Islamabad - Up to 40 Islamic militants were killed in overnight clashes between the rebels and government forces in Pakistan's restive Swat valley, an official said on Tuesday.

"Artillery and helicopter gunships targeted several locations of insurgents in Khwazakhela subdistrict," said a military official who spoke on condition of anonymity.

"According to the locals, between 30 and 40 insurgents were killed, while the number of those injured in the strikes is much higher," he added.

Islamabad, Feb 3 : The Public Accounts Committee (PAC) of the Pakistan National Assembly has exposed irregularities worth Rs. 23.5 billion in the Defence Ministry in the wake of non-payment of a PTV license fee, payment for constructions of a Troops Family Welfare Centre at Mangla Garrison etc.

Islamabad, Feb 3 : President Asif Ali Zardari has called for increased US aid to Pakistan's ailing economy and to enhance intelligence sharing between the partners in the war on terror, in a meeting with a six-member US congressional delegation.

The president on Monday urged the US Congress to pass the legislations for financial assistance to Pakistan as early as possible, saying the measure would strengthen Pakistan's efforts against terrorism, the Daily Times quoted sources privy to the meeting, as saying.

Islamabad, Feb 3: President Barack Obama's special envoy for Pakistan and Afghanistan, Richard Holbrook, will arrive in Islamabad on February 9.

Pakistan's Foreign Office sources said that it would be Holbrook's first formal visit to Pakistan after his appointment.

Holbrook is likely to discuss core issues regarding war against terrorism, Pak-Afghan border situation and about the peace situation in the northern areas of Pakistan during his visit with leadership here, the Online quoted sources, as saying.

Islamabad, Feb. 2 : The Supreme Court of Pakistan has ruled that though former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif has been pardoned in the case relating to his disqualification from contesting the by-elections, he still remains an offender.

According to The News, Justice Sheikh Hakim Ali observed that Sharif was still an offender and not eligible to contest the elections.

Earlier, during the hearing, Sharif's lawyer Akram Sheikh argued that the case against his client does not have legality to stand in the court as it was filed three days after the specified time.