S P O T L I G H T

Bombing attempt at Pak airport
Islamabad, October 20
Securitymen foiled a bombing attempt today at Islamabad International Airport after a guard spotted an abandoned briefcase in the VIP lounge, removed it and detonated it in a trash bin outside, the police said. The explosion damaged some vehicles nearby, but caused no injuries. The briefcase was found about 0130 IST in the departure area by a guard, who removed it within moments of the blast. AP

Safe passage
New Delhi, October 20
The government has initiated steps for safe passage of Indians from Afghanistan which was under attack from the USA, External Affairs Minister Jaswant Singh told senior BJP leader Vijay Kumar Malhotra, who met him this morning. Mr Malhotra said he had urged Mr Jaswant Singh to ensure the safety of Indians, particularly Hindus and Sikhs residing in Afghanistan. “The External Affairs Ministry has already directed the Indian Mission in Pakistan to take necessary steps to help our nationals who reach the Pakistan border from Afghanistan,” Mr Jaswant Singh informed him. UNI

Quake, but no loss
Yangon, October 20
A moderate earthquake shook northwest Myanmar, but there were no reports of damage or loss of life, officials said today. The quake measured 4.9 on the Richter scale. Reuters