Author: Asghar Ali Mubarak

The prime minister reaffirmed Pakistan’s resolve to deepen economic ties with Uzbekistan, signalling a broad-based push for cooperation across trade, energy, investment and regional connectivity By Asghar Ali Mubarak/Mehrab Shah Afridi ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and Uzbekistan have agreed to raise bilateral trade to $2bn within the next five years. The agreement was formalized through a protocol on enhancing bilateral trade and economic cooperation, signed in Islamabad on Thursday evening by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Uzbekistan’s President Shavkat Mirziyoyev. Under the protocol, both sides will establish a joint working group to develop an action plan. The group will identify priority sectors…

The Field Marshal met local notables and veterans, reaffirming the nation’s steadfast solidarity with Kashmiris amid persistent tensions along the Line of Control By Asghar Ali Mubarak ISLAMABAD: Chief of Army Staff and Chief of Defence Forces Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir reiterated Pakistan’s unwavering political, moral, and diplomatic support for the people of Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir during a visit to Muzaffarabad on Thursday. The Field Marshal met with local notables and veterans, underlining the country’s enduring solidarity with Kashmiris amid ongoing tensions along the Line of Control. He condemned Indian atrocities, persistent human rights violations, and…

Regional peace will remain elusive, the prime minister warned, until India abandons what he described as aggressive and expansionist ambitions destabilising South Asia By Asghar Ali Mubara/Mehrab Shah Afridi ISLAMABAD: In the wake of recent deadly attacks in Balochistan, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif accused India on Thursday of orchestrating terrorism across Pakistan through proxy groups, following what he described as a humiliating defeat in Marka-e-Haq — the period of conflict with India from 22 April to 10 May last year. “Durable peace in South Asia cannot be established until India abandons its aggressive, expansionist designs and nefarious conspiracies,” the prime…

By Asghar Ali Mubarak ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif announced on Wednesday that Pakistan will not face India in the upcoming T20 World Cup, reaffirming the country’s clear stance on keeping politics separate from sport. Speaking to ministers at a cabinet meeting, Sharif said, “Sports should be free of political interference. We must stand with Bangladesh and uphold the spirit of fair play.” The prime minister also addressed Pakistan’s diplomatic efforts amid tensions in Iran, noting that he, the Deputy Prime Minister, and the country’s military chief had engaged in multiple meetings and telephone conversations with Iranian leadership. PM Shehbaz…

Smuggled Iranian fuel, bought at Rs40 per liter and sold in Karachi for Rs200, is fueling violence linked to terrorist financing By Asghar Ali Mubarak ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s defence minister, Khawaja Asif, has claimed that terrorists in Balochistan are earning up to Rs4bn a day through the smuggling of Iranian fuel, warning that a crackdown on criminal networks has triggered a backlash against the state. Addressing the National Assembly, Asif said large-scale smuggling of fuel and other goods had gone unchecked for years, generating billions of rupees. He said the government’s recent enforcement drive had disrupted these operations, prompting smugglers and…

The prime minister warmly welcomed Banga, praising the World Bank Group’s enduring partnership with Pakistan By Asghar Ali Mubarak ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif acknowledged the World Bank Group’s critical role in supporting Pakistan’s economic development and reform initiatives during a meeting with its president, Ajay Banga, at the Prime Minister’s House on Monday. The visit marked Banga’s first official trip to Pakistan as head of the global financial institution. The prime minister welcomed Banga warmly and expressed appreciation for the World Bank Group’s long-standing partnership with Pakistan. He highlighted the institution’s commitment to supporting the country’s development priorities, particularly…

By Asghar Ali Mubarak ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Tourism, Sports, and Family Festival 2026 was officially launched at F-9 Park by the Prime Minister’s Coordinator for Tourism, Sardar Yasir Ilyas Khan, marking the beginning of a multi-day celebration showcasing Pakistan’s cultural, recreational, and tourism potential. Organized by the Ministry of Inter-Provincial Coordination (IPC), the Pakistan Tourism Development Corporation (PTDC), provincial tourism departments, and public and private sector partners, the festival opened with tent pegging competitions and was attended by diplomats and cultural representatives from Turkey, Indonesia, Nepal, Nigeria, Iran, Turkmenistan, Azerbaijan, Uzbekistan, Iraq, and Saudi Arabia, reflecting strong international interest and…

The Turkish military chief received a ceremonial guard of honor from Pakistan’s disciplined forces, underscoring the enduring warmth and strategic depth of Islamabad-Ankara defence ties By Asghar Ali Mubarak RAWALPINDI: The chief of the Turkish general staff, General Selcuk Bayraktaroglu, paid an official visit to Pakistan’s General Headquarters in Rawalpindi, where he called on the chief of defence forces and chief of army staff, Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, in a meeting that underscored the depth of the long-standing strategic partnership between the two countries. On his arrival at GHQ, the Turkish military chief was accorded a guard of honor…

By Asghar Ali Mubarak ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Tourism, Sports and Family Festival 2026 is set to kick off in the capital this weekend, promising to showcase the country’s scenic attractions and cultural heritage while promoting tourism and family-friendly entertainment. Prime Minister’s Tourism Coordinator Sardar Yasir Ilyas said the two-day festival, running at F-9 Park and Jinnah Sports Complex on January 31 and February 1, will highlight Pakistan’s positive image, encourage domestic and international tourism, and provide free entry for families.The event will feature traditional sports including tent pegging and spear-throwing competitions with over 50 teams, motorbike and car shows, paragliding, regional…

By Asghar Ali Mubarak ISLAMABAD: The Foreign Office has said Pakistan will not become a party to the Abraham Accord. At his weekly news briefing in Islamabad, Foreign Office Spokesperson Tahir Andrabi emphasized that Pakistan’s position on Palestine remains unchanged.Andrabi clarified that it is a misconception to link Pakistan joining the Board of Peace with the Abraham Accord or any attempt to sidetrack the issue. He said joining the Board of Peace was a collective decision of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and all stakeholders. The move followed the completion of all procedural formalities.The spokesperson explained that Pakistan’s main objective…