December 31, 2007	Monday	Zilhaj 20, 1428

FAISALABAD, Dec 30: Businessmen stayed away from their businesses on Sunday in the district in connection with the demise of Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) Chairperson Benazir Bhutto.

Most of the shops in Clock Tower bazaars and adjacent markets of yarn and cloth, known as trade hub of the textile city, were shuttered. However, fruit vendors were present in different bazaars.

A few miscreants reportedly forced shopkeepers to pull their shutters down, but police rejected such rumours, saying the force was quick in action on such information. However, in a few areas of the district some youngsters burnt tyres and pelted private vehicles with stones. However, no injury was reported.

Though trade organisations have announced a three-day mourning over the incident of Liaqat Bagh, restaurants and shops of edibles remained opened in different parts of the district. People complained that hoteliers sold edibles at exorbitant rates. Rehmat Ali, shopkeeper of Gulistan Road, complained fault lied with major dealers as they were charging rates according to their own sweet will, citing shortage of supply from other parts of the country forced them for this.

Filling stations also resumed their businesses but transport remained off the road.

PPP and Pakistan Muslim League-N leaders organised qul ceremonies of Ms Bhutto at different parts of district and recited the Holy Quran for the Daughter of East.

Scores of workers with tearful eyes mourning the assassination of Ms Bhutto embraced each other vowing to continue the struggle of the slain leader for democracy in the country.

Doleful party leaders asked workers to refrain from creating the law and order situation and protest peacefully.

Relatively calm returned to the district and few reports of protests were received. Police were in full stretch and rangers also helped them maintain the order here. A police officer said that security would be tightened on Monday (today) and protection of all markets would be ensured. He said force had been directed to maintain law and order and outlaws would be dealt with iron hands.

ACCIDENT: A rashly driven bus ran over two police constables on Saturday near GTS Chowk.

Mohammad Azam, of Chak 467-GB, and Mohammad Siddique were travelling on motorcycle when the bus coming from Jhal Khanuana Bridge hit them. Azam died at the accident scene while Azam succumbed to his injuries on way to hospital.

Till filing of this report neither case was registered nor the accused driver arrested.