Pakistan president Pervez Musharraf has been sworn in as a civilian leader, ending eight years of military rule. Mr Musharraf stepped down as head of the armed forces yesterday.

At least eight people were killed when Pakistani troops shelling suspected militant positions, hit four houses in the restive north-western valley of Swat, police say.

It erupted as one of the great scandals in international cricket and now, the mystery of the death of former Pakistan coach Bob Woolmer in Jamaica this year has deepened, with a jury at the inquest into his death returning an open verdict.

Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf, who stepped down as army chief on Wednesday, took oath as a civilian leader for a second presidential term later in the day.

President General Pervez Musharraf stepped down as Pakistan's army chief on Wednesday, fulfilling his pledge a day before he is to be sworn in as civilian leader for a new term.

Pakistan's President Pervez Musharraf has attended military farewell ceremonies before his expected retirement as head of the country's armed forces. VOA's Barry Newhouse reports from Islamabad that analysts say the move could end up improving both the military and the government.

Former Pakistani prime minister Nawaz Sharif, who returned to the country on Sunday after eight years exile, has applied for registration to run in the upcoming parliamentary elections.

Pakistan's President Pervez Musharraf, who once said his military uniform was part of his skin, will swear a new oath as a civilian president, officials said.

Anil Kumble's tenure as India captain got off to a perfect start at his happy hunting ground as the hosts thumped Pakistan by six wickets in the first Test to go 1-0 up in the three-match cricket series in the Capital.

Former Pakistan prime minister Nawaz Sharif has returned from exile and demanded that his rival, President Pervez Musharraf, scrap emergency rule.

Shahbaz Sharif says he will contest elections from APDM platform of the All Parties Democratic Movement. General visiting Jeddah reaching amicable settlements with Nawaz which may result political harmony and balancing act with respect to former PM Benazir going berserk for coming election advocating to boycott the elections. Nawaz falling in mainstreams of Pakistan politics may involve more majority actions in coming elections.

Pakistan's election commission has confirmed that military ruler Pervez Musharraf won last month's presidential election, giving him another five years in office.