Pakistan's ruling party has confirmed that it will choose front-runner Makhdoom Shahabuddin as its candidate for the vacant spot of Prime Minister.

Five suspected members of an outlawed Islamic militant group blamed for killing Shi’ite Muslims and attacks targeting Westerners and Christians in Pakistan have been arrested, police said today.

Taliban forces appeared to be fleeing Kabul tonight as the opposition Northern Alliance said their troops had pushed to the gates of the Afghan capital.

Ten people have died in religious riots between Indian security forces and Muslim protesters sparked by the destruction of two ancient Buddhas in Afghanistan.