The Gujranwala district administration on Wednesday continued the anti-encroachment drive for the third consecutive day and demolished dozens of shops and other constructions belonging to land mafia. Reportedly, Commissioner Asadullah Faiz and Deputy Commissioner Dr Shoaib Tariq Warraich supervised the operation razing several structures, removed dozens of shanties and retrieved illegally possessed land using heavy machinery. The Commissioner vowed to continue the operation and said that nobody would be spared for occupying state lands. PPP lawmakers satisfied over party’s role in Punjab Assembly Pakistan Peoples Party’s (PPP) Gujranwala information secretary Sagheer Butt on Wednesday met PPP lawmakers Syed Hassan Murtaza and Syed Ali Haider Gillani in the Punjab Assembly to analyse current political scenario in Punjab. Reportedly, the lawmakers expressed satisfaction over the party’s performance in playing a critical role by their raising voice in the assembly for securing fundamental rights of the general public. Butt asserted that the PPP has been striving to uplift democratic norms in the country according to principles of Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto, and expressed hope that the party would rule under the leadership of Bilawal Bhutto Zardari. Rickshaw drivers protest against traffic wardens over hefty challans Dozens of rickshaw drivers on Wednesday staged a demonstration in front of the deputy commissioner’s office against traffic police over issuance of challans for allegedly violating traffic rules. Reportedly, protesters brought traffic to a standstill by blocking main highway with their rickshaws, and chanted full-throat slogans against traffic wardens. They alleged that traffic wardens have been issuing hefty challans to rickshaw drivers without any substantial reason, and thus causing financial burden for their families. Later, they dispersed peacefully when concerned authorities assured them that their grievances would be addressed. Youth dies while fishing in Upper Chenab Canal A youth drowned in the Upper Chenab Canal on Wednesday when he was trying to catch a fish. Reportedly, he slipped and fell into deep water when he attempted to catch a fish. Meanwhile, Rescue 1122 team rushed to the spot and fished out his body after several hours of search operation. Published in Daily Times, October 4th 2018.