Author: Asghar Ali Mubarak

By Asghar Ali Mubarak ISLAMABAD: Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar said that multiple rounds of comprehensive and constructive talks were held between the United States and Iran in Islamabad, as Pakistan facilitated the dialogue process and hosted both delegations. He expressed gratitude to both sides for responding positively to Pakistan’s request to engage in talks. He said the US delegation was led by JD Vance while the Iranian delegation was headed by Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf. Ishaq Dar said the discussions were supported by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and facilitated with assistance from Field Marshal Asim Munir. He…

bY aSGHAR aLI mUBARAK ISLAMABAD: US Vice President JD Vance has said that negotiations between the United States and Iran concluded without a final agreement, confirming that Washington is returning home without a deal.He stated that Iran refused to accept US conditions despite lengthy discussions. Speaking at a press briefing in Islamabad, JD Vance said both sides engaged in talks for around 21 hours and discussed key issues, including frozen Iranian assets. He added that the US entered negotiations in good faith and showed flexibility in pursuit of a positive outcome. He said Washington clearly outlined its demands, including preventing…

By Asghar Ali Mubarak ISLAMABAD: Bilawal Bhutto Zardari has expressed hope that the ongoing ceasefire discussions in Islamabad will pave the way for a long-term settlement of regional conflicts, saying Pakistan’s role as host of the talks marked a significant diplomatic milestone. In an interview, he said he was encouraged by the willingness of the United States and Iran to engage in dialogue, and noted that countries including China and Saudi Arabia had also contributed to broader peace efforts. He said the conflict had affected not only Iran but the wider Middle East region. He said bringing both sides to…

By Asghar Ali Mubarak ISLAMABAD: Russia called for caution and responsibility as talks between the United States and Iran continued in Islamabad, signalling guarded support for diplomatic efforts aimed at easing long-standing tensions. In a statement, Russia’s foreign ministry said all sides involved in the negotiations should act with restraint and demonstrate a sense of responsibility at a sensitive moment in the process. The remarks came as the talks, seen as a potential opening for renewed engagement, entered a critical phase. Moscow emphasised the importance of avoiding any actions that could derail dialogue, warning that missteps could undermine fragile progress…

By Asghar Ali Mubarak ISLAMABAD: A high-stakes telephone conversation took place late on Tuesday between Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and Chief of Defence Staff General Asim Munir, as both nations moved to present a united front against what they condemned as the Zionist regime’s systematic violations of ceasefire agreements across West Asia. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi reached out to Field Marshal Asim Munir, just hours after an April 8 truce had begun to show signs of unravelling. According to a detailed, the Zionist regime had already rejected the ceasefire’s applicability to Lebanon and continued its aerial and ground…

By Asghar Ali Mubarak ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed happiness over the agreement between the United States and the Islamic Republic of Iran on an immediate ceasefire.He said the ceasefire, agreed with the involvement of allied countries, would be implemented across all regions, including Lebanon and other affected areas. In his statement, the prime minister warmly welcomed what he described as a wise decision and thanked the leadership of both countries for reaching the agreement. #ShehbazSharif #USIranCeasefire #Pakistan #MiddleEastPeace #BreakingNews #Diplomacy #GlobalPeace

By Asghar Ali Mubarak CHERAT: Pakistan and Egypt launched a two-week bilateral counter-terrorism exercise, Thunder-II, at the Special Operations School in Cherat, in a move seen as a significant step in reinforcing military cooperation and enhancing operational preparedness between the two countries. The exercise, which began on 6 April 2026, brought together elite units from the Pakistan Army’s Special Services Group and the Special Forces of the Egyptian Army, reflecting a longstanding partnership rooted in shared strategic interests and mutual trust. The opening ceremony was presided over by the Commandant of the Special Operations School, who underlined the importance of…

By Asghar Ali Mubarak ISLAMABAD: Tremors from an earthquake were felt across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Punjab, Gilgit-Baltistan, and Azad Kashmir, causing alarm among residents in several areas. The earthquake was recorded at a magnitude of 6.3 with a depth of 190 kilometers, with its epicenter in the Hindu Kush region of Afghanistan. In Afghanistan, the quake caused a house to collapse in the capital, Kabul, resulting in the deaths of eight people. Pakistani authorities reported no immediate casualties but urged residents to remain cautious as aftershocks continued. Disaster management authorities in the affected regions are closely monitoring the situation and advising…

By Asghar Ali Mubarak ISLAMABAD: Public transport has been made free in Islamabad and Punjab after a sharp increase in fuel prices, as authorities moved to ease the burden on commuters. The decision follows a significant rise in petrol and diesel rates across the country. Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi said that, on the Prime Minister’s instructions, public transport in Islamabad had been made free, adding that the Interior Ministry would bear the cost of Rs 350 million. Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz announced that passengers using the Orange Line train, Metro Bus service, Speedo buses and Green electric buses would…

By Asghar Ali Mubarak ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said the federal and provincial governments should halt or scale back projects that could be postponed to prioritise national development and stability, stressing that economic progress depends on political stability. He said the federal cabinet had voluntarily surrendered two months’ salaries as part of austerity measures, adding that protecting the public, the agricultural sector and goods transport remained a top priority, alongside efforts to control inflation. Addressing a high-level meeting on the regional situation, the prime minister said the federation and all provinces must work together and utilise resources collectively to…