MUZAFFARGARH, June 22 2006: Journalist took out a protest rally from the Katchery Chowk, which terminated at the Qanwan Chowk in protest at the killing of journalist Hayatullah Khan. The rally was led by Dr Khalid Mehmood Zaffar Chaudhry and attended by Abdul Sami Khan, Ijaz Rasool Bhutta, Abdul Latif AB Mujhid, Abid Hussain, Mukhtar Hussain Chughta, Tahir Ali Shah, Rana Amjid Ali Amjid, Ria Muraid and Makdoom Syed Ghulam Ali Shah Bukhari. The rally demanded an impartial inquiry into the abduction and murder of Hayatullah.

The journalists said the killers should be given exemplary punishments to stop such incidents in the future. Dr Khalid said the issue of the freedom of press had not been resolved. “The government creates hurdles for journalists but we will continue struggle until the media is completely free in the country,” he added. Paying rich tributes to the slain journalist, Abdul Sami Khan said Hayatullah was a martyr who had been exposing the true face of the regime.

Inflation to be controlled: Muzaffargarh DCO Tariq Najeebe Najmi has said that the surprise raids will be conducted at shops and godowns throughout the district to ensure sale of consumer goods at controlled rates. The decision was taken at a meeting of the Price Control Committee held here on June 21. The DCO said two special judicial magistrates had been assigned the task of checking prices by the district and sessions judge.

Any shopkeeper or trader found involved in hoarding or overcharging would face strict penalty, he said. He directed the market committee administrator to fix the prices of vegetables and fruits and send copies to the deputy district officers for ensuring its enforcement in their respective areas. He also asked shopkeepers to display price lists, otherwise strict action would be taken against them.
Source: The News
Date:6/22/2006