FAISALABAD, March 23: Scores of members of the Women Chamber of Commerce and Industry staged a demonstration in front of the Press Club in protest against the arrest of Begum Salma Ahmed here on Wednesday. Carrying banners and placards inscribed with slogans for the release of Salma Ahmed, the protesting women marched through Katchery Road, Circular Road and also took a round of the Clock Tower. They also chanted slogans against the government.

They claimed that the police and NAB authorities arrested her just to blackmail and destroy her business. They said that WCCI members were being harassed and blackmailed by government agencies to stop them from taking part in trade activities.

They vowed to continue their protest movement till the release of Begum Salma Ahmed.

HANGED: An old woman was hanged to death by her daughter-in-law over a minor issue at Chak 35-GB, Satiana, on Wednesday.

Sheran Bibi, after a squabble with her mother-in-law Asia Bibi over a minor issue, hanged her to death and escaped. Police have registered a case against the accused woman.

HUNGER STRIKE: The hunger strike of powerloom workers and labour leaders entered into 9th consecutive day on Wednesday but neither any government officials nor elected representatives have so far contacted them.

Two of the hunger strikers — Abdul Qayyum Awan and Shabbir Ahmed — fainted and were shifted to the local DHQ Hospital. However, remaining protesters vowed to continue their hunger strike till the acceptance of their demands. Meanwhile, labourers and their leaders also staged a demonstration in front of District Nazim office and chanted slogans against the district government and Labour Welfare Department. A group of local trade representatives visited the hunger strike camp and assured their full support.