ISLAMABAD, May 17 (APP): Election Commission of Pakistan has fixed June 10 as last date to submit applications by the voters for issuance of postal ballot papers for bye-elections to the National Assembly and the Provincial Assemblies. This facility is extended only to the persons in the government service, members of armed forces, holders of public offices, their wives and such of their children as are registered voters and ordinarily reside with them and stationed at a place other than their home constituency.

ISLAMABAD, May 17 (APP): Pakistan’s ambassador to Afghanistan Tariq Azizuddin who was kidnapped more than three months ago and recovered lastnight reached home Saturday afternoon. The Envoy was heading to the Afghan capital Kabul with his driver when he disappeared in Khyber tribal district bordering Afghanistan on February 11.

ISLAMABAD, May 17 (APP): Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani Saturday said Pakistan was keen to further expanding its strategic relationship with United States in its efforts to promote peace and security in the region and across the world. Talking to US Ambassador Anne Patterson at PM House, the Prime Minister said Pakistan was desirous of enhancing bilateral ties with the U.S. in all fields including diplomatic, political, defence, science and technology, socio-economic development, trade, energy investment and infrastructure.

ISLAMABAD, May 17 (APP): PML- N leader, Mian Muhammad Nawaz Sharif has said that Carter of Democracy (CoD) is still a valid document, and PML-N is ready to implement it.

ISLAMABAD, May 17 (APP): Advisor to Prime Minister on Interior A. Rehman Malik Saturday said that release of Pakistani envoy to Afghanistan Tariq Azizuddin, his driver and bodyguard has been made possible due to law enforcement action. He said their safe recovery was neither the part of any deal or agreement with the abductors nor any detenue or accused in the custody of the Government was exchanged for Aziz’s release.