Lahore, Mar. 10: Awami Muslim League chief Sheikh Rasheed has claimed that former president Pervez Musharraf was ready to name Benazir Bhutto the prime minister for the third time.

According to a private TV channel, Rasheed said Benazir was in contact with Musharraf prior to the signing the Charter of Democracy.

"The long march does not remain in the lawyers' hand now, as the politicians have joined the show," the Daily Times quoted him, as saying.

Lahore, Mar. 10: President Asif Ali Zardari has said Pakistan will purchase gas from Iran even if India pulls out of the project, adding that he would discuss this possibility with the Iranian officials.

The Daily Times quoted Zardari, as saying that Iran-Pakistan-India (IPI) gas pipeline project was in the best interest of Pakistan and Iran.

He said the government had already proposed to Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad that it would continue with the project even if India pulled out.

Lahore, Mar. 10 : Questions were being raised over as to why officials of the `elite force' who were escorting the Sri Lankan cricket team did not retaliate against the terrorists gunfire during the Lahore attack, now it has been revealed that the weapons provided to the security officials were out dated, and failed to fire at that moment.

Lahore, Mar. 10 : Fuming over the statement of match referee Chris Broad on the inadequate security arrangements during the terror attack on the Sri Lankan cricket team in Lahore, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has now lodged a complaint with the International Cricket Council (ICC).

Talking to reporters here, a PCB spokesperson said the board has filed an official complaint over Broad's comments.

Lahore, Mar. 9 : The Pakistan Peoples' Party (PPP) and Pakistan Muslim League - Quaid (PML-Q) have joined hands to form the government in Punjab province, and declare `war' against the PML-N.

According to sources, PML-Q chief Chaudhry Shujaat Hussain has agreed to form a coalition with the PPP in the province, and has subsequently told Governor, Salmaan Taseer about this decision.

The Dawn quoted a PML-Q leader as saying that his party has reached an understanding with the PPP regarding sharing of power in Punjab.

Lahore, Mar. 9 : The terror attack on the Sri Lankan cricket players in Lahore last week has not only raised concerns over the 2011 cricket World Cup, but it also has alarmed British security agencies involved with preparations for the Twenty-20 World Cup this June.

Twenty-20 World Cup Organising Committee Director Steve Elworthy has admitted the attacks have set alarm bells ringing among security agencies.