Some members of Jhang’s Sarafa, jewelers, and goldsmith community have strongly rejected the recently formed Sarafa Union. They have reaffirmed their confidence in former president Haji Zafar, who they claim was illegally removed from his post during a severe illness.

This development in the union’s internal politics comes days after a faction of the Anjuman-e-Tajiran formed a new organization, a move that has now been rejected by some members of the district.

According to shopkeepers, the dispute began when Haji Zafar was sidelined due to poor health. During his illness, the group of Anjuman-e-Tajiran he was affiliated with unilaterally dismissed him from both the traders’ association and the Sarafa Union. He was replaced by a close relative.

Upon his recovery, Haji Zafar of Madina Jewellers immediately called a meeting of all Sarafa traders and goldsmiths to discuss the situation. Key community figures, including Syed Ashiqeen Shah of Yaseen Jewellers and Haji Fayyaz, played a crucial role in garnering support by meeting with shopkeepers individually.

The traders present at the meeting expressed their full confidence in Haji Zafar. A celebration followed the voting, where supporters garlanded Haji Zafar and other officials and danced the Bhangra to the beat of drums.