1. Pakistan: Domestic Situation
Ten people were killed and many more wounded when a car bomb exploded outside the US consulate-general in Karachi. Earlier, unknown assailants had fired three missiles at a camp where Iftikhar Hussain Shah, governor of Pakistan's frontier province, was staying. A report in Outlook, an Indian magazine, states that President Musharraf is "living under siege, retreating behind impregnable security to escape the wrath of jehadis." The leaders of Muttahida Majlis Amal (MMA), a coalition of six Islamic parties, have stated that the "Kashmir Jihad will continue." In a effort to control religious schools suspected of encouraging extremism, Pakistan government has approved a law to register and regulate the madaris (religious seminaries), and has also arrested activists of militants Islamic groups
"10 die in Karachi car-bomb blast: Terrorist act outside US consulate"
"NWFP governor escapes missile attack"
"Protecting The Prez"
"Govt warned of resistance on Kashmir U-turn"
"Registration made must for Madaris"
"Over 100 activists of banned outfits held"
"Dozens held in midnight swoop on SSP, LJ"
Ten Pakistan Army and paramilitary personnel patrolling remote areas of the tribal regions of the Frontier province were killed in an encounter with suspected al-Qaeda fighters. According to a Daily Times report, 27 men, suspected of being al-Qaeda members, were arrested in Lahore.
"Troops comb tribal areas for Al Qaeda men"
"10 Pak troops killed in clash with al-Qaeda in Waziristan"
"27 Al Qaeda suspects arrested in city"
According to Pakistan's 'Economic Survey for fiscal year 2001-2002' 28.2% of the population is living below the poverty line.
"28.2pc Pakistanis live below poverty line"
Ahead of the October General Elections, President Musharraf's government has proposed major changes in laws governing the constitution of the government including empowering the President to dissolve the National Assembly or to dismiss the Prime Minister.
"Govt floats proposals to amend Constitution"
"Graduation made mandatory for contesting polls"
Khalid Ahmed of the Daily Times reviews news and opinions appearing in Pakistan's Urdu press.
"Why doesn't the Islamic world speak out?"
"Pakistani mindset and policy of violence"