MUZAFFARGARH, July 5: The district peace committee met on Thursday to discuss the Lal Masjid operation and review security steps here. Muzaffargarh is sensitive because two clerics of the Lal Masjid who are at the centre of the controversy belong to DG Khan and they have many of their followers and relatives in DG Khan and Muzaffargarh.

District Coordination Officer Dr Akhtar Nazir Warraich chaired the meeting. District Nazim Qayyum Jatoi was not invited because of the Punjab government’s policy to keep him away from the district’s affairs. Another interesting thing was observed that while all MPAs or their representatives attended the meeting, the arrested MNA and former state minister Shahid Jameel Qureshi’s representative Dr Tanveer Qureshi was conspicuous by his absence. Earlier, Dr Tanveer, who is brother of the arrested MNA, represents him at political and official meetings.

The peace committee expressed its satisfaction over the Lal Masjid and Jamia Hafsa strategy adopted by the government terming it a `wise’ step.

The DPO, executive district officers and representatives of Shia and Barailvi schools of thought attended the meeting while ulema from Ahle Hadith and Deoband factions boycotted it.

The participants praised the government for granting general amnesty to the Lal Masjid students. They expressed their satisfaction over the law and order situation in the district.

Peace body member Kazim Ali Haideri raised the issue of police’s negative attitude towards Majalis-i-Aza. He said police did not allow them to hold Majalis. On this, DPO Rai Muhammad Tahir said he would take action against the officials who created hurdles in majalis.

Some members drew the attention of the district administration towards the growing traffic problems, sale of unhygienic and substandard meat in the city and unclean drinking water.