PFA team attacked

LAHORE: A group of adulteration mafia attacked a food safety team of the Punjab Food Authority (PFA) in Chak No 71D in Pakpattan on Wednesday. The criminals attacked the PFA team after the team raided the site for catching them red-handed. The accused allegedly took the PFA team as hostage while continuously slapping and beating them. After the incident, Additional Director General Operations Rafia Haider and director vigilance reached the spot and led an operation, upon the directions of PFA Director General Muhammad Usman. Nearly four hours later, police intervention led to the release of the PFA team. However, the owner of the unit, Dr Khalid, along with other people, managed to flee after the assault. The owner not only used to manufacture adulterated milk but also produced fake powdered milk for sale. A PFA spokesperson said that assailants opened fire on PFA team members in which two members sustained injuries. He added that police lodged an FIR against the suspects. “The team came under attack before taking any action against adulterators.”

Published in The Express Tribune, September 26^th, 2019.