Three women die on road

ISLAMABAD, Feb 27: Three women were killed in separate road accidents here on Monday, police said.

In the first incident two women were killed on road after being hit by a speeding vehicle near Faizabad.

The police said that the women – Hussain Jan and Yasin Bibi, natives of Azad Kashmir – suffered multiple injures when the vehicle hit them while they were crossing a road. They were shifted to hospital where doctors declared them dead. The police impounded the vehicle at Shahzad Town police station for further legal action besides arresting the driver. In another accident, a woman – Khursheed Bibi – suffered multiple injures when a vehicle hit him near Taramri while she was crossing the road. She was rushed to hospital where she succumbed to her injures. — Staff Reporter

Swindler arrested

ISLAMABAD, Feb 27: Capital police arrested a swindler for depriving people of money under the pretext of doubling the amount with spiritual powers, he claimed to have, police said on Monday.

The con artist was caught by police when he was spotted being chased by a group of people near Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (Pims). Police intercepted him and took him into custody.

On inquiry, it was revealed that he had received Rs300 from a vendor of fruit chat – Mohammad Sharif – near the hospital gate under pretext of doubling it. However, he took to his heels with the amount and was being chased by the loser and other people, which led to his arrest.

The swindler was later identified as Mohammad Azam, a native of Multan. The police registered a case against him in response to the complaint lodged by Sharif.

After the arrest, police interrogated him and also verified his identity and past record from his home town police, but no criminal record was reported against the man. Later, the accused was produced in court of law from where he was sent to jail on judicial remand. — Staff Reporter

Mobile book club

ISLAMABAD, Feb 27: Now you don’t have to search for good books in libraries, they will follow you as far as to your doorstep.

The first-ever mobile book club and shop with the name Books on Wheels initiated by National Book Foundation (NBF) was inaugurated here on Monday by Prime Minister Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani.

According to a press release, the PM said, such clubs would help promote the book-reading culture in the country. NBF Managing Director Mazharul Islam was also present on the occasion. Talking to media, he said, Cabinet Secretary Nargis Sethi gave the idea of mobile book club and added the foundation has earlier launched several book clubs – in hospitals, villages, airport lounges, trains, and railways stations. The mobile book club is a new initiative, which is aimed at promoting the reading culture which was being lost to technology. — A Reporter

Puppet show

ISLAMABAD, Feb 27: The Pakistan National Council of the Arts (PNCA) on Monday arranged a puppet show for children of various schools from the twin cities.

The show, presented by the puppeteers of National Puppet Theatre, mesmerised the children by keeping folk traditions alive through colourful expressions.

Attired in vibrant costumes, both traditional and modern, the troupe of little actors educated the children about their rich cultural heritage through animated expressions combined with perfect stage setting, entertaining scripts and props.— APP