NA-168 by-poll aftermath: 14-day detention order for supporters of Cheema

Bahawalpur deputy commissioner has ordered 14-day detention for ten supporters of defeated candidate Wali Dad Cheema in connection with a clash during the recent election campaign. The arrested activists are from MNA Tariq Bashir Cheema's group, who contested the by-poll as an independent candidate against PML-N nominee Malik Munir Iqbal Channar.

Cheema's supporters are currently held in the Central Jail, Bahawalpur. The detention order was issued under Section 3(1) of the Maintenance of Public Order (MPO) Ordinance, 1960, citing the need to maintain law and order. The clash occurred on September 11 during the election campaign, with both sides filing FIRs against each other.

Additionally, some PPP activists who joined Cheema's camp against the party's decision to support Channar have also been detained. Meanwhile, Rescue 1122 teams are searching for an elderly man, Yousaf Ali (75), who jumped into the Yazman Canal along with his wife. Yousaf's son informed rescuers that his father is mentally challenged.

The search operation is ongoing, with police investigating the reasons behind the couple's attempt to end their lives. Lastly, work on the state-of-the-art building for the Punjab Arts Council, Bahawalpur, is nearing completion at a cost of over Rs470 million near Seraiki Chowk.