Council seeks ban on Pan Parag, Gutka

Published April 18, 2007

KHAIRPUR, April 17: A meeting of the District Council Khairpur has demanded of the government to put ban on consumption and trade of Pan Parag and Gutka, and driving of cars and motorbikes by underage boys.

The meeting held on Tuesday was presided over by Naib Nazim Mir Dinal Khan Talpur

The Khairpur Dost Panel (KDP) member Begum Rana Shah said boys below the age of 18 years drive cars and motorbikes causing traffic problems and accidents. Those driving cars, she demanded, must have a driving license. The meeting passed the resolution.

The KDP's Shazia Phulpoto said Pan Parag and Gutka sold in the district, especially in Gambat, affects the children most. A resolution was adopted demanding complete ban on the trade and consumption of Pan Parag and Gutka.

Abbas Ali Shah, Fida Abbasi and other members said around Rs12 billion were allocated for the repair and renovation of barrages in Punjab while for Sindh only one billion rupees were sanctioned.

Demanding an equal amount for Sindh's irrigation system, they said there was acute shortage of irrigation water necessitates repair of barrages. This resolution was also given the nod and it will be sent to the federal government.

Raising point of order, the UC Nazim Tajjal, Sufi Qalab Ali said the Food Department is not supplying gunny bags to abadgars in Nara taluka while commission agents are selling the same.

They are also purchasing the wheat. He demanded the supply of gunny bags to abadgars of Nara taluka and opening of wheat procurement centres.

The ADP members wore black armbands while attending the session and demanded to discuss the agenda which was presented during the Monday’s session.

Later, they boycotted the session and staged demonstration outside the District Council Hall. They raised slogans against the district government.

Abdul Qayoom Shaikh, Faqir Nazir Heesbani, Zeenat Shaikh, Ghazala Siyal and others said the one-sided proceedings of session have no validity.

They alleged substandard material was being used in repair and construction work in the district.

They complained about the shortage of clean drinking in the Khairpur city.