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GUJRANWALA, July 24: Traders of Thakar Singh Gate, Kharidan Chowk Bazaar, Darul Salam and Saklar Road observed shutdown strike on Tuesday and blocked different roads in protest against Wasa for not pumping out drain water.
Reports said traders and residents had been facing a great deal of inconvenience since long due to faulty sanitation system. The traders said stagnant water in bazaars and streets had affected their business because customers could not enter the shops.
On Tuesday, businessmen burnt tyres, blocked roads and chanted slogans against the City District Government Gujranwala (CDG-G) and Wasa, demanding immediate steps to resolve their problem.
On receiving the information, Wasa managing-director Tariq Mehmood reached the spot and tried to pacify the protesters but they rejected his assurance.
Later, the MD suspended sub-engineer Zahir Ahmed and SDO Sajjad Muzaffar from service.
Director (engineering) Arshad Medan told this correspondent that a temporary camp office had been established at affected areas and the problem would be resolved shortly.
BURIED: Ten people, who had drowned on Monday when a van plunged into Lower Chenab canal, were laid to rest on Tuesday in Kach Khiali Road graveyard and Buchekey village, Sheikhupura, while a 11-year-old boy is still missing.
The van was brought out of the canal with the help of a crane.
Van driver Muhammad Asif, who was rescued, said he had learnt driving from his father Riasat Ali. Asif said he wanted to pay homage to saint Nosho Pak before adopting driving as profession.
He set on journey toward Rimmal Sharif village by a van along with his father Riasat Ali, mother Khalida, brothers Waqar, Arif alias Chan, sisters Laiba, Humera, cousins Imran, Sultan, Ghazala, and neighbours Bashiran and Seeman.
He said on their way back near Channi Murid village, a truck suddenly appeared and he lost control over the vehicle and it plunged into the canal.
His mother Khalida Bibi, who was also rescued, said she was sitting on the front seat when Asif lost control over the van in a bid to save a cyclist.
