TOBA TEK SINGH, Jan 26: American vice-consul general Brien George has said the US government is committed to strengthening the local governments system in Pakistan.

He was speaking at a function held here on Wednesday to hand over a mobile health unit to the district government.

Mr George said America strongly supported devolution in Pakistan. "Local governments can address issues far better when they work closely in partnership with ordinary citizens and the private sector."

He congratulated the district government, the Punjab Rural Support Programme officials and an industrial group for providing funds for the health unit. He hoped that a water filtration plant, being set up by the Toba TMA through the US-AID, would become operational soon.

PO HELD: Rajana police claimed arrest of proclaimed offender Shabbir alias Shabbiri after an encounter on Tuesday night. Police said on a tip off they raided the dera of Sher Muhammad in Chak 188 GB. He started firing on police party which was retaliated. Shabbir sustained injuries in the encounter and was arrested, they added.