last, says arrangements for the establishment of offices for district officers and police lines have been made.

The camp office of the Jhang Zila Nazim has been renovated to host DCO and DPO offices while an abandoned hostel of the Government Boys High School is being renovated to accommodate EDOs.

Chief Secretary Javed Mahmood, who once remained assistant commissioner of Chiniot some 18 years ago, himself visited the town some time ago along with 26 secretaries of different departments to gauge the pace of initial work done for the launch of the new district.

Some major projects approved by him in principle during his visit included the establishment of a Punjab University sub-campus on 50 acres of land, a family park on 15 acres, a sports complex, new district headquarters hospital with primary, secondary and tertiary healthcare facilities, Rescue 1122 service, rehabilitation of Chenab bank park and establishment of a picnic spot there.

MNA Hamza Shahbaz is expected here today to formally inaugurate the functioning of the new district. —ZEB