Woman acquitted

CHAKWAL, Aug 1: A woman who was being tried on the charge of strangling her minor niece was set free by the local court here on Monday. Shahid Mehmood, of Bhulial village in Kallar Kahar, told the police that his five-year-old daughter Sundas was strangled by his sister-in-law Naila Malik on February 26. He alleged that Ms Naila killed his daughter as he used to reprimand her over her objectionable activities. However, Additional District and Sessions Judge Qaiser Nazir Butt released Ms Naila giving her the benefit of doubt. — A Correspondent

Man booked

CHAKWAL, Aug 1: A man was booked on the charge of harassing a woman. Naheed Kausar, a resident of Bochal Kalaan village, told the Kallar Kahar police that she was cleaning the house of her sister who lived abroad when Abdul Hameed barged into the building and thrashed her. She alleged that Hameed tore her clothes and detained her in a room for two hours. — A Correspondent

Puppet show

ISLAMABAD, Aug 1: The National Puppet Theater of Pakistan National Council of the Arts (PNCA) on Monday enthralled the children of various educational institutions with its colorful puppet show. The show which is a regular feature of PNCA's activities for promotion of culture and traditions among the children, was the last one before Ramazan.

The puppeteers entertained children with movement of puppets featuring stories related to social issues like environment, health and education to create awareness among the students. Popular folk tales, skits and national songs were also staged by puppets in vibrant costumes and traditional jewelry to introduce the children with rich cultural glimpses of Pakistan. The show has become an integral part of PNCA's programmes to provide quality entertainment and engage children in positive activities.—APP

Sasta bazaars

CHAKWAL, Aug 1: Seven Sasta bazaars have been set up in the district a day ahead of Ramazan.

Two bazaars were set up in tehsil Chakwal, three in tehsil Talagang and one bazaar each has been set up in tehsils Kallar Kahar and Choa Syedan Shah. Five Ramzan Dastar Khawans have also been established in the district.

Meanwhile, Behram Khan Niazi, regional manager of Utility Stores Corporation, said 78 utility stores were operating in Chakwal district along with 15 franchises.

He was talking with reporters after inaugurating a Utility Store Point at Chakwal Press Club. He said separate counters for women had been set up at all utility stores. He said he had directed for providing maximum facilities to customers. “Managers found involved in overcharging and adulteration will be fired from services.” — A Correspondent

USC outlet at NPC

ISLAMABAD, Aug 1: Utility Store Corporation (USC) Islamabad here on Monday set up its outlet at National Press Club to provide clean, graded, hygienically fit food and non-food items to the community on subsidised rates.

Senior Federal Minister Chaudhry Pervaiz Elahi is likely to inaugurate the shop at NPC on August 2.

Journalist community have welcomed the establishment of the USC at NPC which they hope would facilitate the mediapersons and their families to get quality food and non-food items on controlled rates. This step has been taken by the USC under the Ramazan package announced by the government for provision of food and non food items on subsidized rate.—APP

Science caravans

ISLAMABAD, Aug 1: Pakistan Science Foundation on Monday completed visit to different schools in rural areas of capital under its science caravans initiative to create awareness among youth.

These caravans are mounted on specially designed vehicles and consist of display items like panel exhibits having photographs and write-ups, equipment, inflatable planetarium, documentaries, microscopes, computers, laser holograms and working models reflecting various phenomena of physics, chemistry, mathematics and biology.—APP