Author: Asghar Ali Mubarak

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…

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…