SIALKOT
The Gepco staff observed a complete strike across the division as a protest against the alleged attack on the Gepco office Sialkot by activists of Wapda Pegham Union and Shabab-e-Milli.
“If police had timely responded, no such an incident would have taken place. We will not sit quietly until all the culprits are put behind bars” said Yaqoob Khokhar and Shuja Mustapha, leaders of the union. Two FIRs have been registered against SD Saqib, Shafiq, Nasir, Liaqat and Sohail, excluding Shabab-e-Milli boys.
Gepco Superintendent Engineer Muhammad Afzal Bajwa said, “A transformer blast took place in the area of Boochar Khana (Sub Division Fort) two weeks ago and the shut down lasted for 12 hours. SDO concerned Mehmood Haider along with his two line superintendents were inquired on the matter as to why the transformer was not replaced on time. A departmental action was initiated against all the three responsible.”
He further said, “Both the line superintendents belong to rival employees unions. LS Nasir Mehmood from Pegham Union called his leadership and one of his national leaders Sirajuddin Saqib along with his supporters and Shabab-e-Milli activists and ransacked my office, beat up Gepco employees and took all of us as hostage.”
He said, “The moment the mob entered the office, I called DPO Office Sialkot and asked for immediate help but only a sub inspector along with two constables reached there. On their arrival, the attackers mocked at me saying ‘Call your DPO and ask him to send force”.
When contacted, DPO Gohar Nafees said that that organised forces always need some time to respond. Our first possible force though it was an SI with two constables rescued the Gepco staff and dispersed the mob. He added, “The SE himself has no control over his unions and employees. We have registered FIRs on both applications of the SE and CBA Union.
Bail granted: Additional District and Sessions Judge Amer Habib granted bail before arrest to Majlis-e-Ehrar central convenor Maulana Abdul Latif Khalid Cheema and local leader Maulana Ismail here on Tuesday.
The City Police have registered a case under Section 16 MPO a few days ago on the charges of delivering sectarian speech in Jamia Masjid Muawia on Jhang Road.