MULTAN, May 19: A local cinema was almost gutted when a fire engulfed it here early Sunday.

The fire fighting squads reached at the burning Shalimar Cinema, Qadhafi Chowk, at around 6:45 am after receiving information through Rescue 15.

A fire fighter said the flames had completely enveloped the cinema hall when fire brigade vehicles arrived at the scene. Four city fire-fighting vehicles and another from the fertilizers factory battled the blaze for three hours. Reasons behind the fire were not known. Owner’s son Hassan Beg however alleged that it was a deliberate attempt as a pistol was also found from the spot. .—APP