SAHIWAL, July 24: Three people were killed and six injured as a windstorm lashed the city on Saturday night, disrupting telephone and electricity systems. Reports said a powerful windstorm hit the city and its suburban areas of Noorshah, Qadirabad, Harappa, Chichawatni, Kamir, Kassowal and Shah Kot. Dozens of trees were uprooted as a result of which traffic remained suspended on Sahiwal-Faisalabad Road.

In Bunga Bahawal, Bothna and Kachi Basti Kumharan, mud walls collapsed killing Noor Din and two children, Javed and Noor Neesan while Maryum, Sabiran, Rukhsana, Siraj Din, Kamal Din and Aqeel sustained injuries.

Power supply remained suspended for six hours in Shadman Town, Kot Allah Din, Arif Road and Pakpattan Chowk. More than 250 telephones are lying ‘dead.’

GENERAL HOLD-UP: The police claimed on Saturday night to have arrested 13 proclaimed offenders, eight court absconders, two army deserters and three others for possessing illicit arms during a general hold-up.