LAHORE: Over 150 gambling dens, which operate in the provincial capital, enjoy the backing of politicians, government officials and police officers, says a report submitted to Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif.
According to the report, every gambling den has the support of prominent personalities. The dens are raided only to deceive people. Bookies have hired houses at important places and set up their dens. They have also hired beautiful girls to promote their business. The dens operate in Johar Town, Hanjarwal, Chuhng, Sherakot, Nawankot, Millat Park, Iqbal Park, Gulshan Iqbal, Muslim Town, Sanda, Shahdara, Shafiqabad, Badami Bagh, Faisal Town, Model Town, Ghalib Market, Factory Area, Lower Mall, Tibbi City, Islampura, Defence A, Mughalpura and Gharhi Shau police limits.
The bookies’ president lives in Township while general secretary is Iqbal, alias Bala, of Ichhra. Bobby Butt of Mochi Gate, Sami of Sheranwala, Mazhar of Royal Park, Sh Naeem of Panorama Centre, Chacha Yaqoob of Samanabad, Ahsen, Amir Shah and Tony of Defence, Pervez alias Pappa, Tahir Butt alias Tola and Goga of Bhati Gate, Qalb Abbas alias Roofi of Lohari Gate, Malik Sadaqat of Bhati Gate, Humaun Khan of New Anarkali, Zubair alias Jhara of Misri Shah, Waseem Maqsood of Allahu Chowk, Ashfaq Ahmed Kharak and Asif Ali are also in the illegal business.
Local SHOs receives heavy bribes from the bookies every month. In some areas, the bookies run their business in the name of their employees in connivance with police. Sources in the IG office said action would be taken against SHOs for links with bookies.
