Author: Asghar Ali Mubarak

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…

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: 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…

By Asgahr Ali Mubarak ISLAMABAD: President Asif Ali Zardari on Sunday said some neighboring countries have become complicit in terrorist activities, providing direct financing and technical support to groups operating against Pakistan. President Zardari made the remarks while thanking global leaders for expressing solidarity after a deadly terrorist attack in Islamabad. The incident left at least 33 people dead and dozens injured, according to a statement from the President Secretariat’s media wing. He reiterated that terrorism cannot be confronted by any single country alone. The attack occurred on February 6 during Friday prayers, when a suicide bomber opened fire and…

By Asghar Ali Mubarak ISLAMABAD: President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif publicly condemned the blast that shook the city on [insert date], expressing profound grief over the loss of human lives. In separate statements, both leaders extended their condolences to the families of the victims and emphasized the government’s commitment to supporting those affected. The President and the Prime Minister also instructed authorities to ensure that the injured received the best possible medical care, urging hospitals and emergency services to act without delay. Following the incident, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif convened a meeting with Interior Minister Mohsin…

By Asghar Ali Mubarak ISLAMABAD: President Asif Ali Zardari said on Friday that Pakistan attaches great importance to its close and brotherly ties with Uzbekistan, describing the partnership as natural and enduring, rooted in shared history, culture, and faith. President Zardari made the remarks during a meeting with his Uzbek counterpart, President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, who called on him at Aiwan-e-Sadr, according to a press release from the presidency. He said Pakistan was committed to elevating bilateral relations through closer cooperation in connectivity, trade, and people-to-people contacts. Describing President Mirziyoyev as a visionary statesman, Zardari praised his leadership in transforming Uzbekistan…

Pakistan points to Indian-backed Afghan proxy in deadly attack, raising fresh concerns over India’s cross-border terrorism By Asghar Ali Mubarak/Syed Tauqeer Zaidi ISLAMABAD: At least 31 people were killed and 169 others injured when a suicide bomber detonated himself inside an imambargah during Friday prayers in Islamabad’s Tarlai area, officials confirmed. The explosion occurred at Imambargah Khadijah al-Kubra. Eyewitnesses told Daily Metro Morning that the bomber was stopped at the mosque’s entrance. They said the attackers opened fire before the explosion. The eyewitnesses said the main door is at least 30 metres from the imambargah’s gate. Guards tried to stop…

By Asghar Ali Mubarak ISLAMABAD: Condemnations poured in after a suicide bomber targeted Imambargah Khadijah al-Kubra in Islamabad’s Tarlai area, killing at least 31 worshippers and injuring dozens during Friday prayers. The United States strongly condemned the attack, calling all acts of terror and violence unacceptable, the US Embassy in Islamabad said. Charge d’Affaires Natalie A Baker offered condolences to the wounded and the families of the dead. The embassy added that violence against civilians and places of worship could never be justified. It reiterated Washington’s support for Pakistan’s efforts to maintain peace and security and pledged continued commitment to…