Vienna, Sept 19 : A leading US think tank has warned that Pakistan could soon acquire capability of producing atom bombs, as it was close to completing a second plutonium-producing reactor, and all set to build a third.

These reactors could increase its ability to make atomic bombs, which, in turn could increase tensions between India and Pakistan, said the think tank.

The report said that India could “easily match” Pakistan’s moves given its own ability to churn out plutonium in heavy water reactors and a fast-breeder reactor under construction.

Islamabad- Two of three suspected suicide bombers blew themselves up Thursday after residents in Pakistan's restive North-West Frontier Province tried to apprehend them, officials said.

Three militants stopped briefly in the village of Maskeray in the Dir district, were spotted by residents and challenged, Mayor Bakht Sher said in a telephone interview. The two sides exchanged fire and the two militants blew themselves up, he said.

The third militant fled into a forest near the village but was later seized by the locals and beaten severely, Sher said.

Nouakchott  - The al-Qaeda terrorist network on Wednesday claimed responsibility for an attack on a Mauritanian military unit three days ago.

In a letter published on Islamist websites, al-Qaeda claimed the "jihadist brigades of Yahya Dshawadi, Prince of the Desert" had assaulted the soldiers near Zouerat in northern Mauritania and taken two of them hostage, among them a captain.

Initially, 12 soldiers had been reported missing after the attack.

Amritsar, September 18 : A Sikh Jatha (group) comprising nearly 500 devotees left for Pakistan on Thursday morning by train for the death anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev, the first Sikh Guru.

They will observe the occasion at Gurdwara Kartarpur Sahib, situated in Pakistan’s Narowal district on September 22.

Besides Gurdwara Kartarpur Sahib, the Jatha would also visit pay respects at various others historical Sikh shrines including Punjab Sahib, Dera Sahib, Nankana Sahib, Sancha Saudah Sahib and Rahra Sahib during their 10-day tour to Pakistan.

Lahore, Sept 18 : Pakistan’s cricketer-turned-politician Imran Khan has said that it was unfortunate for Pakistan to have a “corrupt person” like Asif Ali Zardari as President. He said that till late Zardari faced heinous charges or murder and corruption.

He said it was unfortunate that the duo of certified criminals - Asif Ali Zardari and Altaf Hussain - were deciding the fate of people and Pakistan. While Asif was facing four murder cases and 11 corruption cases, Altaf Hussain was facing 234 cases including 44 murder cases and 18 cases of torture with drill machines, The News quoted Imran as saying.

Islamabad, Sept 18 : Pakistan Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani yesterday convinced US’ top military man Admiral Mike Mullen that American forces should desist from launching strikes on Pakistan from across Afghan border by saying that the US attacks on the Pakistani areas would only help the Taliban to get the sympathies of the local tribesmen.