KHANEWAL: Life has started returning to normal gradually and government and private offices resumed working on Monday after a three-day countrywide mourning and protests in the wake of PPP chairperson Benazir Bhutto’s assassination in Liaquat Bagh in Rawalpindi on Thursday.

However, attendance in government offices across the district particularly of lower staff remained thin. Shops, markets and shopping centres also remained opened.

Most of the officials who attended their offices were found discussing with their colleagues the aftermath of the Dec 27 carnage and remained aloof from their official business.

“Public dealing remained almost nil as a few number of applicants or petitioners visited the offices,” commented an official posted at the DCO’s office.

The rail operation at Khanewal junction has been restored partially and a large number of intending passengers turned up there on Monday.

No big demonstration was taken out in the city. However, local PML-N workers have resumed their electioneering after announcement by party chief Nawaz Sharif to take part in the Jan 8 general elections.