OKARA - Federal Minister for Kashmir Affairs Manzoor Ahmad Wattoo said that change could be brought only through ballot and it was not possible through threats.
"If the Qadri's long march is taken out peacefully, the government would not stop it. If Tahirul Qadri wants some change in the system, he should contest elections," said Wattoo while addressing the party workers in Wasawaywala. Flanked by Aamir Hayat Wattoo, he said that no one would be allowed to derail the democratic system. If there was anything inappropriate, a constitutional approach should be adopted, he said.
He said that the caretaking setup will be made with consensus. On January 14, the government would not allow any subversion and sabotage. The general elections would be held fairly and transparently on time, he added.
 "The anti- democracy elements will be dealt with sternly, he said, linking the national prosperity to strong democracy in the country. Wattoo said that the PPP was working for the betterment of the masses. He claimed that his party was the strongest political party of the country. He said PPP always came to power with the public support.
CELL SET UP: The district administration has set up a complaint cell in the DCO Office to help solve public grievances. Abdul Ghafoor Chaudhry, an official, has been appointed as focal person of the complaint Cell. The official also paid surprise visits to different government offices and checked attendance of the staff. He said the attendance of EDOs, DOs, TMO and executive officers would be checked at 8 am daily.
DCO BIDDEN FAREWELL: The District Coordination Officer of Okara was given a farewell party by his staff. DCO Saif Anjum thanked all the officials and praised their performance. He said the staff members were very hardworking and they worked enthusiastically during his tenure. All Pakistan Clerks Association District President Gohar Abbas Zaidi and Rana Mohammad Jamil thanked all the officers and saw off Saif Anjum.
PROTEST: In the wake of the arrest of Anjuman-e-Muzareen Vice President Chaudhy Nadeem Ashraf from Renala Khurd in a murder case, hundreds of workers protested on the GT Road, Faisalabad Road and Depalpur Road.
They blocked the roads for 7 hours. Meantime, the protesters held negotiations with the officials and dispersed later. Nadeem Ashraf told the media that he had no link with the murder. He demanded an impartial inquiry in this regard. Anjuman Muzareen Punjab Secretary General Abdus Sattar said they would bear any threat or pressure from the authorities.