News in Brief

Gilani's son abducted by banned outfit
Ians, Islamabad

Three months after former prime minister Yousuf Raza Gilani's son went missing from Pakistan's Punjab province, a proscribed militant group has claimed responsibility for Ali Haider Gilani's abduction, the Geo News reported on Tuesday.
Abu Yazeed, a spokesperson for the outfit calling itself Al-Mansooreen Brigade, said Ali Haider Gilani was in their custody and safe. Ail Gilani was kidnapped on May 2 during an election campaign in Multan city.

Pakistan floods toll rises to 84
Afp, Islamabad

Monsoon rains triggering floods have killed 84 people
across Pakistan in the last week and affected more than 80,000 others, officials said yesterday, warning of further downpours.
The official said that contingency plans remained in place as heavier rains are expected next month.

12-day Eid holiday in S Arabia, Qatar
Gulf News Online

Saudi Arabia and Qatar have topped the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) list of Eid Al Fitr holidays with each country giving their public sector employees 12 days off.
The two countries are far ahead of the other four GCC member countries where the holidays will be either four or five days.

India summons Lanka envoy
Pti, New Delhi

India yesterday summoned the Sri Lankan high commissioner and issued a demarche on the issue of 114 Indian fishermen lodged in Lankan jails. India made a formal demarche was made against the large number of Indian fishermen who are in their custody, official sources said.

Argentina claims Falklands at UN again
Afp, United Nations

Argentina's President Cristina Kirchner renewed her country's demand for talks on the sovereignty of the British-ruled Falkland Islands at the UN Security Council on Tuesday.
In March, Falkland Islanders voted 99.8 percent to remain a British territory. But Argentina rejected the vote as meaningless and Kirchner has repeatedly staked its claim.