GUJRANWALA: A large number of PML-N workers, led by party members of national and provincial assemblies, on Tuesday took out the Istehkam-i-Pakistan rally to express solidarity with the government.

Federal Minister for Commerce and Trade Khuram Dastgir Khan, Federal Minister for Capital and Development Barrister Usman Ibrahim, MNAs and MPAs took out rallies from their constituencies and all of them gathered at Chand Da Qila bypass.

The participants were carrying PML-N flags, banners and placards and were chanting slogans in support of Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif and against the leaders of Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) and Pakistan Awami Tehreek (PAT).

Addressing the participants of the rally, PML-N leaders criticised the leadership of both the PTI and PAT, alleging them of being part of a conspiracy to topple an elected democratic government.

They said both Imran Khan and Tahirul Qadri had the same agenda and they were following their egos by sticking to their demands.

After a stay at the Chand da Qila bypass, the rally again started moving and culminated at Pindi Bypass, passing through the GT Road inside the city.

Meanwhile, the PML-N workers from Kamoki, led by MNA Rana Nazir Ahmad Khan and MPA Rana Shamshad Ahmad Khan, took out a rally in support of their government and marched on GT Road.

KILLED: Two gunmen, who had allegedly killed a police constable a few days ago, were killed in an encounter with police near Kot Ladha, Hafizabad Road, on Tuesday.

Police said they were alerted that the gunmen had snatched a motorcycle from Shahzad Waseem, of Chak Chattha. Kot Ladha police chased the outlaws and ordered them to stop. They tried to flee taking a cover of fire but in police shooting both the gunmen were killed.

They were identified as Shoaib Yousaf, of Botala Sharam Singh, and Mazhar Qayyum, of Bhulley da Kot.

Police claimed both the gunmen had killed constable Muhammad Ashfaq during a robbery a few days ago. Police seized the snatched motorcycle and pistols on the bodies.

FIA: The Federal Investigation Agency arrested on Tuesday two alleged human agents. FIA Deputy Director Khuram Saeed told a press briefing that Javed charged Rs50,000 per head for sending people to Greece. He was arrested in Kamoki.

Four teenaged boys – Usman, of Hafizabad, and Munib, Sajjad and Irfan, of Daska -- were rescued from their custody.

Another human agent Sanaullah was arrested in Tetley.

SHOOTING: Three traders were shot at and injured by unidentified assailants in Model Town on Tuesday.

Hamza, 22, Shehbaz, 44, and Maulvi Asalm, 35, were in their shops when three people on a motorcycle sprayed bullets on them and fled. They were admitted to Gujranwala District Headquarters Hospital in a critical condition.

Published in Dawn, August 27th, 2014