FAISALABAD, Nov 26: Punjab PPP secretary general MPA Rana Aftab Ahmad Khan and district president Farooq Saeed Khan have lashed out at those politicians who termed Asif Zardari's release as a part of a deal with the regime.

They were speaking at a gathering held in Samundri, about 40 kilometres from here, in connection with the release of Mr Zardari on Thursday night. They said Mr Zardari remained incarcerated for eight years but refused to strike any deal with the rulers at any cost.

They said after the release of Mr Zardari, movement for the restoration of democracy, revival of the constitution and return of Benazir Bhutto would gain momentum. Mr Zardari proved himself a man of commitment who refused to strike any deal with the government despite unjustified detention.

They claimed that a number of concocted cases and references had been filed against him and other leaders of the PPP. Ms Bhutto would return to Pakistan immediately after the decision of the party high command in this regard.

They expressed the hope that the PPP would come in power. The party would contest the local bodies and general elections under the leadership of Mr Zardari and Ms Bhutto.

FIRE: Merchandise worth hundreds of thousands of rupees reduced to ashes in fire in two shops in Jaranwala on Thursday night. Reports said clothes and papers caught fire when some youngsters were using fireworks at a marriage party on Jaranwala-Lahore Road. The fire engulfed the shops and destroyed merchandise worth over Rs1.5 million. The fire brigade controlled the fire after an hours' struggle.