Author: Asghar Ali Mubarak

Siddiqui voiced apprehension over the federal government’s approach to appointing a new governor in Sindh By Asghar Ali Mubarak ISLAMABAD: President Asif Ali Zardari met with Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui, the chairman of the Muttahida Qaumi Movement Pakistan (MQM-P), to discuss the evolving relationship between the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) and MQM-P, officials said. The meeting, held in Islamabad, was also attended by Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah, Provincial Interior Minister Zia-ul-Hassan Lanjari, and several senior officials. The discussions followed MQM-P’s annual welfare program, during which Siddiqui voiced concerns over the federal government’s handling of…

Pakistan braces for economic shock as Middle East conflict rattles global fuel markets, prompting urgent measures to shield the nation By Asghar Ali Mubarak ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif approved salary deductions ranging from five to thirty percent for employees of state-owned enterprises and autonomous institutions on Saturday, marking a significant step in the government’s austerity drive. The move was aimed at cushioning Pakistan from the economic repercussions of the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, which has disrupted global fuel markets. The decision came during a high-level review meeting convened by the prime minister at the Prime Minister’s Office.…

By Asghar Ali Mubarak ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Army has continued its counter-operations against Afghan Taliban and militants described as Fitna al-Khawarij under Operation Ghazab-ul-Haq, security sources said. According to officials, Pakistani forces targeted Post No. 2 and Post No. 3 of the Afghan Taliban in the Zhob sector along the Pakistan–Afghanistan border. Sources said intense action by the army forced the militants to abandon their positions and flee, leaving behind weapons and equipment. During the operation, troops reportedly recovered Russian-made heavy grenade launchers from the captured posts. Security officials said the operation will continue until its objectives are fully achieved. #PakistanArmy…

By Asghar Ali Mubarak ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has congratulated Mojtaba Khamenei on assuming the responsibilities of supreme leader of Iran.In a letter sent on Tuesday, the premier expressed confidence that Iran would move towards peace and prosperity under Khamenei’s leadership.Sharif said Pakistan stands with Iran’s leadership and its people during the challenging period facing the country.The prime minister also expressed deep sorrow over the passing of Ali Khamenei, extending condolences and prayers on behalf of the Pakistani nation to the people of Iran.#ShehbazSharif #MojtabaKhamenei #Iran #PakistanIranRelations #MiddleEastNews #Diplomacy

By S.M. Inam ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has formally launched the auction process for 5G spectrum, marking a key step toward introducing next-generation internet services in the country. The launch ceremony was attended by Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb, IT Minister Shaza Fatima Khawaja, Information Minister Attaullah Tarar, and Hafeez ur Rehman. According to the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority, 600 MHz spectrum has been offered for bidding. The first round of the auction will last 60 minutes, with three eligible telecom companies participating in the process. Speaking at the ceremony, Finance Minister Aurangzeb described the launch as an important milestone for the country’s information…

By Asghar Ali Mubarak ISLAMABAD:Former Pakistani ambassador Maleeha Lodhi said that the international community has not made a serious or coordinated effort to halt the escalating conflict involving Iran, Israel, and the United States, largely because many countries lack confidence in the policies of Donald Trump. Speaking to the media, Lodhi argued that the absence of trust in Washington’s leadership has made diplomatic mediation extremely difficult. According to her, many governments believe that negotiations led or influenced by Trump cannot be relied upon, because his administration often mixes diplomatic outreach with military escalation. This approach, she said, creates uncertainty about…

ISPR RAWALPINDI: The Pakistan Navy has launched Operation Muhafiz-ul-Bahr in response to emerging regional threats, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) announced. According to ISPR, comprehensive measures are being implemented to secure key maritime routes and ensure uninterrupted energy supplies. The Navy continues constant monitoring and guidance to protect commercial vessels, as 90% of Pakistan’s trade passes through sea routes, making maritime security a national priority. ISPR added that the Pakistan Navy is fully prepared to respond to evolving maritime challenges and safeguard the country’s interests at sea. #PakistanNavy #MaritimeSecurity #OperationMuhafizUlBahr #ISPR #RegionalThreats #EnergySupply #TradeSecurity #NavalOperations

By Asgher Ali Mubarak ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif announced a series of key government decisions aimed at reducing expenditures and addressing emerging regional challenges, saying peace in the region is under serious threat. In a televised address to the nation, the prime minister said Pakistan is facing terrorism on its western borders, adding that the country’s armed forces, under the leadership of the army chief, are striving to safeguard national security and sovereignty. He also expressed deep sorrow over the martyrdom of Ali Khamenei and his family, and condemned attacks on Gulf countries including Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Qatar, and…

By Asgher Ali Mubarak ISLAMABAD: The United States Embassy in Pakistan has cancelled all visa appointments in Islamabad from March 9 to March 13, according to an official statement. The embassy said routine and emergency services for US citizens in Islamabad will continue as usual during this period. Visa applicants will be informed through email about the rescheduling of their appointments. Meanwhile, consular services at the US consulates in Karachi and Lahore have also been temporarily suspended. The embassy advised applicants to keep checking their email and the official website for updates regarding new appointment dates and other relevant information.…

By Asgher Ali Mubarak SLAMABAD: Federal Information Minister Attaullah Tarar on Sunday reported that 583 Afghan Taliban operatives have been killed during the ongoing Operation Ghazab Lil Haq.The operation has also left more than 795 personnel injured, and 242 Taliban check-posts were destroyed, the minister added. Security forces captured 38 check-posts and destroyed 205 tanks, armoured vehicles, and artillery units.Airstrikes carried out during the operation successfully targeted 64 locations across Afghanistan, demonstrating the effectiveness of coordinated land and aerial action against Taliban positions.The operation continues as part of Pakistan’s broader counter-terrorism campaign, aiming to dismantle militant infrastructure and weaken the…