SIALKOT, Sept 6: A trader, Nasir Mahmood, was shot dead allegedly by some armed men of his rival political group in Gojra, Daska, on Tuesday. Bambanwala police have registered a case.

DEFENCE DAY: The Defence Day was celebrated with traditional zeal and fervour in Sialkot and Narowal districts on Tuesday.

The day started with special prayers in all mosques for the prosperity and solidarity of the country. Fateha was also offered at the graves of the martyrs who lost their lives in the defence of the homeland.

The main flag-hoisting ceremony was held at the Sialkot Fort. Station commander Brig Abdul Rahman and DCO Shafqat Ranjha hoisted the flag.

Meanwhile, people from all walks of life visited Chawinda where the biggest tank battle was fought and paid rich tributes to the martyrs.

CONSTRUCTION: The social, business and political circles have expressed grave concern over the slow pace of dualization of 37 kilometres long Sambrial-Wazirabad Road.

They said the slow pace of construction has been hampering business activities, besides being a health hazard for the residents due to dust.

The project was launched on the demand of the business community by the Punjab government which released a special grant of Rs870 million for it. The project was to be completed within one year. Only three kilometres of the road has been completed after nine months of the launch of the project.

The Sambrial based traders had protested against the inordinate delay in the completion of the project. They urged the Punjab chief minister to direct the authorities concerned to speed up the pace of construction.