LODHRAN:

An accident was averted when a Speedo Bus veered off the road after its driver suffered a heart attack on Monday.

The bus, en route from Lodhran to Bahawalpur, lost control and crashed into a WAPDA pole before coming to a halt in nearby fields. All passengers remained unharmed.

The driver, Faiz Ahmed, a resident of Basti Kaneer Gilley Wala, suddenly suffered a heart attack while driving.

As a result, the bus, carrying around 40 to 50 passengers, went off the road.

Local residents rushed to the scene and transported the unconscious driver to DHQ Hospital, Lodhran, for emergency treatment.

Meanwhile, all passengers on board remained safe, escaping the incident without any injuries.

Meanwhile, Assistant Commissioner Iram Shehzadi led an operation against illegal encroachments along Bahawalpur-Multan Road.

Accompanied by municipal committee staff, she oversaw the removal of unauthorized structures and sealed multiple shops, including bakeries and medical stores, for violating regulations.

Speaking on the occasion, Assistant Commissioner Iram Shehzadi stated that the Punjab government is committed to swiftly eliminating illegal encroachments across the district. She emphasized that actions are being taken indiscriminately against all violators.

“We had issued prior notices instructing shopkeepers not to place goods outside their shops, but they continued to do so, even placing generators and food stalls on public pathways.

Therefore, strict action was necessary,” she explained.

Following the Punjab government’s directives, all illegal encroachments in main markets and major roads will be cleared.

The Assistant Commissioner further warned that those continuing to violate regulations will face heavy fines.

In response to the crackdown, local traders staged a protest, shutting down their shops in defiance of the administration’s actions.

However, after negotiations with Lodhran deputy commissioner, the sealed shops were reopened upon payment of fines amounting to Rs30,000 per shop.