• Afghan President Hamid Karzai in his telephonic conversation with President Asif Ali Zardari discussed regional situation as well as bilateral relations between the two countries. (Majority of papers)
• Unofficial results of the general elections put PML-N on top of the list with 126 NA seats; PTI gets 32, PPP 31, MQM 17, JUI 10 and independents grab 29 seats. (News)
• Caretaker Prime Minister has reportedly refused to accord approval to the appointment of 12 Ambassadors abroad; advised Foreign Office to submit the recommendations for appointment(s) of the Ambassadors to the elected Prime Minister. (Jang)
• ECP Secretary Ishtiak Ahmad Khan says, no one can tamper with the election results; delay in results of some national and provincial assemblies is due to incomplete legal process which will be completed soon
• CEC Justice (Rtd) Fakhruddin G. Ebrahim revisits Karachi to assess problems; congratulates the nation for holding most transparent, free and fair elections. (Business Recorder, News)
• JUI-F’s Fazlur Rahman telephones PML-N Chief Nawaz Sharif and congratulates him on PML-N’s victory on majority of seats; both discuss on a joint strategy to form government in KP; separately Maulana says, his party will cooperate with Nawaz Sharif in the Centre. (Majority of papers)
• APML managed to win a seat each in the NA and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Assembly from Chitral. (Daily Times)
• PML-N Chief Nawaz Sharif in an interview to an Indian channel says, whether New Delhi invited him or not, he would pay a visit to India; try to repair relations with India through resolution of Kashmir issue; separately PML-N Chief tells a British newspaper that he will not pull back on the fight against Al-Qaeda and Taliban; hopes to reach an agreement with Washington on drone strikes; tells, he has the experience of working with US. (Majority of papers)
• Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, Afghan President Hamid Karzai, Saudi Arabia’s Dy. Prime Minister Prince Maqran bin Abdul Aziz, Turkish President Abdullah Gul and Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan, Ameers of Qatar and Kuwait and leaders of UAE felicitate Nawaz Sharif on victory of his party in the general elections; Indian Premier  invites Nawaz Sharif to visit India at mutually convenient time; US President Barrack Obama congratulates Pakistan on its parliamentary elections and says, Washington is ready to work ‘as equal partners’ with the government that emerges. (Majority of papers)
• MQM Chief Altaf Hussain says, his party is being pushed to the wall and abhorrence is being spread against the party; demands the establishment either acknowledge the mandate of Karachi and its people or separate it from the country; alleges that some TV channels are not showing pro-MQM rally; reject allegations of rigging. (Daily Times, News, Dawn)
• PTI supporters in Lahore and Karachi take to the streets in protest against the unexpected results of some of the constituencies in favour of opponents’ candidates. (Majority of papers)
• Victorious N mulling over cabinets; Shahbaz to return to Punjab CM House; Ishaq Dar, Ch. Nisar, Khawaja Asif, Mehtab, Ahsan to get key posts, report by Sajid Zia and Javaid-ur-Rahman. (Nation)
• The dynamics of President’s re-election: Zardari stands no chance in the numbers game, report by Tariq Butt. (News, Jang)
• Indian Navy commissions its first fighter squadron. (Pakistan Today)
• Afghan government deploys additional forces in Goshta district of Nangarhar province putting hundreds of border police, army and quick reaction force on stand by alongside Pak-Afghan border in the area. (Pak. Observer)
• India’s BJP spokesperson hails democratic transition in Pakistan; expresses hope that the new government will further strengthen the process of improving ties with India. (Pak. Observer)
• Imran Khan’s ex-wife Jemima Khan in a twitter message says, PTI seems to be all set to form government in KP; lauds Pakistanis for turning out to vote in the face of terror threats. (Frontier Post)
• Western media describes as ‘undemocratic’ the expulsion of New York Times Pakistan Bureau Chief Declan Walsh from Pakistan on the eve of voting. (News)
• UK says, Pakistan’s new government under Nawaz Sharif can begin to tackle the country’s ‘very serious challenges’ following a successful and sound elections. (News)
• EU observer to Pakistan Michael Gahler expresses satisfaction over the election process in Pakistan. (News)

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• President Asif Ali Zardari on the advice of the Prime Minister has approved the  Representation of the People (Amendment) Ordinance, 2013;   the Ordinance provides that any person who violates any of the provisions of the code of conduct already issued by the Election Commission shall be punishable with fine which may extends to Rs. 0.1 million. (Majority of papers)
• ECP admits failure to hold free and fair elections in Karachi; decides to hold fresh polling at 42 polling stations in NA-250 Karachi. (Majority of papers)
• Leaders and notables turn-up at polling stations to cast vote; CJP Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry cast his vote in Quetta; COAS General Ashfaq Pervez Kayani cast his vote in NA-54 Rawalpindi; CEC Fakhruddin G. Ebrahim cast his vote in Defence Karachi; PML-N Chief Nawaz Sharif cast his vote at NA-199 Lahore. (Majority of papers)
• Strikes, threats mar Balochistan polling; largely peaceful balloting in Punjab; voters defy threats in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa to turn-up at polling stations in large numbers. (Majority of papers)
• PML-N Chief Nawaz Sharif invites all parties to sit with him to solve country’s problems; asked all losers to join hands with him for the betterment of the country;
• Nawaz Sharif returns to power; PML-N clean sweeps in Punjab; all set to form government in Centre; PTI front runner in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa; ANP wiped out; PPP reduced to Sindh. (All papers)
• PTI Information Secretary Dr. Shireen Mazari said, PTI will not form an alliance with the PPP or the PML-N. (Pakistan Today)
• General elections saw many upsets as many heavy weights in different political parties faced defeat in their strongholds; former Premier Raja Pervez Ashraf suffered crushing defeat by Raja Javed Ikhlas of PML-N; PTI Chief Imran Khan washed away ANP’s Ghulam Ahmad Bilour; Shah Mehmood Qreushi lost seat to PML-N’s Abdul Ghaffar Dogar; PPP-S Chief Aftab Sherpao lost to PTI candidate; Asfandyar Wali Khan, Ch. Ahmad Mukhtar, Mian Manzoor Wattoo, Qamar Zaman Kaira and Firdous Ashiq Awan also defeated. (Majority of papers
• TMQ stages sit-in against elections; TMQ Chief Dr. Tahir-ul-Qadri accuses ECP of paving way for bogus degree holders and corrupt people, who would return to power; PAT committed to uproot status quo. (Majority of papers)
• Army deployment fails to ensure trouble-free polls in Karachi: Report. (Pakistan Today)
• Fate of President Asif Ali Zardari and Provincial Governors uncertain; Nawaz will make history by becoming PM for third time,  report by Ashraf Mumtaz. (Nation)
• Government of Pakistan ordered the New York Times Bureau Chief Declan Walsh in Islamabad to leave the country on the eve of national elections due to undesirable activities. (Majority of papers)
• A US lawmaker Paul A. Gosar has introduced a resolution in the House of Representatives to limit US aid to Pakistan and four other countries. (Nation, Pakistan Today)
• The committee to protect journalists, a New York based watchdog body has called on Pakistan’s interim government to reverse its decision to expel New York Times Bureau Chief Declan Walsh from the country. (Nation)
• American print and electronic media is highlighting the election-related development in Pakistan, with major newspapers pointing out that the two main contenders for power – Nawaz Sharif and Imran Khan – had pledged to limit US influence in the South Asian country. (Pakistan Today)
• Frontier Post: “The nation eludes TTP threats” Notwithstanding the TTP threats, Pakistani voters thronged polling stations across the country on Saturday barring three bomb blasts in Karachi and sporadic violent incidents here and there, overall atmosphere during the polling remained peaceful. The credit of holding the elections in the country goes to the Chief of Army Staff General Pervez Kayani Pakistan who made judicious use of his forces across Pakistan to hold the general elections
• Munir Akram (Dawn): “Foreign policy challenges” The new government emerging from yesterday’s elections will face difficult domestic problems. The external challenges it will confront are equally daunting. The most urgent foreign policy challenges could be summed up in three words, Afghanistan, America, India

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• Law Minister Ahmer Bilal Soofi has directed the officials concerned of the ministry to examine the Peshawar High Court’s judgement in detail on drone strike and legal aspects of US position on the issue. (Majority of papers)
• PPP has submitted a petition to the CEC, demanding disqualification of Nawaz Sharif from contesting election for violating the code of conduct by misusing a photograph of CJP Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry in an advertisement. (Majority of papers)
• Pakistan has advised the intended Zaireen to Ajmer Sharif to cancel their visit due to disturbed security situation in India. (Majority of papers)
• Caretaker government has taken away the degree verification function from HEC and created another parallel body named Commission for Standards of Higher Education in clear violation of the SC judgments. (News)
• TMQ Chief Dr. Tahirul Qadri will stage a sit-in against holding of elections 2013 in front of the Punjab Assembly today (Saturday)
• Former Premier Yousaf Raza Gilani vowed to continue the political struggle, saying the abduction of his son was a conspiracy to derail the polling process; seeks ISI help for recovery of his son. (Majority of papers)
• ATC Islamabad has deferred the hearing in former President Pervez Musharraf’s bail plea in judges’ detention case till May 15. (Majority of papers)
• Army presence clears fears in Balochistan, report by Ghulam Tahir. (Pak. Observer)
• Imran gains, but Sharif remains frontrunner: Reuters report. (Nation, Daily Times)
• Afghan President Hamid Karzai telephoned former Premier Yousaf Raza Gilani and expressed his concern over the kidnapping of his son Ali Haider Gilani; prayed for his early recovery. (Majority of papers)
• White House spokesman J. Carney said, US is not seeking permanent military bases in Afghanistan and any future US presence in the country will be possible only at the invitation of the Afghan government. (Pakistan Today)
• Head of the Commonwealth Observer mission Sir Douglas Kidd has acknowledged that Pakistan has made tremendous strides in improving its electoral system, which could now match that of any developed democracy. (The Express Tribune)
• UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has urged eligible Pakistanis to exercise their voting rights peacefully in Saturday’s historic national elections, while voicing concern over the ongoing violence. (Daily Times)
• Nawaz Sharif will maintain good ties with US if voted to power: Washington Post. (Nation)
• India has shown inability to provide security to Pakistani pilgrims intending to visit Ajmer Sharif; asked Pakistan to call off the visit. (Majority of papers)
• US State Department spokesman Patrick Ventrell says, US condemns militant threats to disrupt Saturday’s national election in Pakistan; reaffirms full support for people’s right to participate fully in election of their representatives and fulfill their aspirations for a prosperous and democratic nation; US in coordination with European Union partners, plans to participate in election observation efforts. (Majority of papers)
• Pakistan pays $ 114.6 million debt installment to IMF. (News)
• Nation keyed up for historic polls; over 86 million registered voters will vote at more than 60000 polling stations across the country to decide fate of 268 out of 272 NA seats. (Majority of papers)
• Army has deployed 75000 troops across the country to strengthen security for the general elections; unprecedented security arrangements have been made in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa and adjacent tribal areas for the polling day today. (Dawn, News)
• News: “Where’s the ECP?” Two days ago, a private TV channel showed footage of two persons on a motorcycle taking away around six big blue bags full of ballot papers from Karachi seat NA-244. The footage also showed the man in charge of the election stating that he would released these ballot bags on the night of May 10 under police escort so that security is maintained
• Daily Times: “Another victim of the hate narrative” Sanaullah Ranjay, the Pakistani prisoner brutally attacked in a Jammu and Kashmir jail, died in a hospital in Chandigarh after remaining comatose for almost a week. This brings into play the very unfortunate phenomenon of tit-for-tat politics between the two neigbours, Pakistan and India

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• President Asif Ali Zardari has approved the Election Laws (Amendments) Ordinance of 2013 on the advice of Caretaker Prime Minister to facilitate the Overseas Pakistanis to cast their vote from abroad. (Majority of papers)
• President Asif Ali Zardari has condemned the kidnapping of Ali Haider Gilani, son of former Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gilani
• Caretaker Petroleum Minister Suhail Wajahat Siddiqi says, the government has temporarily suspended gas supply to many inefficient Captive Power Plants; terms allegations of the former OGDCL MD against him as baseless. (Business Recorder)

• Foreign Office spokesman expresses concern over the state of Pakistani prisoners languishing in Indian jails and urges India to ensure their safety. (Majority of papers)
• Foreign Office spokesman demands an international probe into the brutal death of Pakistani prisoner Sanaullah in India; also calls upon New Delhi to penalize culprits responsible for the death of Pakistani prisoner. (Daily Times, Nation)
• ECP rejects allegations of former Prime Minister Pervez Ashraf; says, all members of the ECP are impartial. (Ausaf)
• NAB arrests former WAPDA Chairman Lt. Gen. (Rtd) Zahid Ali Akbar with the help of Interpol in Bosnia for making assets beyond means to the tune of Rs. 267.61 million. (Majority of papers)
•     Pakistani prisoner Sanaullah Ranjay dies:  (The Times of India)
•  Pakistan bans air conditioning in government offices:  (The Washington Times)
•  Political Handouts Thrive in Pakistan: (The New York Times)
•  Ahead of elections, a grim public mood in Pak, says survey: (Hindustan Time)
•  Pakistan polls likely to putright-wing coalition in power:  (Hindustan Times)
• Dark public mood in Pak on election eve: survey: (Hindustan Times)
• Pakistan votes in historic polls under Taliban shadow: (Hindustan Times)
• Renewed bombings ahead of Pakistan vote: (Al-Jazeera)
•  Women take the lead on terror turf: (The Times of India)
•  Parties of Nawaz, Imran in tight race: (The Times of India)
• Pakistan’s female election candidates have bags of confidence: (The Guardian)
• Advisor to the Prime Minister on Finance Dr. Shahid Amjad in the capacity of energy committee Chairman, earlier formed by the federal cabinet, reviews the implementation of the measures taken by the committee for stabilizing power situation in the country. (Daily Times)
• NAB takes notice of the reports regarding burning of precious records, including that of revenue in the LDA plaza fire incident in Lahore. (Business Recorder)
• Former Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gilani has accused his political opponents of being behind the attack and kidnapping of his son. (Business Recorder)
• Former Punjab CM Shahbaz Sharif accuses President Asif Ali Zardari of conspiring against Punjab to cause massive deaths due to dengue fever. (Nation)
• Former Interior Minister Rahman Malik demands of the CJP to take suo moto action against PML-N for using a photograph of Chief Justice to gain political mileage. (Majority of papers)
• PHC in its detailed judgment on a set of identical petitions challenging the drone campaign  says, government has the right to shoot down US drones if Washington ignores warning to halt the aerial  attacks; directs government to raise drone issue at UN. (Majority of papers)
• Former President Pervez Musharraf tells SC that he has serious reservations over the composition of apex court bench hearing a treason case against him for imposing emergency in November 2007; AGP Irfan Qadir tells the court that it is not empowered to initiate a treason case as the responsibility completely lies with the federation of Pakistan . (Majority of papers)
• Indian Occupied Kashmir’s puppet CM Umar Abdullah offers sincere apology to the family of Sanaullah, a Pakistani prisoner who succumbed to injuries in a Chandigarh hospital on Thursday; separately Pakistani prisoners lodged in occupied Jammu’s jail raise anti-India slogans to protest the death of Pakistani prisoner Sanaullah. (Business Recorder)
• Afghan President Hamid Karzai says, he could allow the US to keep 9 military bases in Afghanistan as a part of negotiations over a long-term security pact with Washington. (Dawn, The Express Tribune)
• A Pakistani prisoner Sanaullah, who was savagely beaten in Occupied Jammu’s jail died on Thursday in Chandigarh hospital. (Majority of papers)
• Afghan border police demands more weapons amid simmering tension with Pakistan, report. (Daily Times)
• US White House spokesperson Laura Lucas renews support for a free, fair and transparent elections in Pakistan; says, US does not back any political party or individual candidate but looks forward to engaging with the new government emerging from May 11 poll. (Daily Times)
• Sir Douglas Kidd, Chairperson of Commonwealth Observer Mission says, transfer of power from one elected civilian government to another would be a key milestone for Pakistan. (Business Recorder)

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• President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Mir Hazar Khan Khoso have expressed profound grief and sorrow over the demise of senior journalist and group editor of Daily Express Syed Abbas Athar. (Majority of papers)
• Caretaker Prime Minister Mir Hazar Khan Khoso has approved the handing over of special VVIP aircraft A-310 to PIA as part of the caretaker government’s austerity measures to cut expenditures. (Majority of papers)
• Caretaker Prime Minister Mir Hazar Khan Khoso has sacked OGDCL MD Masood Siddiqui with immediate effect, report. (News)
• Foreign office reacts to Afghan President’s statement and declares that Durand Line is a settled issue and opening debate on the matter is a distraction from the more pressing issues requiring mutual cooperation. (Majority of papers)
• Captain Nadeem Yusufzai during his tenure as DG CAA gave approval to four new airlines to start domestic operations which also include an airline owned by 2 Indian nationals. (Nation)
• Government has reportedly dedicated 150 mmcfd extra gas to power sector and also released Rs. 10 billion to PSO for purchase of furnace oil to ensure no load-shedding during the general elections, report. (Business Recorder)
• Lal Masjid issue: Ghazi Abdul Rashid’s son files a writ petition in IHC to register a murder case of his father and his grandmother against former President Pervez Musharraf. (News)
• PHC observes that former KP Government had committed massive corruption in the purchase of substandard Hepatitis-C vaccines and many of the patients died due to the vaccines; seeks investigation report from the anti-corruption establishments. (Dawn, News)
•  Bomb blast at pro-Taliban election rally kills 14 in Pakistan: (The Washington Times)
•  Anti-Blasphemy Protests in Bangladesh Turn Violent: (The New York Times)
•  Afghan, Pakistani forces again clash on disputed border; NATO troops broker truce: (The Washington Post)
•  Pak prisoner Sanaullah’s relatives get: (Hindustan Times)
• Will be Pakistan army chief’s boss, says Nawaz Sharif: (Hindustan Times)
• Afghan-Pakistani border tension flares again: (Al-Jazeera)
• Pakistan election: the 4m votes no one wants: (The Guardian)
• Israel’s attack turns Syria’s civil war into regional war:  (The Washington Times)
• Pakistan’s deadly democracy: Politics in Pakistan is a dangerous game. (The Guardian)
• SC while hearing 5 identical petitions seeking high treason trial of Former President Pervez Musharraf, remarked that there was no legal and constitutional justification for the army to overstep its limits to take over the power. (Majority of papers)
• More snags hit Tauqeer Sadiq deportation from UAE; NAB official told to leave instead, report by Waseem Abbasi. (News, Jang)
• Is the political leadership capable enough of guiding the army? Report by Ashraf Mumtaz. (Dawn)
• Pakistan’s High Commissioner in New Delhi Salman Bashir visits seriously injured Pakistani prisoner Sanaullah in Chandigarh; advises Pakistan and India to show restraints over the unacceptable attacks in which two death row prisoners in both countries were grievously attacked. (News, Business Recorder)
• An Indian newspaper, while quoting a RAW officer, reports that Sarabjit Singh was an agent of RAW in Pakistan. (Business Recorder)
• A UN Office on Drugs and Crime says, 10 percent of Afghan economy still depends on Opium. (Business Recorder)
• ADB tells CDA that it will be delaying the release of funds allocated for a city based project because of elections; separately CDA attributes funding delays to Cabinet Division’s intervention. (Express Tribune)
• 36 dead as Bangladesh cracks down on Islamists across the country. (Business Recorder)
• An exchange of fire between Pak Afghan forces, which left four Pakistani soldiers injured in Mohmand Agency, sparks a large protest in Kabul, drawing thousands of men chanting slogans against Pakistan; separately Afghan Foreign Ministry warned Pakistan that it would bear the consequences of more clashes on the border. (Dawn, News)
• The Times of London predicts in an editorial that PPP is certain to loose power after five “disastrous” years. (News)
• MQM holds rally in USA against target killings. (Frontier Post)
• Islamabad based Indian High Commission issues visas to the two relatives of a Pakistani prisoner undergoing a treatment in ChandigarhHospital after sustaining injuries during an attack in Jammu Jail. (Dawn)
• Britain’s Ministry of Defence says, it will not use its soil for the launch of drone strikes inside Pakistan territory; separately UK’s biggest anti-war group says that the MoD’s claim cannot be accepted as it operates without any accountability. (News)
• Ex-MI official says, Sarabjit Singh, a convicted Indian spy, was used by RAW to avenge Pakistan’s alleged support to the Sikh’s Khalistan movement in Indian Punjab. (Dawn)
• COAS General Ashfaq Pervez Kayani reviews security measures and deployment of Army troops in different parts of Balochistan for election duties during a meeting in Quetta; calls for holding peaceful elections in Balochistan. (Majority of papers)
• CJCSC General Khalid Shameem Wyne talks to UAE Ambassador Essa Abdulla Al-Basha Al-Noaimi during reception on the UAE Armed Forces Day; expresses satisfaction over close ties between the two countries; separately Chief of Defence of UK General Sir David Richards meets CJCSC. (Majority of papers)
• More leaflets distributed in Peshawar villages close to tribal areas warning locals and teachers against participating in polls. (News)
• Pakistan Observer: “UN concerned over black laws in IHK” At long last, the United Nations too has started taking note of unprecedented abuse of human rights in Occupied Kashmir at the hands of Indian occupation forces under the shield of a host of draconian laws
• Shamshad Ahmed (Nation): “The twin challenges” The ultimate responsibility to deal with the twin-challenges of extremism and terrorism lies with the government, which must ensure good governance and rule of law, promote tolerance and communal harmony, reinforce popular resilience and mutual respect in the country.
• Dr. Maleeha Lodhi (News): “Wanted: a national security strategy”  The violent run-up to the May 11 election is another urgent reminder of the need to evolve a comprehensive national security strategy

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• President Asif Ali Zardari has strongly condemned the acts of violence against the candidates and their election offices in different parts of the country and expressed the resolve that despite the odds the general elections will be held on May 11
• ECP orders PEMRA to stop forthwith the advertisement of telephonic conversation between Justice (Rtd) Malik Qayyum and Saifur Rahman running on media against PML-N. (Majority of papers)
• PML-N Chief Nawaz Sharif in back-to-back interviews to CNN-IBN and Reuters said, Pak support to US terror war must be reviewed; US-backed campaign is not away to defeat Taliban; Gen. Kayani does not want extension; non-meddling of army in civil affairs to be ensured; next Army Chief to be appointed on merit and PM will be his boss; Musharraf’s crimes will be decided by nation, courts; favoured negotiations with Taliban.  (Dawn, News)
• Shaikhul Hadith Allama Dr. Syed Sher Ali Shah Madni of Darul Uloom Haqqania in Akora Khattak withdraws his fatwa against PTI Chief Imran Khan. (News)
• JI Chief Syed Munawar Hassan reiterates his demand for deployment of army troops at polling stations in Karachi
•  India and China pull back their troops from a 20-day old standoff point in Laddakh, Indian sources tell. (Dawn)
• Pak High Commissioner to India Salman Bashir demands India to release its 47 prisoners who have completed their prison terms. (Pakistan Today)
• 10 died in Dhaka clashes following Islamists held rallies, demanding new blasphemy law. (Dawn)
• Sources say, KP people may face international travel ban in polio refusal cases. (Dawn)
• Pakistan High Commissioner to India will visit the ChandigarhHospital to see Pakistani prisoner Sanaullah who was attacked by an Indian prisoner; separately Chairman Press Council of India Markandey Katju appeals to the Indian government for release of Sanaullah. (Dawn, Pakistan Today)
• Pakistan elections: how the tax man was forced out – for being too good at his job: (The Telegraph)
•  ’Pak troops kill 16 militants near Afghan border’:. (Hindustan Times)
• Prosecutor in Musharraf case gunned down on his way to court: (The Washington Post)
•  Nawaz Sharif says Pakistan should reconsider support for US war on terror: (The Times of India)
• Pak High Commission: Sanaullah still in deep coma: ( Hindustan Times)
• Bhutto out of Pak, not to return before polls’: ( Hindustan Times)
• Extremists Pursue Mainstream in Pakistan Election: ( The New York Times)
• Pervez Musharraf remand extended further:.( The Times of India)
•  Ahead of polls, fear of death squads in Baloch: ( The Times of India)
• Pakistan elections: why feudal ties no longer bind for voters: ( The Guardian)
• North Korea says it has no plan to use American as bargaining chip: ( The Washington post)

• Pakistan Economy Watch says, some influential industrials lobbies are trying to influence outcome of the upcoming general elections in the country. (Pakistan Today)
• ISPR says, NLC hands over the building of Engineering Faculty at BalkhUniversity constructed at a cost of $ 18 million under Pakistan’s Bilateral Assistance Programme to Afghan government at a ceremony held in Mazar-e-Sharif. (News)
• Express Tribune: “First address” Prime Minister Khoso’s calm speech, offering reassurance that every effort will be made to hold a peaceful election is, in many ways, soothing. It helps generate some sense of confidence that the balloting exercise will take place on schedule, as planned and without any disruption
• Frontier Post: “Missing leadership & challenging polls” All the big three political parties—the Pakistan Peoples’ Party, the Awami National Party and the MQM—completed their five years rule majestically, caring hardly for any body. The leadership crisis in these political parties having successfully completed the term in office is indeed unprecedented
• Imtiaz Alam (Express Tribune): “Election or secession?” The Baloch political scene looks quite chaotic in the absence of a unifying leadership. And this situation is being exploited by the Baloch militants to fuel further anarchy

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• President Asif Ali Zardari took notice of delay in payment of compensation to victims of the recent violence in Quetta; called for a report from the Ministry concerned. (Majority of papers)
• Caretaker Information Minister Arif Nizami while briefing the media about cabinet decisions said that federal  cabinet was informed that an elaborate security apparatus had been put in place to ensure an environment conducive to holding of elections; law and order situation was relatively better, but the threat of conspiracies to sabotage the electoral process was still there; Troops, LEAs men to stay outside polling stations; deployment of troops completed to provinces’ satisfaction; action against vehicles with tinted glasses underway; complete ban on display of arms; video cameras would monitor sensitive polling stations; DG PBC Ghulam Murtaza Solangi removed on ECP objections. (Dawn, News)
• ECP has for the first time in Pakistan’s history authorized the Presiding Officers appointed for each polling station to exercise the powers of a First Class Magistrate for 3 days from May 10 to May 12; asked Punjab Chief Secretary and IGP to transfer SP Ch. Hanif and ASP Haseeb Shah and submit a compliance report within 24 hours; forwarded to DROs concerned hundreds of complaints about setting up of polling stations at inappropriate places received from across the country (Majority of papers)
• ROs have issued arrest warrants for 1000 government employees who have refused to perform election duty in Lahore. (News, Ausaf)
• New Delhi Pak High Commission officials visit critically hurt Pakistani prisoner Sanaullah in Chandi Garh. (Dawn, Daily Times)
• JUI-F Chief Maulana Fazlur Rahman has issued a decree against Imran Khan, saying that vote to Imran is ‘haram’; claimed that Imran Khan was an agent of Ahmedi and Zionist lobbies. (Majority of papers)
• IHC gives go ahead for conducting the trial of former President Pervez Musharraf at his farmhouse in Chak Shahzad near Islamabad. (Dawn)
• LHC disposed of Shahbaz Sharif’s petition regarding PPP paid content advertisements on ECP assurance. (Majority of papers)
• Special Anti-Terrorism Court Islamabad extends judicial remand of former President Pervez Musharraf for 2 weeks in judges’ detention case. (Majority of papers)
• According to a study released by PIDE, parties have no clear plans to cut expenditure, report by Amir Waseem. (Dawn)
• Second federal secretary goes to SC against caretakers; two bureaucrats, one from civil and other from the military, have made the interim prime Minister Mir Hazar Khan Khoso hostage as the two are not only calling the shots and making controversial appointments but also do not hesitate from scolding cabinet members, report by Ansar Abbasi. (News, Jang)
• India has denied news about the death of Pakistani death row prisoner Sanaullah; doctors said, that he is on ventilator; Pakistan’s demands for repatriation fall on deaf years. (News)
• 7 NATO troops killed in Afghanistan. (Majority of papers)
• Nawaz Sharif has reached very close to his return to power: Daily Telegraph. (Nawa-e-Waqt)
• Afghan President Hamid Karzai said, Afghan government would never recognize Durand Line as the international border between Pakistan and Afghanistan; urged Taliban to fight Afghan enemies after Pakistan clash. (Majority of papers)
• Pentagon Press Secretary George Little while describing recent incidents of border clashes as troubling urged Afghanistan and Pakistan to resolve their disputes peacefully and bilaterally. (Pakistan Today)
• A local anti-terrorism court acquitted TNSM Chief Maulana Sufi Muhammad and some of his associates in another terrorism case. (Dawn, Express)
• Terrorist outfits planning to target ECP vehicles engaged in transportation of ballot papers and other relevant documents. (News)
• Business Recorder: “FIA prosecutor’s murder”  The shocking murder of FIA prosecutor Chaudhry Zulfiqar Ali while on his way to a Rawalpindi anti-terrorism court hearing Benazir murder case involving former President Gen. Pervez Musharraf, holds serious repercussions
• Frontier Post: “Banking too heavily on troops” With the distribution of ballot papers, the preparation for the polling will be completed shortly. But the worsening law and order situation has already induced a sense of insecurity amongst some of the political parties and if terrorist strikes continued unabated, it may lead to the resentment against the election results.
• Business Recorder: “84 percent for sharia law?” The US-based PEW Research Centre’s forum on Religion and Public Life has released the results of its recent worldwide opinion survey of Muslim populations. But what is hard to believe is the finding that “support for making Sharia the official law of the land tends to be higher in countries like Pakistan (84% and Morocco (83%.” Overall, like most other Muslims surveyed, Pakistanis see no inherent tension between being religiously devout and living in a modern society
• Pakistan Today: “More parties under attack” The three major attacks of the day, included the targeted killing of an Awami National Party (ANP) candidate in Karachi, but more significantly, a PTI election office in Peshawar and a JI candidate in Hangu were also targeted. This added dimension to the terror attacks leaves more questions about how much chaos shall be suffered before the next election takes places. Is there a pattern to the trail? And does the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) have a clear, coherent plan on how it intends to derail the next general elections?
• Shaheen Sehbai (News): “Missing in action” Key players in Islamabad say the Establishment is fully prepared to play “a quiet role” in cobbling together a coalition – if one were needed – that would support the national security interests, whatever that means. Big Brother is clearly waiting in the shadows.
• Humayun Gauhar (Pakistan Today): “Democracy’s revenge park”  Think: why are we perennially taking the wrong path? Is it that we are collectively stupid or that the roadmap given to us by beneficiaries of the iniquitous status quo masquerading as leaders is incorrect so as to preserve their own benefits and privileges? Think: Why was the prosecutor in the Benazir murder case assassinated? By putting blame on Gen. (R) Musharraf, Pervez Elahi and others, did her real murderers perhaps drop a veil on themselves by sending us on the wrong path? Think
• Ghazi Sal;ahuddin (News): “Where is malala?” In spite of all the assurances that come from Chief of Army Staff General Kayani and other high functionaries, nobody seems to be willing to take any decisive action. Perhaps no one is in effective control. That is how the attack on Malala did not become a game-changer. Has the Pakistani establishment sold its soul to the extremists and the militants?

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• US Secretary of State John Kerry telephoned President Asif Ali Zardari; discussed Pak-US bilateral relations and regional issues.  (Majority of papers)
• Caretaker Prime Minister Mir Hazar Khan Khoso in his maiden televised address said, caretaker government would not accept extension in its tenure at any cost and under any circumstances; assured holding of free, fair and impartial elections on May 11; appealed to the nation to actively participate in the electoral process to bring the country on the path of progress and prosperity; only elected government can address external and internal challenges. (Majority of papers)
• Caretaker Prime Minister Mir Hazar Khan Khoso terminated the contracts of key-top officials, including Planning Commission Dy. Chairman Dr. Nadeemul Haq, State Life Insurance Company Chairman Shahid Aziz Siddiqui, PBC DG Murtaza Solangi, Alternate Energy Development Board Chief Executive Arif Allauddin and National Fertilizer Marketing Ltd. MD Tariq Shafi Khan with immediate effect; Press Secretary to the PM Shafqat Jalil confirmed the terminations. (News, Jang)
• Petroleum Ministry in a statement said, Pakistan has discovered new gas reserves in Kirthar belt of Southern Sindh province that would help reduce acute gas shortages for Industry and transport. (Daily Times, Dawn)
• IRSA reduces water discharge by 10000 cusecs from Tarbela Dam due to reduction in storage. (Dawn)
• APML has announced to boycott the general elections 2013. (Majority of papers)
• A full bench of LHC has restrained PEMRA from telecasting on TV channels a paid content by PPP containing a reported conversation  between Shahbaz Sharif and Justice (Rtd) Malik Muhammad Qayyum. (Majority of papers)
• PATA produces two missing persons in SC during proceedings of missing persons’ suo moto case; CJP Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry observed that all including the sensitive agencies would have to follow the law of the land; issued notices to ISI, MI DGs and Attorney General. (Majority of papers)
• World Bank exposes bad economic performance of PPP and its coalition allies – PPP, MQM and ANP – presently trying to hide their dismal performance, massive corruption and bad governance behind the sympathy factor that they are smartly in cashing owing to their own failings in addressing the issue of terrorism, report by Ansar Abbasi. (News)
• US Secretary of State John Kerry has named veteran diplomat James Dobbins to be the new special envoy to Afghanistan and Pakistan. (Majority of papers)
• Chief Observer of the EU Election Observer Mission to Pakistan and member of the EU Parliament, Michael Gahler has raised serious concerns about the increased level of violence against certain political parties in Pakistan. (Nation)
• PPP government and its allies during the last 5 years have taken Rs. 5.611 trillion domestic loans and $ 14.609 billion foreign loans from different countries and international institutions: Report. (Daily Times)
• Pakistani death row prisoner Sanaullah brutally attacked in Jammu jail; Pakistan lodged strong protest to India; demanded his evacuation to Pakistan. (Majority of papers)
• FIA prosecutor investigating the assassination of former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto and the 2008 Mumbai attacks gunned down in Islamabad. (Majority of papers)
• Deployment of Pakistan Army for maintaining law and order situation during elections begins in Karachi. (Business Recorder)
• Nation, Nawa-e-Waqt: “Polls and security” The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has once again expressed the view that it is not responsible for law and order, but it has held the caretaker governments responsible, while saying that peaceful law and order was necessary to the fairness of the election
• Dawn: “Lack of substance” Used only as rhetoric, foreign policy has not received serious attention in the current election campaign. In Pakistan, there may be specialists here and there, like some former Foreign Ministers and economists now in the electoral arena. But the parties haven’t bothered to set up permanent think tanks and committees
• Pakistan Today: “In the footsteps of OBL” If any evidence was needed it is here before everyone to see in the form of a video interview. As it did on OBL’s last anniversary, the TTP has vowed to follow in the footsteps of the late al Qaeda chief. The COAS Gen. Kayani was spot on when he made it clear that the war the army was fighting was Pakistan’s war and that the anti-democratic forces would never be acceptable
• Babar Sattar (News): “Choice and certainty” Zardari’s PPP doesn’t seem interested in winning. It almost appears to be relying on the spoils that a PTI-PML-N brawl will produce for it. For Zardari this election is about one thing: presidential re-election. With 44 senators already in his pocket, he only needs the party to win enough seats in provincial assemblies to get re-elected.
• Brigadier ® Farooq Hameed Khan (News): “Count down to May 11: Kayani clears the clouds” Pakistanis must reject those known dubious candidates/loan evaders/tax defaulters/fake degree holders who escaped scrutiny by Election Commission or were cleared by Election Tribunals/high courts to contest elections. General Kayani’s emphasis on the need to vote solely on basis of ‘honesty, sincerity, merit and competence shunning all ethnic, linguistic and sectarian biases, should be the nation’s guiding principle on May 11. Democracy must triumph and Pakistan must change on May 11.

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• Defence Secretary, who is also Chairman PIA has warned that the national flag career might be grounded by December this year if the government failed to release funds for purchasing new planes as the buying deal has already been cancelled. (News, Jang)
• Pakistan has summoned Afghan Charge d’ Affairs to the Foreign Office to protest against unprovoked Afghan cross-border fire, which wounded 2 Pakistani soldiers and killed an Afghan Guard. (Majority of papers)
• Former President Pervez Musharraf arrested in Akbar Bugti murder case; 3-member team of senior police officers from Balochistan questioned him over the 2006 death of Nawab Akbar Bugti. (Majority of papers)
• DG FDE Dr. Shahnaz A. Riaz said, the Directorate would make a strategy in consultation with all the stakeholders to abolish evening shifts from the Model colleges, realizing the sufferings of the parents. (Daily Times)
• DG ISPR Maj.Gen. Asim Saleem Bajwa said, Pakistan Army will deploy 70000 troops and use 50 helicopters to help the government maintain law and order during general elections across the country under Article 245 of the Constitution; deployment of troops in Balochistan was to be completed by Thursday night, while the deployment in Sindh, including Karachi would begin on Friday. (Majority of papers)
• Advisor to the PM on Finance Dr. Shahid Amjad said, distribution of power sector among federal and provincial government is the only solution for overcoming power crisis in the country; federal government will generate power, provinces should distribute. (Majority of papers)
• Indian Prisoner in Pakistan Dies After Beating, Prompting Angry Reply From India: (The New York Times)
•  A Border Clash Stirs Emotions in Afghanistan: (The New York Times)
• Afghan police officer killed in border clash with Pakistanis: (The Washington Post)
• Pakistan prosecutor handling Mumbai attack case shot dead: (Hindustan Times)
• Pakistan to deploy 70,000 troops during polls: (Hindustan Times)
• Pakistan gets into damage control mode: (Hindustan Times)
• Blast targets Pakistan’s MQM party: (Al-Jazeera)
• Musharraf arrested over killing of Baloch leader: (The Times of India)
•  Sarabjit’s death: Pakistan orders judicial probe: (The Times of India)
•   Pakistan’s rulers accused of turning to underworld in battle to stay in power: (The Guardian)
• Taliban told to distance itself from al-Qaida before it opens Qatar office: (The Guardian)
•  Has Pakistan decided it’s finally time to embrace Afghanistan?: By Daniel Sagalyn:
•  After bin Laden documentary premiere, CIA heroine remains elusive: By John Hudson:
•  Ghosts of Iraq haunt U.N. chemical weapons inspectors: By Colum Lynch:
• French jihadist captured in Mali: By David Kenner:
• Is the United Nations ready for a fight in Congo?: By David Bosco: (The New York Times)
• ECP refuses to take control of National Crisis Management Cell; says, maintenance of law and order is the responsibility of the caretaker government. (Majority of papers)
• CEC Fakhruddin G. Ebrahim said, holding of free, fair and transparent poll sans peaceful environment not possible; provision of security government’s responsibility. (Majority of papers)
• KP government has formally requested the federal government to place 50 platoons of FC at the disposal of provincial government to maintain law and order during the elections. (News)
• LNG import project is no longer government’s priority, senior Petroleum Ministry official. (Business Recorder)
• JI Chief Syed Munawar Hassan said, COAS Gen. Ashfaq Pervez Kayani should not own the US war as the country has suffered great losses due to the so-called war on terror; military operation widening gap between army and masses. (Majority of papers)
• SC grills power sector over load-shedding; informed that power generation had been badly affected due to the non-supply of gas and furnace oil to the power sector. (Majority of papers)
• SC rejects request of Pervez Musharraf’s counsel for constitution of a larger bench to hear treason case; Justice Jawad S. Khawaja observes that if Pervez Musharraf expects no justice from the apex court then he better call a judge from Afghanistan. (Majority of papers)
• Lyari vote will go the way Uzair Baloch decides, report by Hafeez Tunio. (The Express Tribune)
•  India has thanked Pakistan for the facilitation it had provided in the Sarabjeet Singh case. (News)
• Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh has demanded probe and punishment of criminals involved in the  assault on Sarabjeet Singh in Kot Lakhpat Jail Lahore. (Majority of papers)
• A 5-member delegation of EU observer mission has expressed satisfaction over the arrangements for general elections in KPK. (Nation)
• US Embassy spokesman Rian Harris has clarified that no secret meeting was held between visiting US congressional delegation and former President Pervez Musharraf. (Nation)
• Pak-Afghan border will be sealed for 3-days before the May 11 general elections to avoid any terrorist crossing across the border to disrupt elections in Pakistan. (Daily Times)
• Shakeel Afridi taken out of Central Jail Peshawar for a meeting with CIA delegation. (Khabrain)
• News: “The death of Sarabjit” The long-draw-out story of Sarabjit Singh has ended in tragedy. There are questions that need to be answered. The attack needs to be investigated and all those responsible for it must be identified
• Dawn: “Blaming others” While it is believed that some fugitive Pakistani militants such as Fazlullah are based in Afghanistan, and Islamabad has asked Kabul to take action against them, the fact is that the major security threat to this country is internal, i.e. militants based in Pakistan are responsible for the recent poll related havoc
• Wajid Shamsul Hasan (Express Tribune): “Lest there is no one to speak for them” Our political leaders and all others who mater must stand up and speak out before the Taliban take over. Their strategy is self-evident

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• President Asif Ali Zardari in a message on labour day said, May 1^st should serve to remind us of our commitment to the workers’ right to dignity, decent wages and protection from arbitrary termination
• Chief of the Army Staff General Ashfaq Pervez Kayani speaks on the eve of Yaum-e-Shuhada at GHQ; says, general elections will be held on May 11; tells, salvation lies in transforming government into true platform of public representation; masses role can end hide and seek between democracy, dictatorship. (Majority of papers)
• Shaheen Sehbai (News): “The messages and signals in Kayani’s words” Army Chief General Ashfaq Pervez Kayani has spoken out and said all that he could, in the words that he could use, given his position and constraints but the message is clear: We are giving democracy another chance but if you fail to deliver, there are no guarantees
• Planning Commission has so far released Rs. 169. 9 billion under PSDP against total allocation of Rs. 233 billion for financial year 2013. (Business Recorder)
• Minister for Foreign Affairs has given unlimited and full consular access to Indian diplomats to visit Sarabjit Singh; Indian High Commissioner to Pakistan is expected to visit death row prisoner at Jinnah hospital on Thursday; separately Indian High Commissioner to Pakistan calls for investigation into the attack on Sarabjit Singh. (News, Nawa-e-Waqt)
• Minister for Industries and Production Shahzada Ahsan Ashraf Sheikh says, Finance Ministry has agreed in principle to extend a one time rescue plan of Rs. 11 billion to PSM; tells, CEOs and MDs who are on his hit list are threatening him through “Intelligence Agencies”. (Business Recorder)
• Interior Ministry orders special security arrangements for former President Pervez Musharraf; warns LEAs that militants could kidnapped Musharraf while he travels between his sub-jail and courts. (Pakistan Today)
• Caretaker government has reduced the price of petrol by Rs. 4.71 and diesel by Rs. 2.53; prices of HOBC, Jet fuels Kerosene Oil and light diesel oil have also been reduced. (Majority of papers)
• PEMRA has setup a center to monitor the implementation of code of conduct by political parties ahead of the upcoming general elections
• As technological innovations have made U.S. motor vehicles more fuel efficient, the country’s oil consumption has fallen by nearly ten percent since 2005, reversing what previously seemed to be an
  interminable upward trend. Foreign Affairs Magazine
• NEPRA increases power rates by Rs. 1.34 per unit. (Majority of papers)
• ISAF containers scam: FBR inquiry says, custom officials impeding investigation. (News)
• PIA Chairman Lt. General (R) Asif Yasin Malik says, PIA will soon acquire 12 medium range aircrafts; tells, new Islamabad Airport will be completed by the middle of next year. (News, Nawa-e-Waqt)
• Representatives of 22 political parties at the APC called by Sindh Caretaker government resolve that the national elections must be held on May 11; call for holding elections in Karachi under the care of army; however, PPP, MQM and ANP opposed the demand for holding election under the supervision of army in Karachi. (Majority of papers)
• Hundreds of APML supporters stage a rally in Chitral to express solidarity with former President Pervez Musharraf. (Express)
• MQM reportedly submits evidence of corruption to the caretaker Prime Minister against one of his Cabinet members Feroze Jamal Shah Kakakhel; seeks action against him, report. (Pakistan Today)
• A larger bench of PHC dismisses former President Pervez Musharraf’s appeals against the decision of an Appellate Election Tribunal declaring him as disqualified from contesting election on NA-32 in Chitral and imposes life time ban on him from contesting elections. (Majority of papers)
• SC, during the hearing of a set of constitutional petitions against Former President Pervez Musharraf seeking his trial on high treason for promulgating emergency and November 3, 2007 act observes, bringing those abrogating the constitution to justice would in no way threaten the national security. (News, Nation)
• SC during hearing of a suo moto notice case regarding the issuance of development funds worth billions of rupees by the former premier Raja Pervez Ashraf in his own constituency questions that how a caretaker government could utilize funds which were fixed for elected representatives; inquires about the transparency of the utilization of these funds; bars caretaker government from releasing new development funds; issues notices to MDs, SNGPL, SSGC, PEPCO and directs them to submit reports about the diversion of funds. (News, Daily Times)
• The messages and signals in Kayani’s words, report by Shaheen Sehbai. (News, Jang)
• Smuggled vehicles: Amnesty scheme assumes form of trade, report by Muhammad Riaz. (Business Recorder)
• Musharraf agrees to conditional exile, report by Abdul Wadood Qureshi. (Khabrain)
• An Indian newspaper quotes Shyam Saran, Convener of the Indian National Security Advisory Board as warning Pakistan of a massive retaliation even if there is a midget nuclear strike. (News, Nation, Pak. Observer)
• Pak Afghan border was close down for several hours at Torkham border following scuffle between soldiers of the two countries. (Majority of papers)
• Sindh Rangers DG Major General Rizwan Akhtar opposes the demand of army deployment in Karachi; says, the military will do exactly what the rangers are doing; stresses the need for long term strategy to improve law and order in Karachi. (Pakistan Today, Business Recorder)
• Dawn:  “Absent unions” This year, with May Day being observed just before a general election, the loss is felt all the more. Trade unions are missing from the scene. When the elected government took power in 2008, one of its earliest vows was to restore the unions. Later on, the same government was repeatedly attacked for its failure to honour its words over so many issues
• Business Recorder: “Overseas Pakistanis” With 10 days to go for May 11 election the hope, if any, that 3.5 million registered overseas Pakistanis would cast their votes has faded away
• Pakistan Today: “The Indian nuclear brinkmanship” With reports that Pakistan was developing ‘tactical’ nuclear warheads persisting over a period of time, the Indian National Security Advisory Board (NSAB) has come out with India’s nuclear policy for the first time.
• This is: “India will not be the first to use nuclear weapons, but if it is attacked with such weapons, it would engage in nuclear retaliation which will be massive and designed to inflict unacceptable damage on its adversary.”
• Khabrain: “Corps Commander Conference ka taza or khush-aind faisala” The decision taken in the Corps Commanders Conference under the leadership of COAS Gen. Ashfaq Pervez Kayani in relation to a security plan during the elections is a welcome step. The newspaper suggests that after counting of the votes, the Army Officers should also sign the documents along with the Civilian Officers.
• Asif Haroon Raja (Frontier Post): “Politicians are biggest enemies of democracy” After seeing the poor governance and record breaking corruption of the last government, it has now been established that politicians and not Army are the biggest enemies of democracy.
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