NA session on May 12 seems unlikely, says Law Minister
ISLAMABAD, May 09: Federal Law Minster Farooq A Naik has expressed clear doubts over the restoration of the deposed judges on the May 12th deadline. Addressing the media outside the parliament house, Naik said that a joint session of the parliament could be convened for the restoration of judges on May 12th but he felt it was unlikely.

Govt frees Baloch leader Akhtar Mengal
KARACHI, Pakistan, May 9 (AP) - Pakistan's new government freed prominent ethnic Baloch leader and former chief minister of Balochistan Friday as it tries to forge reconciliation in the restive southwest of the country. Jubilant supporters crowded Sardar Akhtar Mengal, chief of Balochistan National Party, as he was released from a Karachi hospital, where he was detained because of ill health.

India wanted Pakistan to carry out nuclear test also
Washington, May 9: Why India issued a thinly-veiled threat to Pakistan after its nuclear test in 1998 was to make sure that Pakistan follows suit so that India is not singled out for international pressure, according to a nuclear expert.

Rahman Malik meets Altaf Hussain
LONDON, May 9 (APP): Advisor to the Prime Minister on Interior Rahman Malik met MQM leader Altaf Hussain Thursday evening and discussed various issues pertaining to national politics.

Oil price near new highs above 124 dollars
SINGAPORE: Crude oil traded near new all-time highs above 124 dollars on Friday after the OPEC cartel insisted the market is well-supplied and being driven by speculators.

Judges reinstatement: no extension in deadline, says Nisar
ISLAMABAD, May 9 (APP): Senior minister and Muslim League Nawaz (PML-N) leader Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan Friday ruled out extension of the May 12 deadline for restoration of deposed judges. “We want restoration of deposed judges on pre-November 3 positions by May 12 and shall not accept any bid to be confused in legal complications,” he told newsmen outside the parliament house.

$ 3.5 bln foreign exchange inflows to stabilize Foreign Exchange: state bank governor
KARACHI, May 09 (APP): Governor, State Bank of Pakistan, Dr Shamshad Akhtar said Friday that foreign exchange inflows to the tune of 3 billion to 3.5 billion dollars are expected to come in the banking system in the short and medium-term.

Pakistani rupee slides to record low against US dollar
KARACHI, Pakistan, May 9 (AP) Pakistan's currency slumped to a record low against the U.S. dollar on Friday as rising oil prices exacerbate concern about its yawning trade deficit and high inflation. The dollar closed at 69.25 Pakistani rupees in official interbank trading Friday compared to 67.70 rupees the previous day.

PML-N holds internal meeting on judges issue in London
LONDON, May 09 (APP)- Leaders of the Pakistan Muslim League-N began their internal consultations prior to meeting with PPP Co-Chairperson Asif Zardari to sort out the thorny issue of the restoration of higher judiciary.

US judge orders CIA to turn over 'torture' memo
NEW YORK, May 9 (Reuters): A U.S. judge ordered the Central Intelligence Agency Thursday to submit to the court a 2002 memo said to specify harsh interrogation methods used on suspected terrorists held abroad.

SHC reserves judgment on Zardari container case
KARACHI, May 09: Justice Binyamin of Sind High Court has concluded hearing of arguments on petition of Asif Zardari seeking quashment of container case against him and reserved his judgment till a date to be announced later.

Nawaz needs to be watched, US house panel told
by Anwar Iqbal
WASHINGTON, May 7: A US congressional panel was told on Wednesday that while the PPP was doing a good job in Pakistan, former prime minister Nawaz Sharif needed to be watched. “We should applaud PPP,” Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee told the House Foreign Affairs Committee. “They are trying to work with Sharif but they are more of a problem than PPP.”

Is Media Power Real?
Media pundits convinced of the need for social justice in a democratic society strongly assert that “the mass media and individual journalists need to become the advocates for the politically homeless.” It is a powerful role that is assigned to the media by many prominent social and political critics. In fact, this concept, in no uncertain terms, argues that the media’s role in a democracy is essentially political.

Opposition PML-Q may join coalition govt: Tariq Azeem
ISLAMABAD, May 9 (APP): Secretary Information of Pakistan Muslim League(Q), Senator Tariq Azeem Friday indicated that PML(Q) might join the government, but it depends on the circumstances. “Nothing is said to be the final in politics as PML-Q would decide its future strategy whether it would sit on treasury or opposition benches.

Gen. Hood being given another position in US: US embassy
ISLAMABAD, May 09: US embassy in Islamabad said Friday that Major General Jay W. Hood who was earlier assigned to replace US defence representative in Islamabad is now being given an important position within the United States Central Command Headquarters.

US Immigration Announces Enhancements to E-Verify Program
WASHINGTON— U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced today improvements to the E-Verify employment authorization program that will reduce an already low mismatch rate, while also streamlining and increasing the effectiveness of the overall program.
Today's announcement comprises the first two phases of an overall three-part enhancement for E- Verify aimed at decreasing the mismatch rate for naturalized citizens, said in a press release.