BAHAWALPUR: As the construction of the South Punjab secretariat building in Multan is presently under suspension for lack of funds, the officials have demanded Rs2 billion more from the provincial government for its completion.

According to official circles, the Multan Secretariat building was to be completed within two years` after its announcement but four years have elapsed and the secretariat building is still incomplete.

Although the secretariat`s some portions have been made operational for the South Punjab sec-retaries but unless a sum of Rs2bn is released, most of its accommodation will remain unoccupied, creating disturbances for secretaries and their section officers.

A source told Dawn the Punjab government has not so far responded to the demand of approval and release of Rs2bn, which were badly needed for its completion. It is learnt that Punjab Planning and Development (P&D) has been approached by the South Punjab secretariat`s officials for approval of the required funds.

The officials concerned have expressed hope thatin the near future, P&D department offi-cial may inspect the building to confirm the needs of the funds and approval of demand.

IUB: The Islamia University Bahawalpur (IUB) on Thursday observed the World AIDS Day by organising a seminar.

The speakers, including VC Prof Dr Muhammad Kamran, chief guest prof (retired) Dr Qazi Masroor Ahmed, IUB Chief Medical Officer Dr Muhammad Usman Cheema and others said the day was observed to create awareness about HIV/AIDS and supporting those living with the virus and remembering those who lost their lives to disease. They stressed that the world could end AIDS as a public healththreat by 2030 if everyone`s rights were protected and communities moved forward in the same spirit.

O M B U D S P E R S O N : Provincial ombudsperson Nabila Hakim Ali Khan says that ombudsperson`s offices would soon be opened in all districts of South Punjab.

Addressing women applicants here, she her nine offices were already functioning at regional headquarters in the province to provide justice to the needy and complainant women. She asked them to approach her offices to seek their genuine right and justice.

Earlier, the ombudsperson heard four cases of women`sharassment and sixteen others.

FAITH HEALER: The Basti Malook Police Station in Lodhran district claimed to have arrested a fake pir Abdul Rehman, allegedly involved in objectionable activities with his women devotees at Chak 11/ Faiz.

According to SHO Babar Shehzad Khera, the pir used to make videos of women. He said after complaints, the police arrested him.

ARRESTED: Kahror Pacca Saddar police arrested one Kashif Baloch for uploading the picture of a pistol on social media.

Police registered an FIR against him, conducted raid at his residence and arrested him.