Author: Asghar Ali Mubarak

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: 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…

The body is set to be transformed into a top-tier research institution, backed by a comprehensive plan to drive innovation, academic excellence, and global collaboration By Asghar Ali Mubarak ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has given the green light for a fundamental restructuring of the Pakistan Agricultural Research Council (PARC). The decision came during a high-level meeting on food security portfolio matters chaired by the premier in Islamabad. The meeting brought together the heavyweights of the government’s economic team. Federal ministers Ishaq Dar, Ahad Cheema, Rana Tanveer Hussain, and Musadik Malik were in attendance. Prime Minister’s adviser Rana Sanaullah also…

Shipping through the Strait of Hormuz has halted entirely after Iran blocked the vital waterway in retaliation for joint U.S. and Israeli strikes, raising fears of a severe global oil crisis By Asghar Ali Mubarak ISLAMABAD: Russia has told Pakistan it stands ready to supply discounted oil, but only if Islamabad makes a formal approach first. The offer comes as global energy markets reel from the escalating conflict in the Middle East. Moscow’s ambassador to Pakistan, Albert P Khorev, addressed reporters in Islamabad on Tuesday. He made clear that the ball was now in Pakistan’s court. The energy sector, he…

By Asghar Ali Mubarak ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has offered to mediate between Iran and the United States in an effort to ease rising tensions, as the regional crisis deepens. Speaking to Arab media, the information minister Attaullah Tarar condemned the attacks on Iran and said Islamabad stood in solidarity with Gulf countries. He said Pakistan was willing to play an active role in de-escalation and was ready to facilitate dialogue between Tehran and Washington, pointing to its past experience in mediation. Tarar said Pakistan wanted to be part of any diplomatic effort aimed at reducing hostilities, as fears grow of a…

By Asghar Ali Mubarak ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has expressed deep sorrow over the devastating floods and landslides in Ethiopia and offered full support and assistance to the affected country. In a statement, Pakistan’s Foreign Office extended heartfelt condolences and solidarity with the government and people of Ethiopia. The statement said Pakistan’s thoughts and prayers are with the victims and their families during this difficult time. It also appreciated the efforts of Ethiopian authorities and rescue teams working to help those affected by the disaster. The Foreign Office added that Pakistan stands ready to provide full cooperation and any possible assistance to…