WASHINGTON: US Vice President Joe Biden said Sunday it was too early to gauge progress in Afghanistan, where international forces are set to peak at 1

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GALLE: The second day’’s play in the first Test between India and Sri Lanka on Monday was abandoned without a ball being bowled due to bad weather.
The morning start had already been delayed by a wet outfield at the Galle International Stadium when a thunderstorm soon after ensured there would be no play before lunch.
The umpires scheduled an inspection at 2:30 pm (0900 GMT) as the skies cleared briefly, but another spell of heavy rain in the afternoon wiped out any hope of play.
Twenty-two overs were lost due to rain on the first day in which Sri Lanka, electing to bat after winning the toss, made 256-2 with Tharanga Paranavitana on 110 and Mahela Jayawardene on eight.
Rain has been forecast on all five days of the match, which marks the final Test appearance for Sri Lanka’’s world bowling record holder Muttiah Muralitharan.
The off-spinner needs eight scalps to reach the unprecedented 800-wicket mark, to build on his record haul of 515 one-day wickets.
India, the top-ranked Test side, are looking for their first series win in Sri Lanka in 17 years.

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Karachi

Adulteration in food is a ?cognisable offence? under the Pure Food Ordinance (PFO), and hence an FIR should be lodged in cases of trans

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Karachi

The Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) has announced to establish the ?Muttahida Social Forum? comprising people from all walks of life, in

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Pakistan News

LONDON: Australia?s Marcus North is looking forward to returning to the scene of one of his greatest triumphs with the bat after turning in a stunning

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LEEDS: Pakistan cricket team?s assistant coach Ijaz Ahmed indicated that Mohammad Yousuf may be included in the team for the Test series against England.

While talking with media here at Headingley on Monday, Ijaz revealed that the team management is considering Mohammad Yousuf and Younis Khan for replacing Shahid Afridi, who has retired from Test cricket. However, he said that final decision in this regard would be made after two days.

Ijaz Ahmed said that Yousuf is likely to be included soon in the team but he did not give his final comment regarding Younis?s inclusion.

He said that the player who joins the team would be included in the series against England but this is not possible to include Yousuf or Younis in the team for the final Test against Australia.

Replying to a question, Ijaz expressed hope that Salman Butt as captain would discharge his duties very well.

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HYDERABAD: Anti Corruption Court, Hyderabad Monday granted bail against Rs100,000 to Farooq Lehari, former DCO and brother of Chairman Higher Education Commission (HEC).

Meanwhile, Sindh High Court (SHC) has summoned Chairman Anti Corruption Department on a petition against the arrest of Farooq Leghari, filed by his sister Najma Leghari.

The Anti Corruption Police had pressed charges against Farooq Leghari in a case No. 5, 2010 that pertained to the period when he served as DCO in Tando Muhammad Khan. He faced charges including misappropriation of funds in purchase of medicine, manipulation in land property, and committing fraud in the renovation of DCO house.

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FAISALABAD: Unknown armed-assailants shot and killed two persons accused of blasphemy in District Kutchehry in Faislabad on Monday.

The deceased, Rashid and Sajid, were Christain brothers who were arrested a few days back on charges of blasphemy against Hazrat Muhammad (SAW), police said. They were ambushed and gunned down by unknown men at a local court when they were brought here for seeking their physical remand.

The two brothers and a policeman were seriously injured in the incident and rushed to a nearby hospital where the accused were pronounced dead. The policeman is said to be in a critical condition.

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ISLAMABAD: US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton on Monday said that US experts have been engaging with Pakistan team over civilian nuclear program but ruled out its transfer to Pakistan unless the international community and IAEA are satisfied on the matter.

Addressing TV anchors and members of civil society here, the visiting US Secretary of State said there is evidence to prove involvement of ?Dr. Qadeer Khan network? in proliferation of nuclear technology through ?all kinds of different channels?.

She said the US supports the process of dialogue between India and Pakistan. However, she said, there is no short cut to Kashmir issue and underscored the importance of bilateral trade for the two countries.

Hillary Clinton observed that India keeps on top the Mumbai attacks while Pakistan puts Kashmir issue at first place on its agenda.

She said Osama Bin Laden and Mullah Umer are at large in Pakistan and it is al-Qaeda that is responsible for the unrest in the region. Haqqani network is involved in many acts of violence in Afghanistan, she added.

In response to a question, the US Secretary of State said neither media enjoys liberty in Iran nor is its judiciary independent. Local groups are at loggerheads against one another, she noted.

During her meeting with the representatives of civil society, she said the US is providing assistance for building and stabilizing Pakistan?s social and economic structure.

To another query, Hillary Clinton said it will be considered whether to reduce or write off Pakistan?s debt.

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Pakistan News

Islamabad

With the majority of Islooites confining themselves to their air-conditioned rooms in extremely hot and humid weather prevailing thes

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