MANDI BAHAUDDIN-The lawmakers of PML-N have nothing to do with public issues and are focusing on making money by embezzling the funds of development projects, said ex-MNA Nadeem Afzal Chohan.
Talking to the media, he regretted that due to inefficiency and negligence of the ruling party lawmakers, University of Engineering and Technology Rasul has been downgraded to its previous status of Government College of Technology. He said that Chief Minister Shehbaz Sharif had upgraded the college to university on demand of th epeople in 2014 where more than 200 students are enrolled.
“With the closure of the varsity, the classes have been shifted to other cities and admissions stopped which has caused difficulties for the students enrolled,” he regretted.
Nadeem said that the construction of Asphalt Road along railway lines was approved in 2012 and funds were also released for the project but the work has not yet been started. Similarly, the DHQ Hospital has been awaiting its completion for the last ten years. He alleged that the funds were allocated for the project but the funds were diverted to other schemes or misappropriated. He said that due to indifference of PML-N lawmakers to the public issues, people of Mandi Bahauddin are passing through great ordeal. He demanded the authorities concerned should take immediate steps to resolve the public problems.
Meeting reviews plan to fight floods: A meeting of the District Disaster Management Committee was held here to review the disaster management plan and preventive measures taken to mitigate damages to life and property during and after the recurring floods.
The meeting was attended by all three assistant commissioners of subdivision of Mandi, Phalia, Malakwal, EDO of all departments, and Rescue 1122 in charge. DCO Muzaffar Khan presided over the meeting. After getting briefing from the attendants, DCO expressed dissatisfaction over improper maintenance of drains in the district. He directed EDO Irrigation and Drainage to ensure cleanliness of the drains and strengthening of irrigation channels shoulders to avoid their overflowing. The ACs were directed to check the rivers embankments and dykes, and strengthen them where they are eroded or weak.
The DCO also asked ACs to select suitable places for camping where flood affected people could be evacuated on receiving warning of floods. Representative from Rescue 1122 was asked to ensure boats; life jackets and other recovery equipment are in fit condition.

The DCO said this year monsoons had started early and there was Met Department prediction for heavy rains and flash floods in the rivers. He said they could not control floods but with good preparations and early warning system could mitigate damage to life and property. He asked the participants to remain ready to give timely response in emergency situation.