Punjab Law, Parliamentary Affairs and Social Welfare Minister Raja Bashart took a notice of alleged embezzlement in the properties of Punjab Cooperatives Department.

"Responsible elements would be accounted for and the lands would be transparently auctioned after evacuated from illegal occupiers. Grievances of the affected persons of the cooperatives scandal would also be redressed," said the minister while addressing the first meeting of the special committee which was set up by the CM to oversee the issues of Punjab Cooperatives Liquidation Board (PCLB) here on Wednesday. Punjab Cooperatives Minister Mohammad Aslam Bharwana, Additional Chief Secretary Sardar Ijaz Ahmed, Secretary Law, Secretary Cooperatives, Chairperson and Secretary PCLB and other officers were also present in the meeting.

Raja Bashart said that Prime Minister Imran Khan had issued clear instructions that the state lands should be freed from illegal occupants and used for the public welfare. He called for effective follow up of pending cases in the courts.

He also expressed concern over the fact that the Supreme Court was holding Rs 5 billion for payment of liabilities amounting to Rs 700 to Rs 800 million. He directed the department to pay the liabilities and use the remaining billions for public interest.

He also directed the Punjab Police to provide all possible assistance to end the illegal occupation of the cooperatives' properties.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2019