Author: Asghar Ali Mubarak

By Asghar Ali Mubarak ISLAMABAD: Federal Minister for Information Atta Tarar has said that global oil prices could rise further in the coming days, urging the nation to adopt a collective strategy for savings and energy conservation. Speaking at a joint press conference with Petroleum Minister Ali Pervaiz Malik, Atta Tarar said the government was already taking steps to manage the situation, noting that a planned increase of Rs150 in petrol and Rs250 in diesel prices was prevented this week. He said pricing in Pakistan was linked to international markets and stressed the need to reduce fuel consumption. Ali Pervaiz…

By Asghar Ali Mubarak ISLAMABAD: Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has stated that Israel is no friend and can only be confronted through a joint strategy, emphasizing that the great sacrifices of martyrs form a strong foundation for the nation’s defence. Speaking to Samaa TV on Saturday, the minister noted that the Muslim Ummah is presently undergoing trials, with Muslims in Palestine, Sudan and Kashmir at the forefront of suffering. On the occasion of Eid, Khawaja Asif stressed the importance of remembering the martyrs of the war against terrorism and their families, adding that the survival of the Islamic world lies…

By Asghar Ali Mubarak ISLAMABAD: The government is expected to announce a weekly revision in petroleum product prices, with sources indicating that the federal government absorbed a burden of 23 billion rupees for the week of March 14 to maintain prices unchanged. The government had kept petrol and diesel prices steady from March 14 to 20, bearing the cost through price differential claims. According to sources, on March 14 the government had prevented an increase of 49 rupees 63 paise per litre in petrol and 75 rupees 5 paise per litre in diesel. For the upcoming week, the government may…

Pakistan’s army chief highlighted the nation’s determined diplomatic push to ease regional tensions while warning against cross-border threats By Asghar Ali Mubarak RAWALPINDI: Pakistan’s top military leadership reaffirmed its commitment to national security and vowed not to tolerate the use of Afghan territory for attacks against its citizens. Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, Chief of Army Staff and Chief of Defence Forces, delivered the message during an interaction with leading Ulema of Fiqa-e-Jafria at Rawalpindi. The meeting, which focused on national security and the role of religious scholars in promoting societal harmony, saw the Field Marshal underline Pakistan’s resolve to…

By Asghar Ali Mubarak ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s Foreign Office categorically rejected claims by the US Director of National Intelligence, Tulsi Gabbard, suggesting that Pakistan’s missile capabilities posed a potential threat to the United States. The statement came as Islamabad sought to clarify its position and reassure the international community of its defensive posture. FO Spokesperson Tahir Hussain Andrabi told reporters that Pakistan’s strategic capabilities were strictly defensive, designed to safeguard national sovereignty and maintain peace and stability in South Asia. “Our missile program is firmly rooted in the doctrine of credible minimum deterrence vis-à-vis India,” FO Spokesperson Andrabi said, stressing that…

By Asghar Ali Mubarak ISLAMABAD: The Shawwal moon has not been sighted in Pakistan, Malaysia and Bangladesh, with all three countries confirming that Eidul Fitr will be celebrated on Saturday, March 21, 2026. The Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee in Islamabad, chaired by Maulana Abdul Khabir Azad, concluded its meeting with the announcement that no credible testimonies of moon sighting were received from any part of the country, meaning Ramadan will complete 30 days . The meeting was held at the Kohsar Block of the Ministry of Religious Affairs in Islamabad, with participation from religious scholars, meteorological experts, and officials from relevant…

By Asghar Ali Mubarak ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan National Shipping Corporation has continued to maintain uninterrupted energy supplies to Pakistan despite rising geopolitical tensions and disruptions linked to the Strait of Hormuz and nearby maritime routes, officials said. According to details, the state-run carrier sustained its operations even after the High Risk Area was expanded to include regions such as the Red Sea, Fujairah and Sohar, where several foreign vessels reportedly avoided sailing due to security concerns. Despite these challenges, PNSC vessels remained active, ensuring continuity in supply chains at a critical time. Since the escalation in regional tensions, the corporation…

By Asghar Ali Mubarak ISLAMABAD: The government has announced new working hours for public offices following the end of Ramazan, with a formal notification issued by the Establishment Division for the revised schedule to take effect immediately after Eid. According to the notification, government offices operating on a five-day week will function from 8am to 4pm, with a lunch and prayer break observed from 1pm to 1:30pm during working hours. For government offices that operate six days a week, working hours will be from 8am to 3pm under the revised schedule aimed at streamlining operations and maintaining consistency across departments…

By Asghar Ali Mubarak ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and Turkey have expressed deep concern over the rising tensions in the region, with their foreign ministers discussing the current situation and emphasizing the need for immediate de-escalation. Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar held a telephone conversation with Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan last night, during which the two leaders exchanged views on the prevailing regional situation. Both ministers expressed grave concern over the escalating tensions and stressed the urgent need for reducing hostilities. Senator Ishaq Dar underscored that constructive dialogue and diplomacy remain the only effective means for…

By Asghar Ali Mubarak ISLAMABAD: Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar has asserted that the clarity of Pakistan’s policy will be witnessed by the entire world when the appropriate time arrives. Speaking on Geo News program “Aaj Shahzeb Khanzada Ke Saath,” Tarar addressed multiple aspects of Pakistan’s regional security posture and ongoing military operations. The information minister stated that the Afghan Taliban regime must now decide whether it stands with terrorists or with Pakistan. “The threads of terrorism in Pakistan connect to Afghanistan,” Tarar emphasized, reiterating that the objectives of Operation Ghazab-e-Lilhq are clearly defined. He confirmed that…