SAHIWAL, July 21: The power supply to seven villages in Dad Baloch and near Chak 44/12-L could not be restored despite the passage of some 36 hours. Villages of Dad Baloch and Mulla Hamza and Chaks 28/12-L, 27/12-L, 32/12-L, 31/12-L, 55/12-L were plunged into darkness when some thieves stole away electricity wires from poles on Tuesday night. Unknown thieves removed electricity wires from 14 poles near Chak 44/12-L and from 10 poles near Dad Baloch village.

Led by Zahoor Baloch, residents of Chaks 55/12-L, 32/12-L and Dad Baloch and Hamza villages staged a protest demonstration against Mepco authorities. They also raised slogans against Mepco officials.

The protesters announced that they would brought traffic to a standstill on Burewala-Chicha-watni Road if the power supply was not restored immediately.

TRAUMA CENTRE: The 48-bed trauma centre at the DHQ Hospital will soon become operative.

This was disclosed by DCO Hameed Amjad Warraich in a meeting here on Thursday. EDO (Health) Dr Muhammad Ishaq, DHQ Hospital MS Dr Muhammad Javed Akhtar, EDO (Finance) Habib Jilani Vaince also attended the meeting.

The DCO said the centre had been established with the help of an NGO, Al-Mahmood Foundation.

Speaking on the occasion, foundation president Safdar Rashid said Rs30 million funds had been allocated for the provision of a CT scan machine, an X-Ray plant, a cardio monitor and two ambulances.

SNATCHED: Two masked motorcyclists deprived two private bank officials of cheques of Rs2.7 million here.

Clearance officer Asghar Ali along with a clerk was returning from Farid Town Scheme No 2 when two armed motorcyclists intercepted them, snatched a bag containing cheques and escaped from the scene.