FAISALABAD, Oct 15: A mob subjected two alleged robbers to torture when they tried to rob a plastic factory on Canal Road and shot at its owner on Saturday.

Locals said two suspects, Imran and Kashif, came to the plastic factory owned by Maqsood and Waheed and started asking about different articles. Upon suspicion, the factory owner tried to catch one of the intruders, who in return shot at the former. However, the bullet did not hit its target and some factory workers overpowered both the suspects and subjected them to severe torture.

The mob gathered there snatched the pistol from the suspect and also seized their motorcycle.

In the meantime, the police arrived. However, the mob refused to hand over the suspects to the police.

People's Colony ASP Adeel Husain Chandio assured the mob that the suspects would be dealt with in accordance with the law after which the mob handed them over to the police.

A couple of weeks ago, traders of Hajiabad had caught two alleged robbers when they were looting a shopkeeper. One of the robbers was subjected to torture while another jumped into a nearby drain to avoid the torture. Dawn

ASP Chandio told a case would be registered against the suspects.

ROMANIA: Romania will open its consulate in Faisalabad besides formation of a business council to enhance trade ties between the two countries.

This was stated by Romanian Ambassador Emilian Lon during a meeting with members of the Faisalabad Chamber of Commerce and Industries (FCCI) here on Saturday.

He said the business council would promote bilateral trade between Pakistan and Romania. He said the consulate would be established to facilitate the businessmen of Faisalabad.

He said two delegations of Romanian traders and businessmen from energy sector would visit Pakistan soon to explore ways and means to enhance trade ties between the two countries.

He said Romania could help Pakistan overcome its energy crisis. As many as 600 Pakistani companies were already working in Romania while many more opportunities were available.

The diplomat said a vast scope of joint ventures in coal and hydel power generation existed. He said Romania could also provide expertise and technology in alternative energy sources including solar and wind power.

Muzammil Sultan of the FCCI said a recent trade treaty between Pakistan and Romania was very important that would promote cooperation between the two countries in industry, agriculture, forestry, energy and research and development sectors. He said that 2010-11 bilateral trade stood at $84 million in favour of Pakistan; Romania exported goods worth $26 million to Pakistan while Pakistan's exports to Romania stood at $58 million.