WASHINGTON: US President Barack Obama spoke to Afghan President Hamid Karzai, for what officials said were regular consultations, three days after a Nato air strike killed 11 Afghan children. The White House said they discussed security transition from Nato to Afghan forces and Afghan-led peace and recognition efforts. Karzai affirmed support for an inclusive process of preparing for Afghanistan’s 2014 election, and both noted that free, fair and credible poll would be critical to Afghanistan’s future and continued international support, the White House said in a statement. Obama praised Karzai’s talks with the emir of Qatar on the possibility of opening a Taliban office in Doha to push reconciliation efforts.
British MPs urge peace deal
London: The start of an Afghan-led peace deal with the Taliban is needed to secure the future of Afghanistan after British troops leave, a group of British MPs have said in a report. The Defence Select Committee warned that failure could lead to civil war in Afghanistan, according to the BBC. The UK had a responsibility to use its influence to “make Afghanistan work” after 2014, the MPs added. Defence Secretary Philip Hammond said the UK would help Afghans reach “a sustainable political settlement”. The report focused on the planned withdrawal of UK troops at the end of 2014 and the transfer of responsibilities to the Afghan National Security Forces.
Gas pipeline blown up
Islamabad: Unidentified miscreants blew up an 18-inch diameter gas pipeline in Shikarpur, suspending the gas supply to various areas including Karachi and other part of the province. Gas supply was suspended to Uch power plant, causing a reduction more than 525MW. Many areas of the country were deprived of power, according to Dunya News. A Sui Southern Gas Company team reached the site.
Soldier death toll reaches 23
PESHAWAR: Twenty-three Pakistani soldiers and scores of militants have been killed in fighting at a flashpoint near the Afghan border in the past three days, officials said. The clashes signalled a fresh military push in the Tirah valley of Khyber district, where the military has been targeting Taliban and militia Lashkar-e-Islam who threaten the northwestern city of Peshawar. Ground forces have intensified operations against militants. Helicopters and jets participated in operations.
Forces attacked in Afghanistan
Kabul: An Afghan soldier opened fire on a group of US-led Lithuanian forces in central Afghanistan, Press TV said. Local officials said at least two troops were seriously wounded. The attacker is reportedly in the custody of foreign forces. Last month, three soldiers were killed.
Eight rebels die in northwest
Islamabad: At least eight militants were killed and two security personnel injured in clashes in the Dabori area of Orakzai tribal region in northwest Pakistan. According to reports, the militants were killed in retaliatory action. AgencieS
