SARGODHA: The AntiCorruptionEstablishment (ACE) has arrested a municipal corporation supervisor while collecting commission from the salaries of the municipality`s daily wage sanitary workers. He was remanded in custody.

According to sources, ACE officials, accompanied by Magistrate Waqas Hashmi, raided and arrested MC Supervisor Shamoon while he was taking a commission from the salary of daily wage sanitary worker Kashif Barkat Masih.

Complaints had been received about Shamoon blackmailing the workers and forcibly deducting Rs10,000 per month from their salaries, which he had recently increased to Rs15,000. On this basis, he was arrested and remanded. The ACE registered a case under Section 161 of the Pakistan Penal Code and Section 5/2/47 of the AntiCorruption Act on Masih`s complaint, who alleged that Shamoon had collected Rs60,000 from himin six months.

Over 200 daily wage sanitary workers have been employed for years despite allegations of irregular appointments and corruption.

Sources revealed that salaries for over 100 ghost workers were being pocketed by officials and political figures. Meanwhile, many sanitary workers were assigned to the residences and farmhouses of high-ranking officers and ruling party politicians instead of performing their duties in the field.

The chief officer was not available for comment. However, a sanitary inspector, speaking anonymously, said that while the recruitment of daily wage sanitary workers was necessary due to the city`s growing needs, the establishment of the Solid Waste Management Company had reduced the need for additional hires by the municipal corporation.

BURNS: A youth suffered severe burns when a fire broke out while he was heating the fuel tank of a trailer at a petrol pump.

According to sources,32-year-old Tariq from Bhakkar was using fire to heat the fuel tank of a 22-wheeler trailer at a petrol pump in Sillanwali when the tank suddenly ignited. He sustained severe burns to his chest, neck, face and right arm.

Rescue 1122 shifted him to THQ Hospital, where he remains in critical condition.

ARRESTED: Police have arrested two arms dealers and a buyer involved in the illegal sale of weapons in district Sargodha.

According to sources, in a major crackdown against illegal arms trade in Bhalwal City, police recovered eight 30-bore pistols, one 9mm pistol, five 12-bore guns, and over 1,000 illegal bullets.

The arrested dealers, Shoaib and Qalab, were caught selling weapons without a licence. A buyer, Shiraz, was also arrested for purchasing illegal arms.

A case has been registered under the illegal possession of arms laws, and further investigations are underway. DPO Muhammad Sohaib Ashraf congratulatedSHO Bhalwal City Inspector Zafar Abbas Shah and his team for the successful operation.

PROTEST: Rickshaw drivers have launched a protest against the daily slip fee collected by the Cantonment Board, warning that if it is not abolished by March 26, they will stage a demonstration outside the board`s office.

President of Chattan Rickshaw Union 49-Tel Jimmy Shah said that rickshaw drivers were already burdened with heavy taxes imposed by the Cantonment Board and the Municipal Corporation and could not tolerate further financial pressure. He accused the board of illegally extorting money from rickshaw drivers while failing to provide promised facilities such as designated rickshaw stands.

Protesting drivers said that in the current era of inflation, they struggle to provide two meals a day for their families. They appealed to Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz to intervene and abolish the daily slip fee and other taxes.