BAHAWALPUR, Nov 12: Some 180,000 girls will be imparted basic education by December 2002 under the government’s literacy and primary education project launched in eight tehsils of the Punjab.

This was stated by provincial minister for women development and social welfare Shaheen Attiqur Rehman while talking to Dawn here on Monday.

The minister said some 60,000 girls would complete three-month literacy programme by December 2001 in eight tehsils of Ahmadpur East, Gujar Khan, Jaranwala, Ferozwala, Kharian, Kot Addu, Bhalwal and Kabirwala.

She said in 250 centres of 25 union councils of Ahmadpur East tehsil, a total of 7,500 children were being imparted basic education up to class three. They were being provided with books and bags free of cost.

Meanwhile, the Pakistan Rural Workers Organization organized a walk on Monday to create awareness about rights of children.

INTERIM GOVT: Former federal minister and PML-N leader Iqbal Ahsan has demanded that an interim government should be set up to conduct fresh elections in an impartial manner.

Speaking at a press conference on Sunday night, Iqbal Ahsan condemned the arrest of PML acting president Javed Hashmi. He alleged that the accountability process was based on victimization.

The PML leader admitted that his party had committed mistakes during its rule.