Taliban announce beginning of spring offensive

The Taliban announced the beginning of their spring military offensive against the U.S.-led coalition Saturday, a day after a new Pentagon report claimed that the militants' fighting spirit was low after sustaining heavy losses on the battlefield.

Hillary Clinton heading to Rome next week for Libya talks

Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton will travel to Italy next week to talk strategy with international partners on how to protect civilians in Libya and increase the pressure on Moammar Gadhafi to leave power.
Clinton departs Wednesday, with the Rome talks taking place the next day.

1.5 mn narcotic tablets seized in Dubai

Dubai  : A huge consignment of narcotics - 1.5 million tablets of a restricted medicine - has been seized by the customs department at the Dubai International Airport, officials said.

Suicide bomber kills 8, wounds 19 in Northern Iraq

MOSUL, Iraq  – Eight people were killed and 19 wounded on Saturday when a suicide bomber blew himself up at an Iraqi army checkpoint next to a market in the northern city of Mosul, police and hospital sources said.

Germany says al Qaeda suspects planned bomb attack

KARLSRUHE, Germany – Three suspected al Qaeda members had been planning a bomb attack in Germany for four months when they were arrested, federal prosecutors said.

Gaddafi ready for ceasefire but refuses to step down

Tripoli : Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi said in a live TV address Saturday he was ready for peace talks with NATO but has no plans to step down.

UN body approves probe of Syrian crackdown

Nations agreed Friday to launch a U.N.-led investigation of Syria's bloody crackdown on its uprising, demanding that its government immediately stop the violence, release political prisoners and lift restrictions on the news media and access to the Internet.

Afghanistan first team to visit Pakistan in Two years

Lahore: Afghanistan's cricket team will become the first foreign national side to play in Pakistan, two years after internationals were suspended over security fears, an official said on Saturday.

Militants torch NATO tanker in Pakistan

Pro-Taliban militants in the violent Northwestern Pakistan have destroyed yet another NATO truck heading to neighboring Afghanistan, officials say.

Former British Foreign Secretary Miliband says situation in Pakistan is "challenging"

Washington : Former British Foreign Secretary David Miliband, who will visit Pakistan in May, says situation in that country is "challenging."

Pak-China reaffirm to steer strong bonds of friendship to new heights: Salman Bashir

Islamabad : Pakistan and China have reiterated the importance of further deepening and enhancing their strategic cooperative partnership and determination to take all weather friendship to new heights.

Russian first plans to launch DTH technology in Pakistan

Karachi : The delegation of Russian ‘JSC General Satellite Company’ expressed its interest for launching ‘Direct to Home’ (DTH) technology in Pakistan in a meeting with officials of Karachi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) on Saturday.

Pakistan Cricket Board rules out Kaneria immediate return to Pakistan team

KARACHI: The Pakistan Cricket Board has ruled out an immediate comeback for Danish Kaneria in the national team, insisting that the leg-spinner first had to satisfy PCB's integrity committee before he can be cleared for selection.

6.1 quake hits off coast of Panama

MEXICO CITY – The U.S. Geological Survey says a moderate earthquake has struck off the coast of Panama, but there is no tsunami warning.

Syrian troops take key Daraa mosque, kill 4

BEIRUT – A witness says Syrian army troops backed by tanks and three helicopters conquered prominent mosque under control of residents, killing four people.

Protesters in Taiwan rally against nuclear plant

TAIPEI, Taiwan – About 2,000 protesters are demanding that Taiwan scrap plans to operate a newly built nuclear power plant and turn the facility into a museum to highlight the dangers of nuclear power.

India investigating burning of 7 in remote village

BHUBANESWAR, India – Police in eastern India are investigating reports that villagers protesting a stone crushing plant burned to death the plant's three owners and four employees, authorities said Saturday.

India PM Manmohan Singh tells police to act 'without fear or favour'

NEW DELHI  – India's prime minister Manmohan Singh, whose government has been roiled by a series of corruption scandals, on Saturday urged the country's top police agency to "act without fear or favour".

NA body calls for Pakistan Govt's strict talk with US to end drone campaign

Pakistan's Parliamentary Committee on National Security has urged the government to categorically talk to the United States for ending its drone campaign in the country's tribal region.

Bombs kill two rangers in Thailand's restive south

YALA, Thailand  – Two powerful bombs detonated by suspected Muslim insurgents killed two paramilitary rangers and wounded nine in separate attacks in southern Thailand on Saturday, police said, the latest unrest in the troubled region bordering Malaysia.

Cambodian, Thai soldiers again exchange gunfire on Saturday

The exchange of firing between Cambodian and Thai soldiers started again on early Saturday in the disputed border area near the 13th century Ta Krabei temple in Oddar Meanchey province, marking the ninth straight day of border clash.

2 killed, six injured in landmine blast in northwest Pakistan

At least two people were killed and six others wounded in an explosion in Pakistan's Kurram tribal region on Saturday.

Royal family lucky to have Kate as daughter-in-law, says Prince Charles

The Prince of Wales has spoken highly of his new daughter-in-law, Kate Middleton, saying the royal family is "lucky to have her".

Af-Pak-US meeting slated for May 3 in Islamabad: Husain Haqqani

Trilateral talks between Pakistan, Afghanistan and the United States will be held on May 3 in Islamabad, Pakistan's Ambassador to Washington, Husain Haqqani, has said.

US aid to Pakistan in America's own security interests: Husain Haqqani

The United States' financial assistance to Pakistan is ints own security interests, Pakistan's Ambassador to Washington, Husain Haqqani, has said.

PML-Q to get Deputy PM post, several ministries on joining PPP-led Pak Govt: Report

Pakistan is heading for wide-ranging political developments in a few days as the country's second largest opposition party- the Pakistan Muslim League-Quaid- is set to join the Pakistan People's Party-led coalition government.

NATO halts Gaddafi boats laying mines outside Misurata

NATO warships have reportedly managed to halt several boats of Gaddafi forces laying anti-shipping mines outside the harbour of the Libyan city of Misurata.

Horse called Royal Wedding wins race just hours after Prince William wed

Bookies in Britain took a hammering of 10 million pounds after a horse called Royal Wedding raced to victory just hours after Prince William wed Kate Middleton.

Musharraf's party's 'people-friendly' manifesto to bring positive change in Pakistan: Naeem Tahir

The 'people-friendly' manifesto of the All Pakistan Muslim League will ensure a positive change in the country, APML Central Leader Naeem Tahir has said.

Cameron Munter participates in Pashtun tribal jirga in Quetta

US Ambassador to Pakistan Cameron Munter has participated in a Pashtun tribal jirga in Quetta during his first trip to Balochistan.

10,000 Chinese employees being probed for abusing power

Beijing : A total of 10,535 government employees or former officials were being investigated on suspicion of having abused their power in the first three months of this year, authorities said.

'Royal Wedding' sixth biggest online event in history

Prince William and Kate Middleton's Royal Wedding has become the sixth biggest online event in history, as millions watched the grand event on television and internet.

MQM's former lawmaker among five shot dead in Karachi during last 24 hours

At least five people, including a former lawmaker, were killed in suspected incidents of targeted killings during the past 24 hours in Karachi.

Americans want to stay busy, even if what they do is trivial

Americans don't really care so much about what they're doing, just as long as they are doing something, suggests a new research.

US Army declares Wikileaks suspect Manning mentally fit to stand trial

The US Army has declared that Bradley Manning, the prime suspect in the leaking of classified US documents to the WikiLeaks whistleblowing website, is mentally competent to stand trial on a number of charges over his alleged role in the controversy.

2,000-year-old ship found near Rome

Rome: The remains of a 2,000-year-old wooden ship, dating back to the Roman Empire, have been found near Rome's ancient port of Ostia.

Petraeus to commence third US 'war' in Pakistan as CIA chief: Report

General David H. Petraeus, who has served as commander in two wars launched by the United States after the 9/11 attacks, would effectively take command of a third- in Pakistan, a US newspaper has said.

Gadhafi offers truce as NATO strikes in Tripoli

NATO bombs struck a Libyan government complex before dawn Saturday, damaging two buildings, just as Libyan leader Moammar Gadhafi called for a cease-fire and negotiations with NATO powers in a live speech on state TV.

Obama says tornado carnage unlike any he has ever seen

Tuscaloosa: Expressing amazement at the destruction around him, President Barack Obama on Friday stepped through the wreckage left by rampaging tornadoes and pledged help to those who survived but lost their homes in a terrifying flash. Said the president: "I've never seen devastation like this."

Iran's president asked to show obedience to Ayatollah

Tehran: A hard-line cleric warned President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad Friday to end an escalating power struggle with Iran's supreme leader, calling it a religious obligation to do so and accusing the country's enemies of trying to sow rifts among its leadership.

NASA delays shuttle Endeavour's launch

Cape Canaveral: NASA has postponed the launch of space shuttle Endeavour until Monday due to technical problems, Xinhua reported.

China to launch two space modules

Beijing: China will launch two unmanned space modules in the second half of this year, a media report said.

The modules, named Tiangong-1 and Shenzhou-8, will take part in the first space docking maneuver ever conducted by Chinese astronauts, said Yang Liwei, deputy head of China's Manned Space Engineering Office.

UN body approves probe of Syrian crackdown

Nations agreed Friday to launch a U.N.-led investigation of Syria's bloody crackdown on its uprising, demanding that its government immediately stop the violence, release political prisoners and lift restrictions on the news media and access to the Internet.

Cricket : Zulqarnain Haider wants to make a comeback

Lahore : His international career was just one Test old when Zulqarnain Haider retired while in hiding in London and the Pakistan wicketkeeper, who has received death threats from match-fixers, wants to return to the big stage now that he is back in his country.

Tornado deaths hit 324; third-deadliest in US history

Washington : The death toll from a slew of tornadoes rose to 324, making the terrible storms the third-deadliest outbreak of twisters in US history and the worst in nearly 80 years.

Mexican soldiers rescue 52 abducted migrants

Mexico City : Mexican soldiers rescued 52 migrants from Central America being held hostage at a home in the northeastern border state of Tamaulipas, defence secretariat said.

Two dead, hundreds arrested in Kampala riots

Kampala : Rioters set fire to roadblocks in Kampala and clashed with police firing tear gas and live rounds, leaving two dead, scores injured and several hundred people arrested.

Over 800 inmates escape Tunisian prisons

Tunis (Tunisia)  More than 800 inmates escaped today from two Tunisian prisons after fires were set in cells, the official news agency said.

Syrian protesters defy Assad government; 42 killed

BEIRUT – Thousands of defiant Syrians chanting "We are not afraid!" were met by security forces firing bullets and tear gas Friday in a crackdown on nationwide protests that left 42 people dead — many of them villagers trying to break an army blockade of the southern city where the six-week uprising began.

Four more killed in Karachi including Imam Masjid

KARACHI: Unknown men killed four persons including an Imam Mosque in various incidents of firing here on Friday, said Police sources.

Strong and stable Afghanistan is in the interest of entire South Asia: President Zardari

RAWALPINDI : President Asif Ali Zardari on Friday again made it clear that strong and stable Afghanistan is in the best interest of entire South Asia urging the need to eliminate the menace of terrorism and extremism tooth and nail.

War against terrorism is Pak- America’s combined war: Cameron Munter

QUEETA : American Ambassador in Pakistan Cameron Munter has said that terrorists attacked people of Pakistan and America and both countries together should face the terrorism challenge.

Thai, Cambodia cease-fire breaks; toll rises to 16

PRASAT, Thailand – Thai and Cambodian troops broke a brief cease-fire and clashed for an eighth day Friday, shattering hopes of a quick end to a long-running border conflict that has forced nearly 100,000 villagers to flee. The death toll rose to 16.

Germans arrest 3 al-Qaida suspects

BERLIN – German police on Friday arrested three suspected members of the al-Qaida terrorist organization who officials say posed a "concrete and imminent danger" to the nation.

Morocco probes Al Qaeda link to Marrakesh blast

MARRAKESH, Morocco – The Al-Qaeda terror network is suspected of involvement in a bomb attack on a popular tourist cafe that killed 15 people in the Moroccan city of Marrakesh, the government said on Friday.

Yemeni police fire on protesters in port city

SANAA, Yemen – Yemeni plainclothes police opened fire Friday on protesters calling for President Ali Abdullah Saleh's ouster in a western port city, while hundreds of thousands poured onto the streets of the capital to mourn protesters slain in the crackdown.

Exhibition 'Made In Pakistan' starts in Chandigarh

More than 48 exhibitors from Pakistan are showcasing their products in an exhibition 'Made in Pakistan' which started here today.

New provinces possible with provincial assemblies’ consent: Rehman Malik

ISLAMABAD : Interior Minister Rehman Malik on Friday said that the creation of new provinces is not possible without the consent of provincial assemblies of respective areas.

Supreme Court asks FIA to get back its officers probing Hajj scam

ISLAMABAD : The Supreme Court on Friday, expressing its dismay and anguish over transfer issue of two high officials of the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) tasked to probe Hajj arrangements corruption issue,

Other Divisions to be consulted about formation of new province: PM Yusuf Raza Gilani

MULTAN : Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani said on Friday that other Divisions including Bahawalpur, would be consulted on the issue of creation of a new province.

All out efforts to made for industrial development : PM Gilani

MULTAN : Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani on Friday vowed to take all possible measures for the development of industrial sector in the country.

President Zardari accords degree-awarding status to PIFD

ISLAMABAD : President Asif Ali Zardari on Friday formally accorded degree awarding status to the Pakistan Institute of Fashion Design (PIFD) at a special ceremony held here at the Aiwan-e-Sadr.

Cricket : Shahid Afridi says ODIs series win against West Indies result of teamwork

Bridgetown, Barbados, April 29 PPI: Skipper Shahid Afridi after winning third One Day Cricket International and five match series 3-0 against West Indies said the victory was a result of teamwork.

UK, Pakistan partnership set to become more and more important, vital

Karachi : The partnership between the United Kingdom and Pakistan is set to become more and more important and vital, says British High Commissioner to Pakistan Adam Thompson.

America - Pakistan work together on Law Enforcement

ISLAMABAD : The U.S. Department of Justice and theU.S. Embassy's Office of Narcotics Affairs completed a week-longCase Preparation and Trial Skills Workshop for Pakistaniprosecutors.

Naveed Qamar asks stake holders to work out for viable solution of energy crisis

ISLAMABAD : Federal Minister for Water and Power, Syed Naveed Qamar has asked the both power and fertilizer sectors representatives and Ministries of Water and Power and Petroleum to work out a viable solution to ensure continuity of gas and economic operation of both the fertilizer and power plants.

India to favourably consider Preferential Trade Agreement with Pakistan

New Delhi : India has assured Pakistan that it would favourably consider its demand for entering into a Preferential Trade Agreement (PTA).

India and Pakistan 'may test wheat export records'

Karachi : India and Pakistan could be poised to test their wheat export records, signalling that nearly 8 million tonnes in extra supplies could hit the market, the world's biggest seller of the grain said.

Pakistan ranks 6th among 22 high TB affected countries

Karachi, April 29 PPI: Pakistan ranks sixth among 22 high tuberculosis affected countries, and has 43%share of its patients in Eastern-Mediterranean region of World Health Organization WHO.

'Unknown child' onboard the Titanic identified

London: A little boy previously called the 'unknown child', whose body was found among the victims of the Titanic disaster, has finally been identified.

Pakistan-India trade talks end without resolving major issues

Islamabad : The 5th round of Indo-Pak secretary-level trade talks has concluded without reaching a settlement on major issues of concern.

President Zardari, PML-Q leaders finalise 'national reconciliation government' plan details

Islamabad : The Pakistan Muslim League-Q and the Pakistan People's Party (PPP) have reportedly finalised the details of a plan for the PML-Q to join the ruling coalition government.

Plan finalised to block terrorists' entry into Sindh from Balochistan: Rehman Malik

Islamabad : Pakistan Interior Minister Rehman Malik has said that security agencies have chalked out a comprehensive plan to stop terrorists from entering Sindh from Balochistan.

UN pays USD 880 million in reparations to Kuwait

The latest round of payments brings the total amount of compensation disbursed by the Commission to USD 32.2 billion for more than 1.5 million successful claims of individuals, corporations, Governments and international organizations, states a news release.

'Gaddafi will use leftover chemical weapons to defeat rebels'

A senior Libyan rebel military commander has warned that Colonel Muammar Gaddafi still possesses a quarter of chemical weapons, which he intends to use to 'the final drop of his blood.'

Iraqi PM: Country needs help protecting borders

Iraq's prime minister said Tuesday that his country does not need U.S. forces to protect its internal security but acknowledged that the country still does not have the money or training to protect its borders.

Lahore High Court reserves verdict in plea challenging Zardari's pardon to Malik

The Lahore High Court (LHC) has reserved its judgement on a petition challenging the pardoning of Pakistan Interior Minister Rehman Malik by President Asif Ali Zardari.

NASA astronauts challenge public to 'Earth vs. space chess match'

Two NASA astronauts, who will launch into space on Friday, are challenging the people of Earth to a chess rematch.

Pakistan agrees to non-discriminatory trade with India

Islamabad: Pakistan on Thursday agreed to take immediate steps to implement a non-discriminatory trade regime with India even as the two sides announced they would work on steps to boost trade in electricity and petroleum products, as part of efforts to use economic engagement to build trust.

17 Indians on death row: UAE court adjourns hearing till May 19

Dubai: A UAE court hearing an appeal filed by 17 Indians sentenced to death for murdering a Pakistani man on Thursday  adjourned the case till May 19 and asked the defendants and the victim's kin to reach a settlement by that date on the 'blood money'.

At least 300 killed by US tornadoes

Washington : At least 300 people have been reported killed in a wave of storms moved across the South of North America, said to be the worst in 37 years.

Pakistan successfully tests Cruise Missile, Hatf-VIII - ISPR

Rawalpindi : Pakistan, Friday conducted a successful Flight Test of the indigenously developed Air Launched Cruise Missile, Hatf-VIII (Ra'ad). According to ISPR,

National Assembly concludes debate on President Zardari address

Islamabad :  The National Assembly Friday expressed its gratitude to the President Asif Ali Zardari for his address to the joint sitting of the parliament.Winding up debate on President's address to the Parliament Minister for Kashmir Affairs and Gilgit-Baltistan Mian Manzoor Ahmed Wattoo said that Asif Ali Zardari is the first President who handed over his powers to the parliament.  

Prisoners take 22 hostages at Venezuela prison

CARACAS, Venezuela – Inmates took 22 employees hostage at a Venezuelan prison to demand human rights guarantees and improved living conditions, authorities said Thursday.

Death toll in Morocco attack rises to 16

MARRAKECH, Morocco – Morocco's state news agency says the death toll in a terrorist attack at a tourist cafe in Marrakech has risen to 16.

Attacks in Iraq kill 6, including 8-year-old girl

BAGHDAD – Iraqi officials say attacks around the country have killed six people, including the 8-year-old daughter of an imam who preached against violence and three brothers who fought al-Qaida.

Runaway Zulqarnain Haider backs anti-graft fight

Islamabad : Runaway wicketkeeper Zulqarnain Haider today backed Pakistan's fight against corruption after bookmakers confessed to making the death threats which prompted him to spend months in self-exile. Haider hoped steps taken by the International Cricket (ICC),

No comment passed against Akmal’s father-in-Law: Zulqarnain Haider

ISLAMABAD: Former Wicketkeeper Zulqarnain Haider said that he didn’t remark anything against Kamran Akmal’s father-in-Law so why he should ask for forgiveness.

Ten killed in Iraq mosque suicide attack

BAQUBA, Iraq — A suicide bomber killed 10 people as he blew himself up inside a Shiite mosque in central Iraq on Thursday, as nationwide violence left 16 dead, including senior police and army officers.

Indian army cop kills four colleges

SRINAGAR : Four Indian Army solders have been killed in occupied Kashmir valley as an Indian Army cop opened indiscriminate fire and killing four of his colleagues inside a camp in the wee hours on Thursday.

Pakistan beat West Indies by 3 wickets in third ODI

BRIDGETOWN, Barbados — Misbah-ul-Haq stroked an unbeaten 62 to pilot Pakistan to a nervy three-wicket win over West Indies in the third cricket one-day international at Kensington Oval on Thursday.

History in the making: Kate, William ready to wed

LONDON – From Buckingham Palace to Westminster Abbey, royal fans lined the streets of London by the tens of thousands Friday, hoping to snatch a glimpse of history as Prince William weds Kate Middleton in a marriage expected to revive Britain's beleaguered monarchy.

William and Kate in biggest royal wedding for 30 years

LONDON  – Prince William and Kate Middleton marry on Friday in Britain's biggest royal wedding for 30 years, watched by more than a million spectators in London and two billion global TV viewers.

Gunman kills Three, wounds officer in Australia siege

ADELAIDE, Australia – A gunman killed three neighbors then shot a police officer in the face during a shootout and siege Friday in a normally sleepy Australian city, police said.

China pushes back after U.S. criticism on rights

BEIJING – China pushed back against U.S. criticism of its human rights situation on Friday following talks on the issue, saying that the Chinese people were "most qualified" to talk on the topic and defending the detention of artist Ai Weiwei.

NATO: Three coalition troops killed in Afghanistan

KABUL, Afghanistan – Three NATO service members were killed in separate incidents in Afghanistan, where attacks have stepped up against coalition troops and others aligned with the government, the alliance said Friday.

NATO said the deaths occurred on Thursday — two service members were killed when a bomb exploded in the south and a third was killed by insurgents in the east.

Fresh Thai-Cambodia clash after ceasefire

SAMRONG, Cambodia  – Fighting erupted on the Thai-Cambodian border within hours of a truce deal, officials said Friday, as the bloodiest conflict between the countries in decades claimed a 16th life.

Truck with workers crashes in Philippines; 9 dead

MANILA, Philippines – The military says a dump truck transporting workers to a palm oil plantation has plunged into a ravine in the southern Philippines, killing nine people and injuring 53.

Saudi Arabia assures to investment in energy sector of Pak: Hina Rabbani Khar

ISLAMABAD :  Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Hina Rabbani Khar says Saudi Arabia has assured that it will make investment in energy sector in Pakistan.

Pakistan tests nuclear capable cruise missile

ISLAMABAD -- Pakistan on Friday successfully conducted flight test of indigenously developed air launched cruise missile, which "can deliver nuclear and conventional warheads with great pin point accuracy," the army said.

32 militants killed in Kurram Agency

PARACHANAR : At least 32 extremists have been killed and many others injured in Kurram Agency here on Thursday, in the result of the clash between a Peace Lashkar and militants and in the result of the shelling of the security forces gunship helicopters.

Cameron Munter worry over release of Mukhtaran Mai case accused

ISLAMABAD : US Ambassador Cameron Munter has shown his grief over the Supreme Court of Pakistan verdict in Mukhtaran Mai case by releasing the 13 accused persons and punishing only one person.

PML-Q members waiting for every emerging party: Pervez Musharraf

DUBAI : Former President of Pakistan General (retd) Pervaz Musharraf has said that the PML-Q is a scattered party and is not with anyone, adding that the members of the PML-Q are waiting for emerging power so that they can join that power.

Supreme Court rejects FIA report regarding PSM corruption case

ISLAMABAD : Supreme Court of Pakistan on Thursday rejected the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) report into the Pakistan Steel Mill’s corruption case and asked the government to appoint a competent persons as chairman of the PSM.

Pakistan seeks Saudi support against drones attacks

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has sought Saudi support to build diplomatic pressure on US to stop drone attacks inside Pakistani territories reiterating that these strikes were counter productive in international drive against terrorism.

Clashes kill 29 in northwestern Pakistan

PARACHINAR, Pakistan – A government official says a clash involving militants, tribesmen and security forces in Pakistan's northwest has killed 29 people, most of them suspected insurgents.

Moammar Gadhafi forces shell frontline city in west Libya

MISRATA, Libya – Moammar Gadhafi's forces shelled the besieged rebel frontline city of Misrata Thursday, hitting residential areas on its outskirts and wounding four people, a doctor said.

Australia calls for sanctions on Syria

LONDON – Australia called Thursday for international sanctions on Syria over its violent crackdown on protesters and said the United Nations should send a special envoy to investigate events there.

Huge sperm whale washes up on Sydney beach

SYDNEY – A dead 10-metre (32-feet) sperm whale has washed up on a Sydney beach, with rescuers struggling Thursday to remove it as the animal's blood runs into the water, attracting sharks.

U.S. nuclear plants hit by storm are stable: NRC

WASHINGTON  – The U.S. nuclear safety regulator took a closer look at the ability for U.S. plants to withstand power blackouts on Thursday, a day after severe storms and tornadoes knocked out power to three nuclear reactors in Alabama.

IAEA chief: Syria tried to build nuclear reactor

PARIS – The U.N. nuclear agency on Thursday said for the first time that a target destroyed by Israeli warplanes in the Syrian desert five years ago was a covertly built nuclear reactor, countering assertions by Syria that it had no atomic secrets to hide.

Dozens of tornadoes kill 209 in 6 Southern states

PLEASANT GROVE, Ala. – Dozens of tornadoes spawned by a powerful storm system wiped out neighborhoods across a wide swath of the South, killing at least 209 people in the deadliest outbreak in nearly 40 years, and officials said Thursday they expected the death toll to rise.

Alabama says tornado destruction "massive", 131 dead

MIAMI  – Alabama has suffered "massive destruction of property" inflicted by storms and tornadoes and at least 131 people are confirmed dead, state governor Robert Bentley said on Thursday.

Blast kills 14 in Marrakesh cafe

RABAT  – A powerful blast ripped through a cafe in the Moroccan city of Marrakesh on Thursday, killing 11 foreigners and three Moroccans, authorities said in what they described as a "criminal act".

Pakistan Air Force ready to meet all challenges: Air Chief Rao Qamar Suleman

RISALPUR : Chief of the Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal Rao Qamar Suleman on Thursday said that Pakistani forces are aware of prevailing situation and fully prepared to meet all challenges. He was  addressing to passing out parade of graduating and commissioning cadets and graduates from Flying, Aeronautical Engineering , air defence and general services at Pakistan Air Force (PAF) Academy Risalpur.

Supreme Court seeks relevant documents of NAB Deputy Chairman’s appointment

ISLAMABAD : The Supreme Court on Thursday directed the Attorney General of Pakistan to submit relevant documents about appointment of Deputy Chairman of National Accountability Bureau (NAB) Javed Qazi after admitting a plea for regular hearing.The three-member bench comprising Justice Javed Iqbal,

PPP, PML(Q) alliance to strengthen democracy: Rehman Malik

ISLAMABAD : Minister for Interior Rehman Malik said on Thursday the PPP leadership has always preferred to strengthen democracy in the country and efforts for evolving alliance of PPP with PML(Q) was part of such efforts.Talking to reporters outside the Parliament, he said PPP leadership believes in dialogue and reconciliation and its good examples is that different political parties are part of the government.Replying to a question he said the two parties’ leadership would make final decision on making alliance.

President Zardari enacts law to secure foreign investments

ISLAMABAD : President Asif Ali Zardari on Thursday accorded assent to a law aimed at reassuring foreign investors about security of their investments in Pakistan.The Arbitration (International Investment Disputes) Bill, 2011 was passed by National Assembly on November 5 last year while the Senate passed it on April 1. The President made the bill into a law, with his signatures at a special ceremony, here at the Aiwan-e-Sadr.President Zardari termed the signing as “a giant leap forward” to create confidence amongst foreign investors and bring transparency in the settlement of investment disputes.

District functionaries be made accountable for anti-polio drive: President Zardari

ISLAMABAD : President Asif Ali Zardari advised the government on Thursday to make District Coordination Officers (DCOs) and district functionaries accountable for assuming the ownership of National Emergency Action Plan 2011 for Polio Eradication.The government should also monitor their performance in implementing the plan at the level of union councils, villages, streets and homes, he added.The President gave this directive when he was informed during a meeting on polio eradication campaign that this year a total of 33 polio cases have been detected in 33 high risk districts which include 10 cases in Sindh, 14 in FATA and seven in Balochistan.

PM Gilani lauds performance of Competitive Commission of Pakistan

ISLAMABAD : Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani on Thursday appreciated performance of Competitive Commission of Pakistan with regard to check anti-trust and anti-cartelization via enhanced competitiveness. Talking to Rahat Kaunain Hussain,

China calls Tibet exile govt 'illegal' after vote

BEIJING – China on Thursday attacked the Tibetan government-in-exile as "illegal" following the election of a new prime minister to take over the organisation's political duties from the ageing Dalai Lama.

Hope, mistrust among Sri Lankans after UN report

COLOMBO, Sri Lanka – A United Nations report that gives credence to allegations of human rights abuses during the bloody end of Sri Lanka's civil war has given some victims' families hope for justice, while others say the U.N. action comes too late.

Afghan bus crash kills 20

KANDAHAR, Afghanistan – Twenty Afghans were killed and 33 injured Thursday when a speeding bus lost control and overturned on a dangerous southern highway, traffic police said.

Bahrain sentences 4 Shiite protesters to death

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates – A military court in Bahrain on Thursday convicted four Shiite protesters and sentenced them to death for the killing of two policemen during anti-government demonstrations last month in the Gulf kingdom, state media said.

Libyan doctor says NATO airstrike killed 12 rebels

MISRATA, Libya – A NATO airstrike has killed 12 rebels in the besieged city of Misrata in the latest friendly fire incident in Libya's chaotic battlefield, a doctor in the city said Thursday.

Blast in Morocco tourist cafe kills 14

MARRAKESH – An explosion killed 14 people, including foreigners, on Thursday in a busy cafe in the Moroccan tourist destination of Marrakesh, and authorities said the initial signs were that it was a criminal act.

The blast ripped through the second storey of a cafe overlooking Marrakesh's Jamaa el-Fnaa square, a spot that is usually bustling with foreign tourists and local vendors.

Bilawal Bhutto Zardari will take up political responsibility in Sep

Islamabad : Bilawal Bhutto, chairman of the ruling Pakistan People's Party, will take up "some political responsibility" in September, his father and Pakistan President Asif Ali Zardari has said.

Mohsin Khan lauds Pak team for impressive show in ongoing Windies tour

Lahore : Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chief Selector Mohsin Khan has lauded the national team for their impressive performance in the ongoing Caribbean tour.

PM Gilani lauds performance of Competitive Commission of Pakistan

ISLAMABAD : Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani on Thursday appreciated performance of Competitive Commission of Pakistan with regard to check anti-trust and anti-cartelization via enhanced competitiveness. Talking to Rahat Kaunain Hussain, Chairperson of CCP who led a delegation, the Prime Minister said the government would support the CCP to play its due role in good governance.

Contrary to public perception, ISI, CIA "best of partners": Husain Haqqani

Washington : Dismissing reports of tattered ties between the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) and the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA), Pakistan's Ambassador to the United States, Husain Haqqani, has said that the two spy agencies have been "the best of partners".

2 cops gunned down in Peshawar

Two police cops were gunned down by unknown armed men in Khalidabad area here in Peshawar on late Wednesday night.

Eight militants killed, several injured in Upper Orakzai Agency

At least eight militants were killed and several others injured when the security forces backed by gunship helicopters pounded hideouts of the militants in Upper Orakzai on Thursday.

Pakistan-India Talk Trade, But Historical Tensions Persist

After a lengthy break following the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks, India and Pakistan are sitting down for bilateral talks focusing on trade, Our correspondent reports from the Pakistani side of the Wagah border crossing between the two archrival nations.

Sania Mirza bats for resumption of India-Pakistan cricket ties

New Delhi: Sania Mirza on Thursday advocated resumption of bilateral cricketing ties between India and Pakistan, saying such a move can help in improving relations between the two countries.

Pakistan hires Indian tennis coach

Karachi: A senior Pakistani tennis official expressed hope on Wednesday that an unprecedented move to hire a coach from the country's arch rival India would improve play and ease political tensions.

Shahid Afridi not happy with ICC ranking system

Karachi: Pakistan's limited overs captain Shahid Afridi on Thursday said that he is not satisfied with the One-day rankings system, presently applied by the ICC.

Pakistan-India to revive bilateral trade panels

Islamabad : India and Pakistan have agreed to revive all committees that were set up before the Mumbai attack so as to resume measures to facilitate trade, a media report said.

Karachi : Bomb hits Pakistan navy bus, 5 dead

KARACHI, Pakistan – A roadside bomb hit a bus taking Pakistani navy employees to work in Karachi on Thursday, killing five people in the third such attack this week and just days after the army chief claimed to have "broken the backbone" of militants.

Cambodia, Thailand agree to ceasefire after clashes

PHNOM PENH  – Thailand and Cambodia agreed to a ceasefire on Thursday after a week of clashes that killed at least 15 people, wounded scores and sent more than 60,000 into evacuation shelters in Southeast Asia's deadliest border dispute in years.

Few people vote in northern Nigeria states

KADUNA, Nigeria – Herds of cattle roamed the streets of this central Nigerian town where the gubernatorial vote delayed by religious rioting was to take place.

Mass graves toll in northwestern Mexico at 104

MEXICO CITY – Mexican security forces exhumed eight more bodies Wednesday from mass graves in a northwestern state capital where drug gangs are believed to have buried their victims, bringing the total from a monthlong search to 104.

200 quit Syria's ruling party to protest crackdown

BEIRUT – More than 200 members have quit Syria's ruling Baath party in the southern province at the epicenter of the country's uprising to protest President Bashar Assad's brutal crackdown on opponents, a human rights activist said Thursday.

North Korean leader ready to restart talks on any issue, Jimmy Carter says

SEOUL – North Korean leader Kim Jong-il is willing to hold talks without preconditions on "any" issue, former President Jimmy Carter said at the end of a trip to Pyongyang to try to defuse tensions on the divided peninsula.

Syria's President Bashar al-Assad facing dissent over Deraa crackdown

AMMAN  – Syrian President Bashar al-Assad faced dissent within government ranks with more than 200 members of his Baath Party resigning and signs of discontent within the army over the violent repression of pro-democracy protests.

Pakistan rejects Wall Street Journal assertions

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan on Wednesday rejects baseless assertions made in an article published by Wall Street Journal (WSJ).

BISP protecting the poor from further impoverishment, says President Zardari

Islamabad: President Asif Ali Zardari Wednesday directed the State Life Insurance Corporation to develop on priority basis a comprehensive strategy for health and life insurance of the citizens in association with private sector so as to provide cover to the poor strata of the society.

Pakistan hub of investment: President Zardari

ISLAMABAD: President Asif Ali Zardari has said the existing level of trade between Korea and Pakistan is far below its real potential and urged for further enhancing bilateral trade and investment ties between the two countries.

’Al Qaeda told Khalid Shaikh not to kill Daniel Pearl’

Boston: The mastermind of 9/11 attacks, Khalid Shaikh Mohammed, was warned by a senior al Qaeda military commander not to kill Wall Street Journal reporter Daniel Pearl in 2002 and that he should be "freed", but the American was killed anyway, according to leaked WikiLeaks documents.

India quietly activates airstrip near Chinese border

New Delhi: Wary of the build up of Chinese military infrastructure along its borders, India has silently activated an advanced landing ground (ALG) for its air force transport planes at Dharasu in Uttarakhand to aid in the swift movement of troops during conflicts.

Drone attacks could not stop through sit-ins, long-marches: Shahbaz Sharif

HASILPUR : Chief Minister Punjab Mian Shahbaz Sharif has said on Wednesday that the Nation must unite and people come out on roads if they intended to stop US drone attacks, adding that these missile attacks would not be stopped through mare condemnations statements and protest sit-ins.

ISI enjoying full backing of govt: PM Yousuf Gilani

ISLAMABAD : Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani, on Wednesday, said that enemies are propagating against security agencies of the country, national institutions and nuclear program but nuclear assets of Pakistan are fully secure and ISI enjoying full support of the civilian government.

PM Gilani says, people, Parliament & Govt look towards SA to work for unity, solidarity of Ummah

ISLAMABAD  : Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani said that the people, the Parliament and the Government of Pakistan look towards Saudi Arabia to work for the unity and solidarity of the Muslim Ummah. The close brotherly ties with Saudi Arabia, he said, is a source of strength for Pakistan.

Democracy answer to counter terrorism, extremism: PM Yousuf Raza Gilani

ISLAMABAD : Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani reiterated that democracy is the answer of counter terrorism and extremism for which his government is determined to strengthen the democratic institutions in the country.

India constructed 43 hydel projects on Western rivers flowing from India to Pakistan: Naveed Qamar

ISLAMABAD : Minister for Water and Power Syed Naveed Qamar told the National Assembly on Wednesday that India has constructed forty-three hydel projects on Western rivers flowing from India to Pakistan.

Baloch liberation Front claims responsibility of Karachi blasts

QUETTA : Baloch liberation Front (BLF) on Wednesday claimed the responsibility of attacks, carried out on two Pakistan Navy buses in Defence and Baldia town areas of Karachi.

People involved in maltreatment of journalists at ZTBL to be brought to justice: Firdous Ashiq Awan

ISLAMABAD : Minister for Information and Broadcasting Dr. Firdous Ashiq Awan has condemned and regretted the incident of maltreatment of the media persons at Zarai Traqiati Bank in Islamabad on Wednesday.

Parliamentary body to discuss drone issue tomorrow

ISLAMABAD : Parliamentary Committee on National Security would hold its meeting tomorrow (Friday) at Parliament House to discuss about submissions on putting an end to drone strikes in Pakistani tribal areas.

Karachi target killing claim 5 lives

KARACHI : At least five persons were killed whereas 10 others sustained injuries in the result of incidents of firing and torture in different parts of the city.

Terrorist to be dealt with iron hands: Rehman Malik

ISLAMABAD : Interior Minister Rehman Malik has said that the terrorists would be dealt with iron hands, adding that indiscriminate action would be taken against the terrorists in the country.

Supreme Court 11 members bench constituted to take up Bhutto's Reference

ISLAMABAD: Chief Justice of Pakistan Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry constituted an eleven-member larger bench to take up Presidential Reference on May 2 which has been sent to it under Article 186 of the Constitution, seeking its opinion over murder of Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, the country's first elected prime minister.

Nine Americans dead after Afghan officer opens fire

KABUL, Afghanistan – Eight American troops and a U.S. contractor died Wednesday after an Afghan military pilot opened fire during a meeting at Kabul airport — the deadliest episode to date of an Afghan turning against his coalition partners, officials said.

Doctor says Nine protesters killed in Yemen

SANAA, Yemen – A Yemeni doctor says nine protesters have been killed and some 100 wounded when security forces opened fire on an anti-government demonstration in the Yemeni capital.

Body count from Mexican mass graves nears 300

MEXICO CITY  – The number of murder victims unearthed in mass graves in northern Mexico this month has risen to 279, making it easily the worst discovery of its kind since the government began a campaign against drug cartels.

NATO strikes in Misrata but shelling resumes

TRIPOLI – NATO air strikes forced Libyan government troops to withdraw from one of their positions in the besieged city of Misrata overnight but they resumed bombardment of the port area using Grad missiles, a rebel spokesman said.

Syrian army tightens control over protest hotspots

AMMAN – Syrian troops tightened control on Wednesday over flashpoints of protest against President Bashar al-Assad, who faced growing international calls to end violence that a rights group said had killed over 450 people.

9 Americans dead after Afghan officer opens fire9 Americans dead after Afghan officer opens fire

KABUL, Afghanistan – Eight American troops and a U.S. contractor died Wednesday after an Afghan military pilot opened fire during a meeting at Kabul airport — the deadliest episode to date of an Afghan turning against his coalition partners, officials said.

Government not to compromise Pakistan’s national interests : PM Gilani

ISLAMABAD : Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani on Wednesday categorically stated that the government would  not compromise and undermine Pakistan’s national interests and integrity at any cost. “Pakistan Peoples Party is fully responsible for Pakistan’s sovereignty and security and would never undermine it,” Gilani told a large gathering here in the outskirts of Islamabad.

Pakistan frees accused gang rapists

Pakistan on Tuesday released five men accused of gang rape after the Supreme Court rejected an appeal by the victim against their acquittal.

Sri Lanka condemns 'divisive' UN report

COLOMBO -  Sri Lanka rejected Wednesday what it called a "divisive" and flawed report commissioned by UN chief Ban Ki-moon which holds the government responsible for thousands of civilian deaths in its civil war.

Pakistan denies reports of efforts to split U.S., Afghanistan

Islamabad - Pakistan denied media reports on Wednesday that it was lobbying Afghanistan to drop its alliance with Washington and look to Islamabad and Beijing to forge a peace deal with the Taliban and rebuild its economy.

WI unchanged for 3rd ODI vs. Pakistan, despite 2-0 down in series

BRIDGETOWN, Barbados — An unchanged West Indies squad has been named to play Pakistan in the third one-day international on Thursday despite trailing 2-0 in the five-match series.

Pak police arrests bookmakers who threatened Zulqarnain Haider

Pakistan's police today claimed that it has arrested eight bookmakers for allegedly threatening wicketkeeper Zulqarnain Haider, who returned this week after spending five months in hiding in London. 

3 Afghan soldiers killed, 4 Pakistani troops injured in clash along border area

ISLAMABAD - At least three Afghan soldiers were killed and four Pakistani troops were injured in a clash that broke out on Wednesday morning along the border area of the two countries, according to local media reports.

PCB reprimands Wahab Riaz, Asad Shafiq for using Twitter on WI tour

Two members of the national team, pacer Wahab Riaz and middle-order batsman Asad Shafiq were severely reprimanded by the Pakistan Cricket Board for using a social networking site during the ongoing tour of the West Indies. 

Pak-India begin trade talks

Islamabad : India and Pakistan began two day-long trade talks on Wednesday, with hopes of inking energy deals and cajoling diplomatic ties between two less-than-trusting nuclear-armed neighbours.

ISI operations have full support of Pak Govt: PM Gilani

Islamabad : Pakistan Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani has defended the Inter-Services Intelligence in the backdrop of the spy agency’s recent criticism by US Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman Admiral Mike Mullen, and reports that US officials at Guantanamo Bay considered the ISI as a terrorist supporting entity.

Pak public should come out on streets against US drone attacks: Shahbaz Sharif

Lahore : Pakistan's public should come out on the streets in protest against drone attacks by the United States, Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif has said.

Zulqarnain Haider yet to reach Lahore

Pakistan’s runaway wicketkeeper Zulqarnain Haider who has returned home from London is yet to reach his hometown Lahore because of security issues.

Karachi : 4 including a woman killed in different firing incidents

KARACHI : At least four people including a woman were killed and two others injured in different incidents on Tuesday in Metropolis, police said.In first incident a man was found shot dead in Gulistan-e-Jahuar area in the wee hours of Tuesday,

57% Pakistanis prefer six working days in week : Survey

Islamabad : As many as (57%) Pakistanis prefer 6 working days each week with reduced hours while 36% approve of two holidays in a week with longer working hours.

Accused’ names disclosed who made threatening calls to Zulqarnain Haider

Sambrial : The Sambrial police Wednesday disclosed the names of eight accused involved in making threatening phone calls to Pakistani wicketkeeper Zulqarnain Haider. Earlier, these names were being kept under secret. 

Ghinwa, Fatima & Zulfikar files petition in Supreme Court for ownership of Nusrat Bhutto Trust

ISLAMABAD : Ghinwa Bhutto, her daughter Fatima and son Zulfikar Junior have filed a writ petition in the Supreme Court, on Tuesday, for the ownership of Nusrat Bhutto Trust.

Intelligence agencies foil terror bid; arrest Four terrorists

ISLAMABAD/RAWALPINDI: Intelligence agencies have foiled a terror bid in twin cities on Tuesday, arresting four terrorists.

Drone attacks continuing with Government consent: Ahsan Iqbal

KARACHI: To further squash the ruling powers into back stages, Pakistan Muslim League (N) Secretary General Ahsan Iqbal flayed at the government saying that the drone attacks are being continued with the consent of the government.

Senate body for release of Pakistanis detained by Somali pirates

ISLAMABAD: Taking stern note of bureaucratic inertia impeding public documents’ attestation, a sub-Committee of the Senate body on Interior instructed Foreign Ministry to do needful for release of Pakistanis detained by Somali pirates.

Only 38 incidents of target killing in 2011 : IGP

KARACHI: The Inspector General of Sindh Fiaz Laghari has said that during the first four months of 2011 some 575 murders took place in Karachi out of which only 38 incidents of were related to target killings.

Poor segments to get direct aid not Govt: Cameron Munter

ISLAMABAD: The US government wanted to upgrade the living standards of poor segments in Pakistan instead of providing financial aid to the government, said Cameron Munter United States Ambassador to Pakistan.

26/11 attacks: 4 more Pakistanis charged in US

Chicago: US prosecutors charged four Pakistani men on Monday in connection with the 2008 terrorist attacks in Mumbai, that killed 166 people, including six Americans, although none of the defendants is in US custody.

Afghan military officer fires on NATO troops, kills several

KABUL, Afghanistan – A veteran Afghan military officer opened fire on foreign forces Wednesday after a dispute at the Kabul airport, killing several NATO troops, Afghan and coalition officials said.

Govt forces bombard Libyan port

ABOARD THE RED STAR 1 – Libyan government forces on Tuesday bombarded the port of Misrata, in a virtually nonstop assault on the sole lifeline of a battered population that has been under siege for the past two months.

Six more bodies in Mexican border pits; total at 183

MEXICO CITY – Security forces have unearthed six more bodies in a northeastern Mexican border state where a drug gang is believed to be kidnapping passengers from buses and hiding their victims in secret graves, authorities said Tuesday. A total of 183 bodies have been discovered in a month in 40 graves.

Cambodia-Thai fighting flares again as talks collapse

PHNOM PENH  – Thai and Cambodian troops clashed with heavy artillery for a sixth day on Wednesday near two disputed 12th-century Hindu temples, the Cambodian defense ministry said following a night of shelling that killed a Thai villager.

3 killed as police, protesters clash in south Yemen

ADEN – Clashes broke out in south Yemen between anti-government protesters who blocked roads with burning tires and security forces on Wednesday, killing one protester and two soldiers, hospital and local officials said.

Pakistan facing challenges of terrorism, extremism: Shahbaz Sharif

LAHORE : Punjab Chief Minister Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif has said that Pakistan is passing through the most critical phase of its history and facing challenges of terrorism and extremism. 

Four Naval personnel martyred, 56 injured in terrorism acts on Naval buses in Karachi

Karachi :  At least four personnel of Pakistan Navy embraced martyrdom and 56 others injured when terrorists separately blasted two Navy buses with bombs planted near them on road side Tuesday in Karachi.

Iranian Consul General stresses for promotion of mutual

LAHORE : The Iranian Consul General MuhammadHussain Bani Assadi has said that Pakistan and Iran has thepotential to cater to each other's needs provided the businesscommunity in the two countries has exposure to the availableopportunities. 

President Zardari urges businessmen, entrepreneurs recommend measures to revive economy, contain inflation, promote growth, jobs creation

Islamabad : President Asif Ali Zardari urged businessmen and entrepreneurs to recommend solid measures to revive economy, contain inflation, promote growth and jobs creation in the country.

International Hockey optimism return to Pakistan this year : Asif Bajwa

Lahore : Pakistan Hockey Federation Secretary Asif Bajwa Tuesday expressed optimism that international hockey will return to the country this year.

Rehman Malik says “good clues” found in Naval buses blasts in Karachi

Karachi : Interior Minister Rehman Malik says “good clues” found in twin blasts targetingPakistan Navy buses Tuesday in Karachi in which four Navy personnel embraced martyrdom and 58 others injured.“We have found good clues and hopefully will nab culprits,” he said at news conference with Sindh Chief Minister Syed Qaim Ali Shah Tuesday at CM House after presiding high level meeting on law and order. IG Police Sindh Fayyaz Leghari, CCPO Karachi, Rangers Sindh, intelligence officials were also present.

Rehman Malik categorically denies ISI role in politics

Karachi : Federal Interior Minister Rehman Malik Tuesday categorically denied that Inter Services Intelligence (ISI) has any role in national politics, saying it (ISI) was "courageouslyfighting against terrorists and anti-state elements."

Prime Minister Gilani approves posting, transfer of top officers

Islamabad : Prime Minister Yusuf Raza Gilani Tuesday approved posting and transfer of sixofficers with immediate effect for which notifications were issued by  Establishment Division.

President Zardari strongly condemns bomb blast on Navy buses in Karachi

Islamabad : President Asif Ali Zardari strongly condemned bomb blast on Pakistan Navy buses that caused loss of lives and injuries to many Tuesday in Karachi.

PM Gilani strongly condemns violent attack on Navy Buses

Islamabad :  Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani has strongly condemned the violent attack on Navy Buses inKarachi Tuesday resulting in loss of innocent lives and injuries to many. 

Kamran Akmal denies Zulqarnain’s ‘match fixer’ allegations against father-in-law

Islamabad : Discarded Pakistan wicketkeeper Kamran Akmal has denied runaway cricketer Zulqarnain Haider’s claims about the involvement of his father-in-law in gambling.

Pakistan-India talks on relaxed visa regime in May-June

New Delhi : Pakistan has proposed to India two sets of dates - last week of May and first week of June - for holding a meeting of the Joint Working Group to carry forward the process of having a relaxed visa regime.

Constructive engagement with India vital for good ties : PM Gilani

ISLAMABAD : Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani said on Tuesday that constructive engagement with India was vital for both the countries to move towards the goal of establishing good-neighbourly relations.

PM Gilani demands concret evidence to nail ISI

Islamabad : Pakistan Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani has asked opposition lawmaker Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan to produce irrefutable and concrete evidence to enable him to take the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) agency to task for alleged misdemeanours.

Replying to Nisar Ali Khan's charge made in the National Assembly on Tuesday, Gilani said that while his government fully respects the reservations voiced by opposition leader against the ISI, no action could be taken against the latter without substantial error-free evidence.

Osama bin Laden did not escape to Pakistan, but headed north: GITMO documents

London : A secret intelligence report compiled by officials at Guantánamo Bay has claimed that Al Qaeda chief Osama bin Laden did not escape to Pakistan, but headed up north in December 2001.

ISI being wrongfully defamed internationally: Rehman Malik

Karachi : Pakistan's Interior Minister Rehman Malik on Tuesday angrily rejected documents leaked by the whistle-blowing web site WikiLeaks showing the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) in bad light.

Cricket : Shahid Afridi urges his players keep good form going

Glos Islet, St Lucia : Skipper Shahid Afridi urged his players to keep their good form going after they got 2-0 lead over West Indies with a seven-wicket win in second one-day cricket international here. Chasing a target of 221, opener Ahmed Shehzad returned to form with 102 as tourists got home with two overs to spare. Pakistan now have chance to seal five-match series in Barbados on April 28.

Political parties invited to discuss National Economic Agenda

Karachi : The senior leadership of the country's major political parties is meeting on Friday in Islamabad to discuss the possibility of agreeing to a minimum framework for developing a consensus on a National Economic Agenda.

Indian Commerce Secretary says discuss all important trade related issues with Pakistan

Amritsar : Indian Commerce Secretary Rahul Khullar who Tuesday crossed into Pakistan withsix-member delegation for April 28-28 talks with Pakistan counterpart Zafar Mehmood said "I am going to Islamabad with an open mind and would discuss all important issues related to India, Pakistan trade."

President Obama reviews United States, Pakistan cooperation in war on terror

Washington : United States President Barack Obama reviewed the cooperation between the USand Pakistan in the ongoing war on terror.

After 500 die, Nigeria holds another election

UYO, Nigeria – Hundreds of poll workers fled their jobs and tens of thousands of displaced Nigerians had nowhere to cast ballots as gubernatorial elections went ahead Tuesday despite violence after the presidential poll earlier this month that left at least 500 people dead.

Afghan forces recapture 65 from Kandahar jailbreak

KANDAHAR, Afghanistan – Afghan forces have recaptured at least 65 of the prisoners who escaped from the south's largest prison, the government said Tuesday as it scrambled to recover from the massive security breach that allowed 480 inmates to be spirited out in a stunning jailbreak.

Leaked files: Gitmo inmate informed on 123 others

 LONDON – Leaked U.S. military documents reveal that a Guantanamo Bay detainee was freed after informing on 123 other prisoners, despite concerns about the reliability of his evidence, a British newspaper reported Tuesday.

Police rescues 51 migrants in Mexican border city

MEXICO CITY – Mexico's federal police rescued 51 people, including six Chinese and 18 Central American migrants, who were captive in the same border city where more than five dozen people were freed last week, authorities said Monday night.

China warns against "interference" ahead of U.S. rights talks

BEIJING  – The Chinese government warned on Tuesday against using human rights disputes as what it called a tool to meddle, ahead of talks with the United States that will focus on complaints about Beijing's crackdown on dissent.

Heavy fighting in Misrata and Libyan mountains

TRIPOLI  – Troops loyal to Muammar Gaddafi extended their campaign to pound Berber towns in Libya's Western Mountains and battled rebels around the port of the besieged western city of Misrata.

12 Indonesians stand trial over sectarian murders

SERANG, Indonesia  - Twelve Indonesians stood trial Tuesday over the gruesome mob slaying of three minority Islamic sect members, the worst in a recent spate of hate crimes in the mainly Muslim country.  

UN chief says no probe into Sri Lanka mass killings

UNITED NATIONS  - UN chief Ban Ki-moon has said he cannot order an international probe into the killing of tens of thousands of civilians during Sri Lanka's final assault on Tamil separatists in 2009.  

NATO kills 'number two most-wanted' in Afghanistan

KABUL  - NATO troops in Afghanistan said Tuesday they had killed a Saudi described as an "Al-Qaeda senior leader" who was their number two most-wanted insurgent in the country.  

6.3-magnitude quake hits Indonesia

CILACAP, Indonesia - A 6.3-magnitude earthquake hit Central Java on Tuesday, around 120 kilometres southwest of Cilacap at a depth of 24 kilometres (14.9 miles), according to local officials.  

Three bomb blasts hit northeastern Nigeria on voting day

KANO, Nigeria  - Three bomb blasts hit the northeastern Nigerian city of Maiduguri as the country prepared to vote in governorship elections on Tuesday, police said, but no casualties were reported. 

Kadhafi defiant despite NATO bombs, rebel gains

MISRATA, Libya  - Libyan leader Moamer Kadhafi remained defiant on Tuesday after his compound was hit by NATO bombs and rebels in Misrata said they had pushed his troops out of the besieged city.  

Qaeda post-9/11 plotters held in Guantanamo: WikiLeaks

WASHINGTON  - A small group of Al-Qaeda operatives was plotting chilling follow-up attacks after September 11 before they were detained at Guantanamo, leaked documents on the US facility revealed Tuesday.

Fresh bomb blasts as Nigeria votes in wake of riots

KANO, Nigeria  - Fresh bomb blasts jolted Nigeria on Tuesday as the country went to the polls for state governors' elections, the last of three landmark ballots that have already triggered deadly unrest.  

France urges UN, EU to take 'strong measures' against Syria

PARIS  - France is urging the United Nations and the European Union to take "strong measures" against Syria to halt its violent repression of political protests, the foreign ministry said Tuesday.  

Egypt says Iran ties will not undermine Gulf security

KUWAIT CITY - Visiting Egyptian Prime Minister Essam Sharaf on Tuesday vowed that his country's possible ties with Iran will not undermine security of oil-rich Arab states in the Gulf. 

Medvedev proposes new global convention for nuclear safety

CHERNOBYL, Ukraine  - Russian President Dmitry Medvedev said on Tuesday he had drawn up proposals for a new convention on nuclear safety, 25 years on from the Chernobyl disaster.  

Egypt's ex-interior minister goes on trial

CAIRO  - Egyptian ex-interior minister Habib al-Adly went on trial in Cairo Tuesday, accused of having ordered the shooting of demonstrators during protests that toppled the former regime, state media said. 

Pakistan Tennis Federation to invite Sania Mirza for women’s event in proposed “Wagah border match”

Karachi, April : The Pakistan Tennis Federation (PTF) is set to invite Indian tennis sensation Sania Mirza for a women’s exhibition match in the proposed Indo-Pak tennis series at the Wagah Border.

Pakistan Tennis Federation plans to hold star-studded tourney to promote tennis in drone-hit Waziristan region

Karachi : The Pakistan Tennis Federation (PTF) is planning to hold a tournament in the war-torn, militant-infested mountainous region of Waziristan, featuring top national players of the country.

Kamran's father-in-law sues Zulqarnain Haider for fixing claims

Karachi : Within a day of touching down in Pakistan after being in hiding for five months in London, runaway wicketkeeper Zulqarnain Haider has landed in a legal soup with Kamran Akmal's father-in-law filing a Rs 100 million defamation case against him.

Pakistan beats West Indies by 7 wickets to take 2-0 lead in ODI series

CASTRIES, St. Lucia — Pakistan opener Ahmed Shehzad hit a confident 102 to lead Pakistan to a seven-wicket victory over West Indies on Monday for a 2-0 lead in the five-match, one-day international series.

Pentagon considering providing drone technology to Pakistan: NATO commander

ISLAMABAD: Army Chief Gen Ashfaq Parvez Kiani has met NATO commander in Afghanistan Gen Patreaus and exchanged views on a set of issues including bilateral relations, war against terrorism, drone attacks and others.

No evidence to link LeT to 2009 attack: DG ISPR

ISLAMABAD: Pakistani authorities have no evidence linking the Lashkar-e-Taiba to the 2009 suicide bomb attack on the Indian embassy in Kabul or suggesting that the banned group has "global aspirations", the country’s chief military spokesman has said.

Govt not to compromise on national integrity, defence: President Zardari

ISLAMABAD: President Asif Ali Zardari has said government will not compromise on national integrity and defence of the country.

3534 human traffickers arrested in 2009-10: Rehman Malik

ISLAMABAD : Interior Minister Rehman Malik informed the national assembly on Monday that 1755 human traffickers were arrested during 2009 and 1779 in 2010.

Supreme Court orders formation of EC immediately

ISLAMABAD : Supreme Court (SC) directed federal government to formulate the Election Commission (EC) immediately.

Guantánamo Bay files: Pakistan’s ISI listed as terrorist group

LONDON: US authorities describe the main Pakistani intelligence service as a terrorist organisation in secret files obtained by the Guardian.

ISI has no contacts with terrorist groups: (ISPR) Major General Athar Abbass

RAWALPINDI : Director General Inter-Services-Public Relations (ISPR) Major General Athar Abbass has said that Inter-Services-Intelligence (ISI) is a professional organization, which has no contacts with any terrorist group, adding that ISI has no links with the Mumbai terrorist attacks.

Attack on passenger bus in Pakistan kills 13

QUETTA, Pakistan  - Armed men attacked and set fire to a passenger bus in Pakistan's troubled southwest, killing at least 13 people, including women and children, officials said Tuesday.  

Pakistan naval bus attacks kill 4 in Karachi

KARACHI : Bomb attacks hit two buses carrying Pakistani navy officials in Karachi Tuesday, killing four people in the latest sign of rampant insecurity in a nation key to US hopes of beating the Taliban. 

PML-N office ransacked in Karachi

KARACHI : A group of enraged men attacked the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) Secretariat Office in Karsaz Karachi here on Monday.

Kayani, Petraeus discuss ways to improve regional security

ISLAMABAD : Gen. David H. Petraeus, Commander of the NATO International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan,

51% Pakistanis blame current govt for frequent electricity load-shedding: survey

ISLAMABAD : Almost 51% Pakistanis blame the current Government for the frequent electricity load shedding as compared to only 22% who thought so in 2009.

Defence Minister condemns attacks on Navy buses

ISLAMABAD : Defence Minister Chaudhry Ahmed Mukhtar has strongly condemned attacks on Navy buses in Karachi which caused loss of precious lives and injured many.In a messages,

UN Secy General appreciates Pakistan’s significant contribution to UN Peacekeeping Missions

ISLAMABAD : UN Secretary-General, Ban Ki-moon has greatly appreciated Pakistan’s significant contribution to UN Peacekeeping Missions across the world, adding that this has brought credibility to the world body.

Memon says govt. will blow the lid of anti-Pakistan forces

Karachi : Sindh Minister for Information and Archives Sharjeel Inam Memon has strongly condemned blasts in Defence and Baldia areas and has sympathised with the victims’ families.

Pakistan asks India drop opposition to European Union giving duty free access to textiles

New Delhi : Ahead of India, Pakistan Commerce Secretaries’ meeting in Islamabad on April 27-28, Islamabad has asked New Delhi to drop its opposition to the European Union giving duty-free access to textiles in its proposed flood relief package to Pakistan, Indian Express newspaper reportedon Tuesday.

Quetta : 12 persons wounded in armed clash

QUETTA :  12 people were wounded in a clash between two groups on a land dispute here at Killi Sheikhan Monday.

Over 30 feared dead after boat sinks in Congo

KINSHASA - Over 30 people were missing,presumed dead, in the Democratic Republic of Congo after theboat they were travelling in capsized on Monday, a localofficial said. 

Round Table Conference urge rulers to apologize to the victims of drone attacks

Peshawar : The round table conference convened by Jamaat-e-Islami besides calling upon the incumbent government to apologize the affectees of drone attacks on Monday constituted a 10 members committee

Karachi : Three killed in firing incidents

KARACHI : Three people were killed in different firing incidents in metropolis on Monday, the police said.A man was found shot dead in Khaldabad in the limits of Shah Latif Police Station,

Moamer Kadhafi forces pushed out of Misrata: rebels

MISRATA, Libya  - Forces loyal to Libyan strongman Moamer Kadhafi have been pushed out of rebel-held

India files fresh charges in telecom scandal

NEW DELHI  - Indian police filed graft charges Monday against five people including the daughter of a key ally in the ruling coalition over an alleged multi-billion-dollar mobile phone licence sale fraud. 

David Petraeus visits Pakistan for security talks: embassy

ISLAMABAD - US general David Petraeus on Monday visited Pakistan and held talks with its army chief on ways to bolster regional security, the US embassy said in a statement.  

I had reasons to abandon the team, insists Zulqarnain Haider

Karachi : Back in Pakistan after being in hiding for five months in UK, Pakistan wicketkeeper Zulqarnain Haider today justified his decision to abandon his team midway through a series last November citing death threats from match-fixers.

ISPR denies report of Gen Kayani's talk with Manmohan Singh

Pakistan Army today dismissed as "unfounded" and "totally baseless" a media report that its powerful chief Gen Ashfaq Pervez Kayani held talks with Prime Minister Manmohan Singh through a "secret envoy and back channel".

Pakistan values cordial, friendly ties with Saudi Arabia: President Zardari

Islamabad : Pakistan values its cordial and friendly relations with Saudi Arabia, said President Asif Ali Zardari.

Peshawar : Blast in police station caused injuries to 4 police men

Peshawar : Four police men were injured when powerful blast occurred inside Gulbahar Police station on Monday.

Govt formulated policies to provide all facilities to local, foreign investors: PM Gilani

Islamabad : Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani has said that the Government has formulated policies to provide all facilities to local as well as foreign investors.

Commander, Royal Saudi Naval Forces calls on President Zardari

Islamabad : Vice Admiral Dakheel Allah Bin Ahmed Al Waqdani, Commander, Royal Saudi Naval Forces called on President Asif Ali Zardari at Aiwan-e-Sadr Monday.

South Sudan clashes kill 165 in a week-army

JUBA, Sudan  - At least 165 people havebeen killed in the past week in fighting between south Sudan'sarmy and militia, the army said on Monday, part of a wave ofviolence in the territory ahead of its independence in July.

25 killed in Syria crackdown on Daraa: activist

NICOSIA  - At least 25 people were killed when thousands of troops backed by heavy armour pounded Syria's southern flashpoint town of Daraa on Monday,

Comprehensive strategy chalked out to address problems of Balochistan: PM Gilani

ISLAMABAD : Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani said on Monday the government had evolved a comprehensive strategy to address the problems of Balochistan, adding it (government) would extend every possible support to the provincial government for accelerated development.

NATO troops supply route re-opened in Khyber Pakhtunkhawa

Peshawar : Supplies for NATO troops in Afghanistan from Khyber Pakhtunkhawa province resumed Monday after a two-day sit-in against United States drone strikes ended.

Indian civil society’s efforts for release of Dr. Chishti hailed

Karachi : Pakistan Peace Coalition (PPC) has welcomed the consistent efforts by civil societyof India for the release of a Pakistani prisoner, virologist Dr. Khaleel Chishti.

Cricket : Pakistan's runaway Zulqarnain Haider returns

KARACHI  - Runaway Pakistan wicketkeeper Zulqarnain Haider returned home from London on Monday after being being assured by the government he would be safe in Pakistan. 

International Atomic Energy Agency terms Pakistan’s nuclear program safe and secure

ISLAMABAD : International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Monday declared the nuclear program of Pakistan as safe and secure and appreciated the obvious dedication to the safety and security of the regulators as well of operators.Talking exclusively to APP on the sidelines of “International seminar on nuclear safety and security”, held here from 21-23 April, Deputy Director General IAEA Denis Flory said the IAEA emphasizes the importance of national responsibility for security, which Pakistan takes seriously.In fact, Pakistan has had an Action Plan in place to strengthen nuclear security since 2006, he added.

Never said Karachi be made a province: Shahbaz Sharif

Lahore : Pakistan Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif has said he was not opposing the creation of new provinces, but never said that Karachi be made a separate a province either.

Conspiracy against Balochistan being planned in Afghanistan: Rehman Malik

Islamabad : Pakistan Interior Minister Rehman Malik has claimed that a new conspiracy is being hatched in Afghanistan to deteriorate law and order situation in Balochistan.

Muttahida Qaumi Movement for referendum on new provinces’ issue

Karachi : Muttahida Quami Movement (MQM) has repeatedly said that a referendum should be held on the issue of creating new provinces and demands be met as per the aspirations of people,

Smokers who quit have less aggressive kidney cancer

LAHORE : Researchers have found that kidney canceris not only more common among heavy smokers, it also appears to be more aggressive.

41% Pakistanis consume 9-12 glasses of water daily in summer: Gallup survey

Islamabad : Almost Pakistanis (51%) claim to consume 5-8 glasses of water in winters as opposed to 41% who take 9-12 glasses of water a day in summers,

India Gujarat Chief Minister wanted Muslims to be taught a lesson: Police officer

Ahmedabad : Indian Supreme Court might finally have got its first piece of direct evidence against Gujarat chief minister Narendra Modi and his role in the 2002 riots in which a numberof Muslims were killed.

India could start petroleum products export to Pakistan

New Delhi : The thaw in relations between India and Pakistan, which started with cricket diplomacy in Chandigarh in March, could soon see India exporting petroleum products to its neighbour.

Five killed in new Syria clashes, witnesses say

BEIRUT – Syrian troops backed by tanks, snipers and knife-wielding security forces stormed the southern city of Daraa early Monday, killing at least five people in a clear escalation of the crackdown on a five-week uprising against President Bashar Assad's authoritarian regime, witnesses and activists said.

Australian support for republic slumps: poll

SYDNEY  – Support for Australia becoming a republic has fallen to a 17-year low, according to a poll published on Monday, just days ahead of Britain's royal wedding.

12 dead in Thai-Cambodian fighting: new toll

BANGKOK  - Three days of heavy fighting between Thailand and Cambodia on their disputed border have left 12 people dead, with another soldier killed on each side, officials said Monday.  

17 killed, 24 hurt in Beijing factory fire

 BEIJING  - Seventeen poor migrants died when a fire swept through an illegally constructed Beijing building Monday, state media and officials said, in the latest accident to highlight lax Chinese fire safety.  

Dozens wounded as Yemen police disperse protest

SANAA  - Yemeni security forces wounded dozens of people as they fired bullets and tear gas to disperse hundreds of thousands of protesters in the flashpoint city of Taez on Monday, witnesses said.

Five dead as Syrian troops sweep into Daraa: witness

NICOSIA  - At least five people were killed when thousands of troops backed by heavy armour swept into Syria's southern flashpoint town Daraa on Monday,

Anti-nuclear protests on Franco-German border

STRASBOURG, France  - Anti-nuclear protests were to be held along the Franco-German border Monday, on the eve of the 25th anniversary of the Chernobyl disaster and after Japan's nuclear accident at Fukushima.   

Nearly 500 Taliban flee in daring Afghan jailbreak

KANDAHAR, Afghanistan  - Almost 500 Taliban prisoners escaped through a tunnel in an audacious overnight jailbreak in south Afghanistan which the president's office Monday called a security "disaster".   

Chad votes as opposition boycotts poll

N'DJAMENA  - Chad went to the polls Monday in the first round of its presidential election with incumbent Idriss Deby Itno virtually assured of extending his 21-year rule after his main rivals boycotted the vote.  

US knew Guantanamo detainees were innocent: WikiLeaks

WASHINGTON  - The United States held hundreds of inmates who were either totally innocent or low-risk for years and released dozens of "high-risk" Guantanamo inmates, according to leaked classified files. 

Deadly bomb blasts rock Nigerian city in latest unrest

KANO, Nigeria  - Three deadly bomb blasts have rocked a city in northeastern Nigeria, the latest violence to hit Africa's most populous nation following presidential elections and ahead of state governorship polls. 

South Sudan militia head 'surrenders,' toll soars

JUBA, Sudan  - A top militia leader has surrendered in south Sudan after clashes that killed more than 160 people, the army said on Monday, as the soon to be independent nation reels from a string of bloody battles. 

NATO bombs hit Moamer Kadhafi office, rebels advance in Misrata

TRIPOLI  - NATO bombs destroyed Libyan leader Moamer Kadhafi's office in his immense Tripoli residence on Monday, while rebels pushed forward against the strongman's troops in the besieged city of Misrata.

Cricket : Pakistan women win on rain-hit day

It was a disappointing day in Colombo, as persistent rain meant that none of the matches in the women's Twenty20 Quadrangular Series between Sri Lanka, Pakistan, Netherlands and Ireland lasted a full 40 overs.

Judiciary does not work against executive: Chief Justice Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry

Islamabad : Chief Justice Supreme Court Justice Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry has said that that it is a wrong perception that the judiciary acts against the executive, but it works only under constitution. Independent judiciary could provide strength to entire institutions of the state.

Imran Khan gives ultimatum to the government

Peshawar: Chairman of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf, Imran Khan on Sunday warned the government that if it failed to stop US drone strikes in Tribal area within one month, people of Pakistan would halt the NATO supplies across the country and march toward Islamabad.

Nawaz Sharif should seek apology from nation: Pervez Musharraf

ISLAMABAD: All Pakistan Muslim League Quaid, former President of Pakistan Pervez Musharraf said that PML-N Chief Mian Nawaz Sharif should seek apology from nation for supporting a foreign journalist Kim Barker in finding out whereabouts of Ajmal Qasab from Pakistan and for giving important intelligence reports of the country.

India accuses Pakistan of violating cease-fire

JAMMU - An Indian military officer on Sunday blamed Pakistani forces for firing rocket-propelled grenades and small arms firing on Indian posts in Poonch district of Jammu and Kashmir.

JUI return in present setup is impossible: Maulana Fazalur Rehman

LAHORE: JUI Amir Maulana Fazalur Rehman has said that the return of the JUI in the present setup is impossible, adding the country was facing several crisis and the rulers have no solution of the issues.

People are united against terrorism: PM Gilani

Okara : Prime Minister Syed Yousaf Raza Gillani has said that the entire nation was united to tackle the major challenges including energy crises, law & order situation and aftermath of flood, which the country was facing now days.

President Zardari takes notice of sever power crises

ISLAMABAD: Taking notice of the high power crises, President Asif Ali Zardari Sunday summoned the chiefs of power companies and concerned authorities.

PML-Q & MQM ready to join treasury benches,PPP decides to neglect JUI-F

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Peoples Party has gained some success to convince PML-Q and MQM to join coalition government however government has decided that JUI-F would not be asked to rejoin the cabinet, by rejecting their demands.

Pakistan Muslim League (N) demands agreed formula for creation of new provinces in country

ISLAMABAD : Pakistan Muslim League- N has demanded an agreed formula for the creation of new constitutional entities and division through national consciences and alleged that Punjab is continually being targeted and portrayed as the main opponent of this popular demand for political gains.