The Kot Sultan Livestock Department has launched a crackdown on those involved in selling substandard, unregistered and fake animal semen in the Layyah district.
Inspections, led by Additional Director Livestock Dr Tariq Gudara and Deputy Director Dr Kashif Mehboob, were carried out at several locations. A case has been registered at the Kot Sultan police station against semen distributor Muhammad Arshad, who was allegedly selling substandard and unapproved semen without legal authorisation.
Dr Tariq Gudara said that such illegal practices were not only damaging livestock breeds but also economically exploiting poor farmers. He added that action is underway to ensure the economic protection of farmers, safeguard livestock health, and maintain proper breeding standards.
So far, three cases have been registered under Section 32 of the Punjab Livestock Breeding Act 2014. The official warned that more action would be taken against those involved in such practices, and the government remains committed to eliminating the sale of fake and low-quality semen in the district.
Meanwhile, four men allegedly assaulted an eight-year-old boy in Mouza Gul Qaim Mastvi, located within the Qureshi police precincts. Police registered case number 151/25 under Sections 377B and 375A and arrested one of the accused, while three remain at large.
The accused-identified as Abdullah, Nasir, Khizr Umar, and another Abdullah-allegedly lured the child to nearby fields and assaulted him. Locals rushed to the scene after hearing the child’s screams, prompting three of the suspects to flee. One suspect, Nasir, was caught on the spot by police.
The child was taken to the RHC for first aid, and a medical board has been constituted. The victim’s family reported that they were threatened with dire consequences if they did not reach a compromise.
Civil society and human rights organisations have demanded a proper application of relevant legal sections and the immediate arrest of the remaining accused. They have called upon DPO Muzaffargarh Syed Ghazanfar Shah to form a JIT to ensure a transparent investigation and justice for the victim.