Poisonous substance banned after 337 suicides.

MUZAFFARGARH -- The district government banned the sale of Kala Pathar here after 337 cases of suicide were reported due to its consumption.

Out of the 337 cases reported in the last nine months, 271 were women, who consumed Kala Pathar for committing suicide and were admitted to the DHQ hospital for treatment.

The deputy commissioner (DC) banned the sale of the poisonous substance, a chemical used in hair dye, while most of the people who used it belonged to rural areas.

Officials said that Section 144 would be imposed soon and stern action taken under the drugs act.

PATWARI ARRESTED: The Muzaffargarh circle Anti-Corruption Establishment (ACE) arrested a revenue official during a raid on charges of taking bribe of Rs25,000 from an applicant requiring fard document.

Fiaz had requested Patwari Mehr Nazar Abbas for a fard document of five-marla Mauza Pirhar Sharqi for which Abbas demanded Rs40,000. Later, they settled for Rs25,000 and Fiaz informed ACE Circle Officer Mohammad...