Author: Asghar Ali Mubarak

On the first anniversary of Marka-e-Haq, Pakistan’s service chiefs hailed the nation’s resilience and paid tribute to the armed forces’ unity, sacrifice and operational resolve By Asghar Ali Mubarak ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Saturday said Pakistan remained committed to peace but was equally firm in defending its sovereignty, territorial integrity and national honor against any threat. In a message posted on X to mark the anniversary of Marka-e-Haq and Operation Bunyan-un-Marsoos, the prime minister paid tribute to the armed forces and the people of Pakistan for what he described as their courage, resolve and sacrifices during the conflict.…

By Asghar Ali Mubarak ISLAMABAD: Hot and dry weather is expected to continue across most parts of the country today, while southern regions are likely to remain extremely hot. Rain is expected at isolated places in parts of Punjab, upper Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Gilgit-Baltistan and Kashmir.On Sunday, the highest temperature was recorded in Jacobabad and Shaheed Benazirabad at 46°C. Temperatures reached 45°C in Lasbela, Turbat, Dadu, Padidan, Mohenjo-daro and Hyderabad. Other recorded temperatures included 40°C in Dera Ghazi Khan, Multan and Bahawalpur, 38°C in Karachi, 37°C in Lahore, 34°C in Islamabad, Quetta and Muzaffarabad, 33°C in Peshawar and 24°C in Gilgit.…

By Asghar Ali Mubarak ISLAMABAD: President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif have congratulated the newly elected office-bearers of the Council of Pakistan Newspaper Editors (CPNE) and assured continued government support for the promotion of press freedom in the country. In his message, President Zardari said that adherence to journalistic values, fact-based reporting and the promotion of national interest are essential in the current environment. He added that the media plays a vital role in strengthening national unity and democratic stability. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also extended his felicitations to the newly elected CPNE leadership, saying that a…

Shehbaz Sharif has instructed officials to significantly cut electricity line losses through urgent upgrades and modernization of the transmission network across Pakistan By Asghar Ali Mubarak ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif had directed authorities to draw up what officials described as a comprehensive strategy aimed at stabilizing electricity tariffs, as his government sought to ease pressure on consumers and support industrial activity in a country long strained by energy shortages and rising costs. Chairing a high-level meeting on energy sector reforms, the prime minister had said that uninterrupted power supply must be ensured to sustain industrial development and broader economic…

Tarar said Pakistan continued to maintain what he described as a recognized diplomatic and military standing internationally, adding that citizens abroad “took pride” By Asghar Ali Mubarak ISLAMABAD: Pakistan was “shining on the global stage” while India was facing “failure and embarrassment”, the information minister, Attaullah Tarar, had claimed in remarks that underscored the sharp rhetorical divide in how Islamabad and New Delhi were portraying their international standing. Speaking at a ceremony in Islamabad, Tarar had said Pakistan continued to hold what he described as a recognized diplomatic and military position internationally, adding that citizens abroad “took pride” in their…

By Asghar Ali Mubarak ISLAMABAD: Shehbaz Sharif and Masoud Pezeshkian held a 50-minute telephone call to discuss the regional situation and efforts for peace.Both leaders agreed to maintain close coordination and consultations as diplomatic engagement in the region continued.According to the Prime Minister’s Office, the two sides exchanged views on peace and stability and welcomed ongoing diplomatic efforts. Shehbaz Sharif appreciated Iran’s participation in talks held in Islamabad on April 11 and 12 and welcomed the delegation led by Abbas Araghchi. The statement said the Iranian foreign minister also held meetings with senior Pakistani leadership, including a detailed two-hour session…

US logistics and security personnel already deployed in Islamabad, federal capital, ahead of anticipated high-level engagements, sources say, according to officials By Asghar Ali Mubarak ISLAMABAD: Iran’s foreign ministry said a senior delegation led by Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi had arrived in Islamabad on an official visit, as regional diplomacy intensified around efforts to reduce tensions and prevent further escalation in the Middle East. The announcement was made by ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baqaei, who confirmed that the Iranian foreign minister had travelled to Pakistan for a series of high-level meetings with senior government officials. The visit, he said, was closely…

By Asghar Ali Mubarak ISLAMABAD: Cambridge Assessment International Education confirmed that A and O Level examinations scheduled for April 24 in Islamabad and Rawalpindi went ahead as planned, despite the prevailing situation in the twin cities. Officials said no revisions had been made to the examination timetable, urging students to adhere strictly to the original schedule and arrive at their centres on time. The announcement came amid concerns among parents and candidates over possible disruptions. Cambridge said it had remained in close contact with British Council, which administers the exams locally, to ensure that all arrangements were in place for…

By Asghar Ali Mubarak ISLAMABAD: US president Donald Trump could announce an end to the naval blockade within the next 48 hours in a possible policy shift aimed at drawing Iran into negotiations. As per local media, the chairman of the Pak-China Institute said such a move would represent a “U-turn” designed to encourage Tehran to accept talks. Also appearing on the programme, former foreign secretary Tehmina Janjua said Iran appeared serious about regional peace but warned that conflicting signals from Washington were creating uncertainty. She said “a troubling narrative” was emerging daily from the United States. Retired air marshal…

By Asghar Ali Mubarak ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has expressed hope that both sides will continue to respect the ongoing ceasefire and move towards a lasting diplomatic solution. In a statement, the prime minister thanked US President Donald Trump for accepting the request made by Pakistan’s leadership, including the prime minister and Field Marshal Asim Munir, to extend the ceasefire. He said Pakistan would continue its efforts to promote negotiated settlements to regional conflicts and support dialogue-based diplomacy. Shehbaz Sharif added that he hoped both parties would fully adhere to the ceasefire and succeed in reaching a comprehensive peace…