Nineteen die in Pakistan minibus blast

At least 19 people were killed on Monday after a bomb struck a minibus transport vehicle in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province of Pakistan, local media reported on Tuesday.

Eighteen people were killed instantly after a Peshawar-bound passenger van on the Hangu-Kohat Road exploded near Jawzara village, about 15 kilometers (9.3 miles) from the town of Hangu. One of the 14 injured later died at the Lady Reading Hospital in Peshawar, Geo TV reported.

In addition, another transport vehicle heading to Rawalpindi was damaged by the explosion, causing several passengers to sustain critical injuries.

NATO oil tankers attacked in Pakistan

Gunmen on Saturday torched at least 16 tankers in Pakistan carrying oil supplies for U.S. and NATO troops in Afghanistan, Dawn Television reported.

The attack took place in the Dera Murad Jamali district of the southwestern province of Balochistan as the tankers were parked at a roadside restaurant when eight gunmen struck. Two tankers were saved after, while sixteen others were destroyed.

The frequent attacks on trucks carrying supplies for troops have led the United States to rely on other supply routes, including through countries north of Afghanistan. In 2010, more than 170 supply vehicles were torched and six people, most of them drivers, were killed.

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Pakistani PM wins back majority in parliament after fuel price row

KARACHI, PAKISTAN -- Pakistan Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani on Friday won back a majority in the parliament as the Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) rejoined his coalition.

According to Geo TV, MQM announced it was rejoining the coalition government but not the federal cabinet. MQM, the second-largest member of the ruling coalition, joined the opposition after the government increased fuel prices.

On New Year's Eve, Gilani announced that prices of all petroleum products (POL products) were being increased by 9 percent to compete against the rising prices in the world market.

However, opposition parties demonstrated their disagreement and resulted in the defection of MQM from the ruling coalition the following day. On Thursday, the Pakistani Prime Minister announced the reversal of the recent increase on the POL prices.

MQM Rabitta Committee leader Raza Haroon said that the decision to rejoin the coalition was made in the greatest national interest. He also confirmed that the reversal of fuel prices was fundamental for supporting Gilani again.

On Thursday, the Prime Minister vowed to take MQM and all Parliamentary parties into account on all issues including future price hikes. Gilani also asked MQM leaders to rejoin the government following his announcement.

On early Friday, the PM received a very warm welcome upon his arrival at MQM Headquarters 'Nine Zero' for the first time ever. Gilani and his delegation were welcomed by MQM leaders Babar Khan Ghouri, Raza Haroon amd other Rabita Committee members.

Pakistan reverses recent increase on fuel prices

Pakistan Prime Minister Yusaf Raza Gilani on Thursday announced the reversal of the recent increase on the prices of fuel, Ary News television reported.

Prices of all petroleum products (POL products) were recently increased by 9 percent. However, Members of the Parliament agreed to withdraw such increment due to the overwhelming pressure from opposition parts and Pakistani society.

"The prices of petroleum products now stand reverted," said PM Gilani. "It was not possible without political leaders' support and consensus of the house."

Pakistani governor killed by own guard

SLAMABAD, PAKISTAN -- Salman Taseer, the governor of the Pakistan's Punjab province, on Tuesday was killed by one of his guards, Ary News Television reported.

Taseer was shot dead by a bodyguard as he was stepping out of his vehicle at Kohistar Market in sector F6 of the capital. The assassination was perpetrated for Taseer's opposition towards blasphemy laws.

The Punjab governor was immediately transported to a Polyclinic hospital but died due to the severity of the wounds sustained. He was shot nine times, four in neck, three in chest and two in abdomen.

Afther shooting the governor, the bodyguard threw down his gun and raised both arms. The crime took place on a parking area of the Koshar shopping center, a popular site visited mostly by foreigners.

Interior Minister Rehman Malik said that Taseer was killed due to his high-profile opposition to the blasphemy laws. He recently supported the pardon for a Christian woman convicted of blasphemy.

Taseer was known for being moderate politician within the main ruling Pakistan People's Party (PPP). He also openly expressed himself against the Taliban and other militant groups.

The shooter was identified as Qadri, a member of Taseer's own security team. He admitted perpetrating the crime and declared that he did it in retaliation for Taseer's comments towards the blasphemy law.

Taseer was appointed governor by the PPP-led coalition government in 2008. He previously served as minister for industry and production under former military ruler Pervez Musharraf from 2007 to 2008.

Pakistani sugar farmers battle on

Suspected U.S. drone strikes kill 15 in Pakistan

ISLAMABAD - Three suspected U.S. drone strikes killed at least 15 people in northwest Pakistan on early Saturday morning, local media reported.

Geo Television reported that the strikes were carried out in North Waziristan, where the United States is most active, and targeted two suspected militant hideouts and a vehicle. "At least fifteen suspected militants have been killed and many others injured," an unidentified security official told the news channel.