Cops at Nadra centre accused of bribery | Pakistan Press Foundation (PPF)

Pakistan Press Foundation

Cops at Nadra centre accused of bribery

DADU: It seems as if there is a lot more in store for people hit by floods as their misery continues to prop up in different forms and shades and their complaints always left in the cold.

This time around, it is the issuance of Watan cards. Police is making every effort to cash in from the helpless situation of these people and they have no option but to follow illegal tactics.

People from Khairpur Nathan Shah protested on Friday against irregularities in issuance of Watan cards outside Nadra centre in Mehar town as police were letting only those people enter the centre who dole out Rs500 to Rs600. Those refusing are not allowed to enter the centre if even they posses a coupon.

Nadra’s Mehar centre had fixed October 7, 8, & 9, for Watan cards distribution to people of Khairpur Nathan Shah. However, on Friday, police and Nadra officials were seen taking bribe from irrelevant people or non-deserving people and letting them enter into the centre. People raised objection which did not go down with the police and they retaliated by injuring 10 people with their batons. The injured included Mumtaz Leghari, Abdul Jabbar Chandio, Mushtaq Chandio, Nisar Ahmed Bhatti and Daud Khan.

Ghulam Haider Awan of Khairpur Nathan Shah was one of those who were issued token on Thursday and asked to collect their cards on Friday. He said that police did not allow them to enter the centre when they reached there on Friday because of their refusal to pay the bribe.

He alleged police officials of allowing entry of people of union councils not hit by floods.

Injured Abdul Jabbar Chandio blaming mismanagement by Nadra and district administration officials said that legislators were issuing lists for selected people to get these cards. Agent too, are busy in facilitating those who pay in advance 25 per cent of Rs20,000 to be received by a Watan card holder.

Mumtaz Leghari said that he was beaten up by the police because of his refusal to pay them bribe.

President, PPP, Khairpur Nathan Shah taluka, Noor Mohammad Chandio said that 1,000 Watan cards have already been issued to flood affected people of taluka while the process was still going on. He said that people of taluka Khairpur Nathan Shah were angry with the PPP leaders and legislators. He condemned the baton charge and demanded an inquiry.

DPO, Dadu, Ghazi Salahuddin said that police were provided only for security purpose at Nadra centres and they did not interfere in issuance of Watan cards.
Source: Dawn
Date:10/9/2010