April 17, 2007	Tuesday	Rabi-ul-Awwal 28, 1428

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SIALKOT, April 16: Five people, including a constable, were injured in clashes between police and clients of arrested Double Shah in Sambrial on Monday. Thousands of the people protested to register their anger over the arrest of Sibtul Hassan, alias Double Shah, and said police action against Shah had put their savings deposited with Shah at stake.

Shah had attracted deposits in billions as he offered a 100-percent profit on money deposited with him in 70 days. Police arrested Shah on April 13 and since then his clients have been protesting every day in Sialkot district.

Protesters blocked Sambrial-Sialkot Road for two hours by burning tyres, set ablaze a car and pelted police with stones.

Police also retaliated by pelting the protesters with stones which left five people, including constable Ghulam Mohyuddin, injured.

A few other people were also reportedly injured in a stampede during the clash. The injured were hospitalised. Police resorted to aerial firing to disperse the protesters which did not work out.

Seeing violent mood of protesters, senior police officials talked to protesters and convinced them to open the road for traffic. Protesters urged the government to ensure the safe return of their money.

USAID: The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) has established its regional office in Sialkot.

The launch ceremony of the office would be held at China Chowk on Kashmir Road today (Tuesday).