Author: Asghar Ali Mubarak

By Asghar Ali Mubarak ISLAMABAD: The 18th anniversary of the assassination of former prime minister Benazir Bhutto was marked across Pakistan on Saturday with tributes, prayers and political gatherings held in her memory. Events organized by the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) took place nationwide, with supporters observing the day with what the party described as devotion, respect and renewed political resolve. The central commemorative rally was held at Garhi Khuda Bakhsh in Sindh, where Bhutto is buried, drawing party workers and supporters from across the country who arrived in large convoys. Addressing the gathering, PPP chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari paid…

By Asghar Ali Mubarak ISLAMABAD: National Assembly Speaker Ayaz Sadiq suggested that the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) and Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) are considering a long-term strategic approach in parliamentary affairs, reflecting ongoing political negotiations in the country. Speaking in Sukkur, Sadiq emphasized that any engagement by the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) would require the party’s representatives to participate directly in National Assembly discussions, underlining the importance of formal parliamentary channels for dialogue. The remarks followed Sadiq’s visit, alongside Prime Minister’s Adviser Rana Sanaullah, to the mausoleum of former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto in Garhi Khuda Bakhsh, where both leaders offered…

A one-day Islamabad meeting underscored historic ties and future cooperation ambitions, marking a pivotal moment in strengthening bilateral relations By Asghar Ali Mubarak/Mehrab Shah Afridi ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif hosted United Arab Emirates President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, marking the first such visit of the UAE leader to Pakistan since assuming the presidency. The one-day meeting, held in Islamabad, was framed as a pivotal step in reinforcing the long-standing bonds between the two nations, highlighting both historical ties and ambitions for future cooperation. According to an official statement issued by the government, the discussions focused on deepening…

By Asghar Ali Mubarak LONDON: Pakistan has called on the British government to take swift legal action after video footage emerged showing individuals in the UK making death threats against the country’s military leadership. According to Pakistani officials, the video, circulated on 23 December 2025 via a PTI-associated UK account, depicted protesters openly threatening Field Marshal Asim Munir with a car-bomb attack. The footage reportedly included a woman stating that anyone could target the army chief with explosives. Authorities in Islamabad condemned the video as incitement to terrorism rather than an exercise of free speech or political dissent. Officials said…

By Asghar Ali Mubarak NUR KHAN: A rare and symbolic moment took place at Nur Khan Airbase on Monday as the President of the United Arab Emirates, Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, returned a salute from Pakistan’s army chief, Field Marshal Asim Munir, during the start of his first official visit to Islamabad. The exchange, witnessed by senior officials, was widely seen as a reflection of the warmth and depth of the bilateral ties between the two countries, highlighting decades of close political, military, and economic cooperation. Sheikh Mohammed’s aircraft was met with a high-profile reception upon entering Pakistani…

By Asghar Ali Mubarak ISLAMABAD: Islamabad has formally issued a demarche to the Acting British High Commissioner, raising concerns over threats made against Pakistan’s military leadership during a protest outside the Pakistani consulate in Bradford, UK. According to Foreign Office sources, Deputy Head of Mission Matt Kennel was summoned to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs around 2 pm, in the absence of High Commissioner Jane Marriott, who is currently away from the country. Pakistan lodged a strong protest over the incident and demanded that the UK take action against those involved. The protest reportedly involved demonstrators using a political party’s…

By Asghar Ali Mubarak RAWALPINDI: Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir attended the Christmas celebrations at Christ Church in Rawalpindi, joining members of the Christian community in marking one of the year’s most cherished occasions. The senior military official offered warm Christmas greetings and conveyed his wishes for peace, prosperity, and harmony, highlighting the spirit of the festival as a moment for reflection and togetherness. During his visit, the Field Marshal paid homage to Pakistan’s founding father, Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, invoking the principles that underpinned the creation of the nation. He drew attention to Jinnah’s enduring vision of equality, freedom,…

By Asghar Ali Mubarak ISLAMABAD: Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar chaired a high-level meeting on Monday to review the consular services provided by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, underscoring the government’s ongoing efforts to enhance accessibility and efficiency for the public. During the session, the Ministry’s Consular Affairs team presented a detailed briefing on the key features and smooth functioning of Attestation and Apostille services, highlighting the steps taken to ensure reliable and streamlined operations for citizens. Senator Dar reviewed these measures closely and emphasized that transparent and efficient attestation processes form the cornerstone of…

Pakistan humiliated India in the Under-19 Asia Cup final, amassing 347 for 8 before skittling their rivals for just 156 By Asghar Ali Mubarak DUBAI: Pakistan defeated India to win the Under-19 Asia Cup after a dominant display in the final, beating their arch-rivals by a huge margin of 191 runs. Opener Sameer Minhas produced a record-breaking innings, scoring 172 runs, the highest individual score in the history of an Under-19 Asia Cup final. Batting first, Pakistan posted a commanding total of 347 for 8. In response, India’s much-vaunted batting line-up collapsed and was bowled out for 156 in just…

By Asghar Ali Mubarak ISLAMABAD: Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar held a telephone conversation with Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi, officials confirmed. According to a statement from Pakistan’s Foreign Office, the two leaders discussed bilateral cooperation across multiple sectors and exchanged detailed assessments of the regional situation. During the call, both officials reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening trade ties, enhancing coordination, and promoting people-to-people contacts between the two countries. They also emphasized the importance of continued collaboration to support regional peace and development, underscoring the shared interest in stability and constructive engagement in South Asia and…