SIALKOT, Aug 18: Four youths drowned in Upper Chenab Canal near Sambrial in two separate incidents here on Saturday. Reports said that three youths of Khambraanwala village jumped into the canal but the strong current swept them away in deep waters and they drowned in no time. Bodies of two of the youths, unidentified so far, were fished out.

Another youth, Aslam (16) of Hajipura also drowned while swimming in the canal. His body has yet not been recovered.

MASS WEDDING: The mass wedding ceremony of some 100 couples will be held in Sialkot on Aug 26 under the auspices of the district government. Punjab Governor Khalid Maqbool would be the chief guest.

Punjab Industries Minister Muhammad Ajmal Cheema and District Nazim Muhammad Akmal Cheema reviewed the arrangements made by the district government for holding the event at a meeting held at the Sialkot Chamber of Commerce and Industry here on Saturday.

District Coordination Officer Saif Anwar Jappa told the meeting that Hepatitis and thelasaemia tests for the proposed 100 couples had been completed.

He said that Sialkot-based Saeed Barlas, now residing in Saudi Arabia, had donated Rs5 million for the purpose.

RECOVERED: A bailiff raided the Motra police station and recovered an innocent citizen from their illegal custody. — Correspondent