Captain of overloaded Myanmar ferry charged

YANGON • Myanmar police said yesterday they had brought charges punishable by a long jail term against the captain of an overloaded river ferry that sank last month, killing dozens of people.

A total of 73 people, including scores of teachers and university students, died when the boat capsized on the Chindwin River on its way to the central city of Monywa on Oct 15.

AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE

Khan scraps threat to 'shut down' Islamabad

ISLAMABAD • Pakistani opposition leader Imran Khan yesterday backed down from a threat to paralyse the capital today, a move likely to ease tension that has spilled over into violence in the run-up to the planned protests.

Mr Khan's vow to "shut down" Islamabad to press a demand for Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif to resign or face a corruption inquiry had sparked a citywide ban on gatherings and the arrests of hundreds of opposition activists accused of defying the ban.

REUTERS

Pakistan oil tanker blast kills at least 12

ISLAMABAD • At least 12 Pakistani workers were killed and more than 50 injured yesterday by a huge blast in an oil tanker at a ship-breaking yard, trade union officials said, adding that the death toll could rise.

The leader of a ship-breaking workers' union said a big explosion and fire engulfed the vessel moored in Gaddani, 45km north-west of the port city of Karachi.

REUTERS