Pakistan’s minister for minorities has been shot dead by armed men in Islamabad.An official at the Pakistani capital’s Shifa Hospital said Shahbaz Bhatti arrived dead after Wednesday’s attack, in which his driver also got wounded.

Forces loyal to Muammar Gaddafi, the Libyan leader, are reported to have regained control of two strategic towns in the country’s northwest, even as opposition fighters in the east prepare to march on the capital, Tripoli.

KABUL- A US airstrike has killed at least 12 school children and wounded several others in an area of the troubled eastern Afghanistan, locals say.

ZAHEDAN- The provincial authorities of Sistan-Balochistan, Iran have forbidden by force and menace the annual Sunni students conference, which is conducted with Ulema and academic personalities in Zahedan. The conference time was tabled 3rd March 2011.

Pakistani diplomatic sources say the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) is considering targeting Pakistani diplomats, in retaliation for the arrest of one of the agency’s contractors.

Internal and international pressure is mounting on Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi to stand down from power as protests continue against his 42-year rule.Within the country, anti-government protesters said the demonstrations were gaining support, and footage believed to be filmed on Friday appeared to show soldiers in uniform joining the protesters.

A court in Pakistan has adjourned the trial of a CIA contractor charged with killing two Pakistani men, dismissing Washington demands for his release.The next hearing has been scheduled for March 3.

ZAHEDAN- The Muslims’ foresight seeks unity among them, whereas being divided in sects and races spoil them very badly, said the eminent Muslim scholar Shaikh Abdul Hameed on Tuesday, Feb. 22 in Zahedan.

Muammar Gaddafi, Libya’s long-standing ruler, has reportedly lost control of more cities as anti-government protests continue to sweep the African nation despite his threat of a brutal crackdown.

Muammar Gaddafi, the Libyan leader, has vowed to fight on and die a “martyr”, calling on his supporters to take back the streets from protesters demanding his ouster, shouting and pounding his fist in a furious speech on state TV.