CCI approves Diamer-Bhasha dam project

ISLAMABAD: The Council of Common Interest (CCI) on Sunday unanimously approved the construction of the Diamer-Bhasha dam in order to meet a condition set by donors for the release of funds for the project.

Another MNA found holding fake degree

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Muslim League – Quaid (PML-Q) MNA for NA-163, Noman Ahmed Langryal, submitted fake academic records to contest general elections

Suicide bomber kills four civilians in Kabul

KABUL: A suicide bomber killed four civilians in an attack apparently aimed at a convoy of foreign forces on Sunday, security sources said.

Storm kills 68 in Philippines; three missing in Vietnam

HANOI: Three people were missing in Vietnam as tropical storm Conson hit the country, officials said Sunday, after leaving 68 dead in the Philippines when it roared in as a typhoon.

Iran MPs pass bill for 20 per cent uranium enrichment

TEHRAN: Iranian MPs on Sunday passed a bill obligating Tehran to continue 20 per cent uranium enrichment, defying mounting Western pressure to halt such work, Fars news agency reported.

Strong earthquake shakes Alaska island region

ANCHORAGE: A powerful earthquake shook an Aleutian Island region of Alaska but there were no immediate reports of damage or injury, and no threat of a tsunami, officials said.

Security blitz and strike break calm in Kashmir

SRINAGAR: A security lockdown and a general strike called by separatists crippled life in Indian-administered Kashmir on Sunday after a brief calm returned to the region on Saturday.

Suicide blast kills at least 43 in Iraq

BAGHDAD: A suicide bomber targeting army soldiers and members of a government-backed militia lining up to receive their pay cheques killed at least 43 people and wounded 46 on Sunday, Iraqi officials said.

Hillary Clinton arrives in Islamabad for strategic talks

ISLAMABAD: Secretary of State Hillary Clinton arrived in Pakistan on Sunday, hoping to buttress a shaky partnership that US officials say is key to the escalating war in neighbouring Afghanistan.

Fifteen suspected militants killed in Orakzai

KALAYA: Helicopter gunships attacked positions of Taliban militants in the Orakzai tribal region on Sunday, killing at least 15 militants and destroying their five hideouts, officials said.

Afghan conference eyes 2014 security handover: report

LONDON: International powers fighting in Afghanistan will agree next week to hand over control of security in the country to Afghan forces by 2014, a British newspaper reported Sunday.

Malaysia holds suspected terror network recruiter

KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia: Authorities arrested a Malaysian accused of recruiting university students for the regional terrorist network Jemaah Islamiyah, human rights activists and a news report said Sunday.

Mine accident in northwest China kills 28

BEIJING: At least 28 miners were killed in a coal mine accident in northwest China, Xinhua news agency reported Sunday, citing local government sources.

Officials see progress in talks with IMF

ISLAMABAD: The much-anticipated meeting between the Pakistani and IMF officials was held here on Saturday and despite the gloomy prognosis of many observers it is said to have gone well.