Author: Asghar Ali Mubarak

By Asghar Ali Mubarak ISLAMABAD: President Asif Ali Zardari on Tuesday described Pakistan’s relationship with China as “tested in every season and steel-strong,” sending warm greetings to the Chinese people and leadership on the occasion of the Chinese New Year. Speaking in a statement, President Zardari said the Year of the Horse symbolized energy, resilience, and development, expressing hope that it would usher in a new phase of growth in trade, innovation, and people-to-people ties between the two countries. Zardari reaffirmed Pakistan’s unwavering support for the One-China policy and praised China’s consistent backing of Pakistan, particularly on the Kashmir issue,…

PM Shehbaz announces that every eligible family will receive an increased stipend of Rs13,000, aiming to provide greater financial relief amid mounting economic pressures By Asghar Ali Mubarak ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif formally unveiled the Ramazan Package 2026 on Saturday in the federal capital, announcing a record Rs38 billion relief initiative aimed at supporting over 12 million families across Pakistan. Addressing the ceremony, the prime minister said the move was intended to streamline aid distribution and safeguard the dignity of beneficiaries, building on lessons from previous years. He reflected on last year’s changes, when the government abandoned the traditional…

By Asghar Ali Mubarak ISLAMABAD: John Mark Pommersheim, Deputy Assistant Secretary for South and Central Asian Affairs at the U.S. State Department, concluded a five-day visit to Pakistan, aimed at strengthening economic and security cooperation between the two countries. During his visit, Pommersheim met with senior Pakistani officials including Major Generals Kashif Abdullah and Wajid Aziz Khan, Ministers Shaza Khawaja, Mohsin Naqvi, Muhammad Aurangzeb, and Ali Pervaiz Malik, and engaged with business leaders and U.S. exchange program alumni. He attended the launch of Pakistan’s Indus AI Week in Islamabad, promoting U.S. partnerships in IT and digital sectors, and discussed expanding…

Sharif emphasized the UAE’s steadfast support, portraying recent aid to Pakistan as a testament to the historic and fraternal ties between the two nations’ leaders and people By Asghar Ali Mubarak ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif held a warm and cordial telephone conversation on Friday with the President of the United Arab Emirates and Ruler of Abu Dhabi, Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, in a discussion that underscored the enduring and multifaceted ties between the two nations. According to officials, the leaders fondly recalled the UAE President’s first official visit to Pakistan last month, which included engagements in Islamabad and…

By Asghar Ali Mubarak ISLAMABAD: Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar chaired a high-level meeting in Islamabad to review the progress of the government’s ongoing privatization of state-owned entities. The session brought together senior officials and members of the Privatization Committee, who took stock of current initiatives and outlined strategies to ensure that the process remains transparent, competitive, and efficient. During the meeting, the committee examined the status of various enterprises slated for privatization, identifying both achievements and challenges. Officials discussed timelines, regulatory frameworks, and mechanisms to attract serious investors while safeguarding public interest. Ishaq Dar underlined the…

A deadly attack during Friday prayers in the federal capital killed at least 37 worshippers and injured over 150, plunging the city into mourning and shock By Asghar Ali Mubarak ISLAMABAD: Islamabad grieved on Wednesday as Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif announced financial compensation for those martyred and injured in last week’s devastating suicide blast at Khadijah al-Kubra Imambargah. The attack, which occurred during Friday prayers, claimed the lives of at least 37 worshippers and left more than 150 others wounded, casting a shadow of sorrow over the federal capital. Visiting the imambargah, he expressed deep grief over the loss of…

By Asghar Ali Mubarak ISLAMABAD: Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar acknowledged the important role played by the United States private sector in enhancing trade and economic ties between Pakistan and the US. Speaking in Islamabad, he said that private enterprise had been instrumental in fostering bilateral cooperation and creating opportunities for investment and growth. Dar was addressing a joint delegation from the Economic-Pakistan American Council and the United Muslim American Association, who were visiting the capital to discuss avenues for strengthening economic and social engagement between the two countries. He highlighted that collaboration between businesses on both sides not only…

By Asghar Ali Mubarak ISLAMABAD: President Asif Ali Zardari on Monday reaffirmed Pakistan’s opposition to unilateral sanctions and coercive measures against Iran, stressing that peaceful engagement was the most effective way to safeguard regional and global security. He made the remarks while addressing a ceremony in Islamabad marking the 47th anniversary of Iran’s National Day. The President warned that any military escalation involving Iran could have far-reaching consequences, potentially destabilizing the Gulf region, South Asia, and Western Asia. He cautioned that attempts to resolve disputes through force carried grave risks, threatened global peace, and could inflict serious harm on the…

By Asghar Ali Mubarak ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has instructed the Power Division to urgently file a review appeal with the National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (NEPRA) following the issuance of new Prosumer Regulations, officials said on Monday. The Prime Minister made the directives while chairing a high-level special meeting in Islamabad, convened to examine the potential impact of the regulations on existing solar consumers. The government expressed concern that the new rules could adversely affect the contracts and investments of those who have installed solar systems under previous arrangements. According to participants, the Prime Minister emphasized that the…

PM Shehbaz said the initiative aimed to build a strong AI ecosystem nationwide, positioning Pakistan as a competitive force in the global digital economy By Asghar Ali Mubarak ISLAMABAD: Pakistan unveiled an ambitious plan to invest $1 billion in artificial intelligence by 2030, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif announced at the opening ceremony of Indus AI Week in Islamabad. The initiative, PM Shehbaz said, was designed to create a robust AI ecosystem across the country, positioning Pakistan as a competitive player in the global digital economy. Speaking to a gathering of technologists, policymakers, and industry leaders, Sharif outlined a multi-pronged strategy…