Author: Asghar Ali Mubarak

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…

By Asghar Ali Mubarak ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has said that Pakistan is ready to host meaningful negotiations aimed at ending the ongoing regional crisis. In a statement, the prime minister said facilitating dialogue would be an honour for Pakistan, adding that negotiations were essential for peace and stability in the region and beyond. He said Pakistan was prepared to support efforts for a comprehensive settlement, subject to the consent of both the United States and Iran, and would be willing to play a constructive role in facilitating outcome-oriented talks. Sharif added that Pakistan welcomed ongoing diplomatic efforts to…

By Asghar Ali Mubarak ISLAMABAD: Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar spoke on Monday. He reaffirmed Pakistan’s iron resolve. The nation stood firm against terrorism’s menace. Actions inside Afghanistan targeted that goal alone. No half measures clouded the fight. Dar addressed the nation on Pakistan Day. Austerity gripped the land tight. Regional conflicts cast long shadows. Economic ripples hit home hard. Political tremors shook the frame. Yet he urged steadfast hearts. Unity, faith and discipline formed the shield. Together, Pakistan would navigate the storm. The people nodded grim but sure. Conflicts engulfed the region. Middle East…

By Asghar Ali Mubarak ISLAMABAD: President Donald Trump called on Tuesday for an immediate halt to military strikes on Iran. His words echoed the quiet diplomatic push by Pakistan, Turkey, and Egypt. These nations worked behind the scenes to cool tensions in the Middle East. Sources close to the matter revealed intense exchanges. Over the past two days, messages flew between the US and Iran. The goal stayed clear: avert full-scale conflict. Stabilize the volatile region. Pakistan led the charge with back-channel talks. Turkey and Egypt lent strong support. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif took the front seat. He steered Pakistan’s…