Low-intensity blasts rock Multan

MULTAN - At least five persons were injured when two low-intensity blasts took place in an imambargah in Piran Ghaib area in wee hours of Monday. The injured, who were identified as Muhammad Raza Naqvi, Ulfat Abbas, Allah Nawaz, Zeeshan Naqvi and Farman Shah, were rushed to Nishtar Hospital for treatment. The Seetal Mari police rushed to the area after learning about the incident and investigations were underway till filing of this report. Panic gripped entire city after the blasts while police stepped up security to avert any other untoward incident. The members of Shia community held special prayers in connection with the appearance of Imam Mehdi and they were about to hold a procession to observe the ritual of throwing letters in the canal. Police suspected that unidentified persons threw crackers when the procession was preparing to go out of the worship place. Both the blasts took place near the stage. Resultantly, five persons received splinters and were taken to Nishtar Hospital. Police encircled entire area after the incident and started search for the perpetrators. However, no arrest was made so far. Protest demo: Meanwhile, local Shiates staged a protest demonstration here outside Multan Press Club on Monday afternoon to condemn the blast at the procession of appearance of Imam Mehdi at Piran Ghaib. The protesters carried out non stop sloganeering against government and said that Police failed to protect the lives of masses. They added that terrorists were being released by the courts due to negligence and inefficiency of investigation agencies and the police. Projects under PM package to be completed on time: Commissioner Multan division Muhammad Khurram Agha reiterated on Monday that all projects of Prime Minister Package would be accomplished within the stipulated time. He observed this while inspecting construction work of Chungi No-8 flyover. The Commissioner visited entire area on-foot and directed project director to complete the flyover before August 14. He observed that with the completion of Chungi No-8 flyover the whole road would turn into an express way between Kumharanwala and High Court and the citizens would get rid of traffic problem. He said that the funds for the Prime Minister Development Package had been accomplished and all the schemes would be accomplished according to the schedule. He said that all departments including Sui Gas, Mepco, PTCL and WASA had been issued directions to remove obstacles from the way of these projects. H said that he was holding meetings on daily basis to accomplish these projects within the deadline. Earlier, project director Muhammad Kashif Nawaz told the commissioner that one side road of Chungi No-8 flyover was opened to the traffic while levelling work was underway on the other side. He said that the carpeting of the road would be done within four days once the levelling was completed.

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