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MULTAN, March 25: At least six people were killed and 22 injured when a speeding minibus hit a roadside tree on Old Shujabad Road here on Tuesday.
A Multan-bound minibus (MNK-3434) was coming from Wasti Khairpur, Shujabad, carrying a family to bring back a bride who was staying with her parents according to local tradition ‘Satto Wara’.
When it reached near Central Cotton Research Institute, the driver lost control over steering of the vehicle and it hit a tree on the roadside.
Five people, Shaista, 20, Farzana, 25, Iqbal Bibi, Noor Muhammad and Muhammad Sarwar, were killed on the spot while 23 injured were taken to Nishtar Hospital in Multan where 10-year-old Suhail Ahmad also succumbed to his injuries. The Muzaffarabad police have started investigations.
FESTIVAL: A women’s festival organised by Ali Organisation for Development was held at Raza Hall here on Tuesday.
Ayaz Ali Sheikh, the executive director of the organisation, said that 1,305 cases of violence against women were reported from southern Punjab during 2007. He said that out of these 1,305 cases, 320 women were tortured, 282 were kidnapped, 165 were murdered, 79 committed suicide, two were burnt by sprinkling acid, 29 were set ablaze, 30 were sold and 37 were victimised under customary practices.
