Pakistan

Pakistan’s new government must counter surging food and fuel prices and ensure stability in what are “critical times,” President Pervez Musharraf said, as at least 24 people were killed in suicide bomb attacks. The incoming administration needs to take bold decisions to cope with high international prices for fuel, edible oil and wheat that are putting strains on the population, Musharraf said. Pakistan’s opposition parties agreed three days ago to form a coalition in the nation of 160 million people after the government backed by Musharraf was defeated in general elections last month. About 100 people were injured in the March 11 attacks in the eastern city of Lahore. (Bloomberg)