Author: Asghar Ali Mubarak

By Asghar Ali Mubarak ISLAMABAD: Shehbaz Sharif has stated that Pakistan is effectively managing the current difficult situation, with progress being made on strategies to ensure the ample supply and export of essential commodities. He emphasized that the government will continue to take necessary measures to maintain economic stability and public welfare. Addressing a review meeting on plans to mitigate financial and economic impacts, Shahbaz Sharif noted that many countries are struggling to balance demand and supply of essential goods amid current challenges. He called for effective measures to minimize the impact on domestic production. The Prime Minister stressed the…

By Asghar Ali Mubarak ISLAMABAD: Ishaq Dar is scheduled to visit China today at the invitation of Wang Yi, marking a key diplomatic engagement between the two countries. A spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the visit will focus on discussions around regional developments, strengthening bilateral relations, and addressing global issues of mutual concern. The talks are expected to reinforce ongoing cooperation between Pakistan and China in strategic, economic, and geopolitical areas. The spokesperson noted that despite suffering a shoulder fracture and being advised by doctors to rest, Ishaq Dar has decided to proceed with the trip, reflecting…

By Asghar Ali Mubarak ISLAMABAD: President Asif Ali Zardari held a high-level meeting with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to review Pakistan’s national security situation and other critical issues facing the country. The meeting, attended by senior officials including Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar, former Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, and National Security Advisor Lieutenant General Asim Malik, focused on the evolving security environment both regionally and domestically. Officials reviewed the shifting dynamics in neighboring countries and assessed their potential impact on Pakistan’s security and stability. The discussions also touched on economic pressures, energy security, and the…

By Asghar Ali Mubarak ISLAMABAD: The Foreign Office spokesperson, Tahir Hussain Andrabi, rejected on Saturday the statement issued by the Indian Ministry of External Affairs regarding Pakistan’s Shia community. According to Andrabi, the Indian statement represents a malicious attempt to divert attention from facts. He said that expressions of concern about Pakistan’s Shia community deviate from reality and cannot conceal India’s own record. He highlighted that in India, discrimination and violence against Muslims, Christians, and other minorities is routine, ranging from restrictions on worship to mob-led acts of so-called justice, with documented attacks on homes and livelihoods. Andrabi described the…

Even as the brief ceasefire offered a fleeting pause for diplomacy, Andrabi insisted Pakistan’s fundamental aims remain steadfast and unshaken By Asghar Ali Mubarak ISLAMABAD: Pakistan resumed military operations against Afghanistan this week following the end of a temporary Eid-ul-Fitr ceasefire, reigniting tensions between the two neighboring countries. The Foreign Office in Islamabad confirmed that the pause in hostilities had concluded at midnight between March 23 and 24, with operations recommencing immediately and expected to continue until Pakistan’s stated security objectives were achieved. At a weekly press briefing, Foreign Office spokesperson Tahir Andrabi explained that the brief halt in fighting…

By Asghar Ali Mubarak ISLAMABAD: In a significant diplomatic move aimed at de-escalating tensions between Iran and the United States, four-party meetings are set to take place in Islamabad on March 29 and 30. Sources confirmed that the sessions will bring together foreign ministers from Pakistan, Turkey, Saudi Arabia, and Egypt, with Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar chairing the discussions. The meetings are being convened amid rising regional friction, with participating nations emphasizing the importance of dialogue to prevent conflict. Officials said the talks will focus on fostering peace and stability in the Middle East, reducing…

By Asghar Ali Mubarak ISLAMABAD: Kuwait has expressed full support for Pakistan’s efforts to mediate between Iran and the United States amid rising regional tensions. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif held a telephone conversation with Kuwait’s Crown Prince Sheikh Sabah Al-Khalid, during which he condemned recent attacks on Kuwait and expressed grief over the loss of lives. Shehbaz Sharif briefed the Kuwaiti leadership on Pakistan’s diplomatic efforts aimed at ending the conflict in the Middle East, reaffirming that Pakistan would continue to play a constructive role in promoting peace and stability in the region. The Kuwaiti Crown Prince appreciated the prime…

By Asghar Ali Mubarak ISLAMABAD: Federal Minister for Information Attaullah Tarar stated on Thursday that India is experiencing frustration over Pakistan’s growing diplomatic influence in the Middle East, as the country continues to establish itself as an effective and influential voice in regional affairs. Speaking at a news conference in Islamabad, Tarar emphasized that Pakistan is playing a pivotal role in the ongoing Middle East crisis, highlighting the joint efforts of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Army Chief Field Marshal Asim Munir in advancing peace initiatives. He noted that their coordinated approach is yielding results, with the international community increasingly…

By Asghar Ali Mubarak ISLAMABAD: The government is considering the possibility of a smart lockdown as regional tensions rise and concerns grow over a potential fuel crisis.Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif is scheduled to meet President Asif Ali Zardari to review the evolving situation and decide the country’s next steps. The meeting is expected to be attended by senior leaders, including Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar, the finance minister, and the petroleum minister. Bilawal Bhutto Zardari is also expected to participate in the discussions.Sources said the agenda includes a detailed briefing on the possible implementation of a smart lockdown to manage…

By Asghar Ali Mubarak ISLAMABAD: The All Pakistan Petroleum Dealers Association has warned it may shut down petrol pumps across the country if its demands are not met. In a letter sent to Petroleum Minister Ali Pervaiz Malik, the association requested an urgent meeting, stating that a previous letter sent on March 6 had received no response. The association said the petroleum sector was facing serious operational and financial challenges, including pricing issues and sudden policy changes. It urged the government to include industry stakeholders in policymaking, adding that the issues faced by around 14,000 to 15,000 petrol pump owners…