Author: Asghar Ali Mubarak

Warning that exports were the only durable path to economic stability, Prime Minister said Pakistan needed a joint push by the state and business to improve branding, packaging, market intelligence and access to global markets By Asghar Ali Mubarak ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has expressed satisfaction over Pakistan’s exports reaching $2.7bn in the first month of the new fiscal year, describing the trend as encouraging for the wider economy. Export promotion, he said, was essential for sustainable growth and required joint efforts by the government and the private sector, including better branding, improved packaging, market intelligence and greater access…

By Asghar Ali Mubarak ISLAMABAD: The National Assembly witnessed a heated exchange between Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan (MQM-P) and the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) during debate over the Gul Plaza tragedy in Karachi. Representatives of the Muttahida Qaumi Movement–Pakistan (MQM-P) called for the creation of new administrative units and the strengthening of local government institutions, framing the move as a necessary step to improve governance in Karachi. Speaking after the tragic fire at Gul Plaza, party leader Farooq Sattar said the incident had “burned in the hearts of every citizen of Karachi,” reflecting the deep shock and grief that had swept…

By Asghar Ali Mubarak ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has said that Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) has received Rs800 billion over the past 15 years to counter terrorism, praising the province’s resilience while urging all provinces to benefit equally from national resources for Pakistan’s overall development. Speaking at a national workshop with KP participants, the prime minister lamented the use of propaganda and disinformation to influence young minds, saying that social media often disrespects the sacrifices of martyrs while echoing hostile voices from across the border. “The nation will not rest until all attackers, whether inside or outside Pakistan, are eliminated,”…

World Liberty Financial will work with the Finance Ministry to explore regulations, pilot initiatives, and uses of digital finance in trade, remittances, and other services By Asghar Ali Mubarak/Mehrab Shah Afridi ISLAMABAD: World Liberty Financial (WLF) signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Pakistan’s Ministry of Finance on Tuesday, marking a significant step in the country’s engagement with emerging financial technologies. The agreement was aimed at exploring innovation in digital finance, with a particular focus on the use of stablecoins for cross-border transactions. Officials described the MoU as a signal of growing global interest in Pakistan as a potential hub…

By Asghar Ali Mubarak ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said on Wednesday that after achieving economic stability, the government is now focusing on concrete measures to boost growth. He made the remarks in his opening statement while chairing a federal cabinet meeting in Islamabad. The prime minister said the government had signed a memorandum of understanding with a financial technology company to promote digital transactions. Under the agreement, digital infrastructure will be developed, and transactions will be carried out through data centres and cryptocurrency. He said this would significantly benefit Pakistan’s economy. Shehbaz Sharif also congratulated the armed forces and…

By Asghar Ali Mubarak ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has established a high-level committee to review a proposal declaring an export emergency, aimed at doubling Pakistan’s exports to $60 billion by removing bottlenecks such as delays in issuing genuine tax refunds, Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal said on Monday. Addressing a press conference, Iqbal said the committee would be chaired by Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar and tasked with reviewing proposals to boost exports. He added that the planning ministry had last month briefed civil and military leadership on strategies to reduce reliance on the International Monetary Fund, including a target…

By Asghar Ali Mubarak ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and the United Arab Emirates have agreed to introduce a pre-immigration clearance system aimed at streamlining travel between the two countries, officials said, with a formal agreement expected to be announced in the coming weeks. The initiative was finalized during meetings between Pakistan’s Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi and the UAE’s Director General of Customs and Port Security, who discussed the launch of a pilot scheme and agreed to maintain close coordination to ensure its smooth implementation. Under the proposed system, passengers departing from Pakistan will complete immigration and customs procedures before leaving the country,…

By Asghar Ali Mubarak ISLAMABAD: The 50th Chief of the Army Staff Polo and Tent Pegging Championship 2025 concluded at Lahore’s Jinnah Polo Fields with a closing ceremony that combined sporting spectacle with institutional symbolism, drawing senior officials and a large public audience to one of the country’s most prominent equestrian venues. Chief of the Army Staff and Chief of Defence Forces Field Marshal Asim Munir attended the ceremony as the chief guest. He was welcomed on arrival by the Corps Commander Lahore and the chairman of the Pakistan Polo Federation. The interior minister and the chief secretary of Punjab…

By Asghar Ali Mubarak ISLAMABAD: Pakistan is seeking to ease rising tensions between Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates over the conflict in Yemen. The diplomatic effort follows an airstrike by the Saudi-led Arab coalition on shipments of weapons and military vehicles reportedly coming from the UAE. In response, Saudi Arabia has demanded that the UAE withdraw its forces from Yemen within 24 hours. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has travelled to Rahim Yar Khan to meet the UAE president amid the escalating crisis. A spokesperson for the Arab coalition said the weapons were being delivered to Hadhramaut. The Saudi…

By Asghar Ali Mubarak ISLAMABAD: Senate Standing Committee on Economic Affairs has uncovered alleged irregularities worth billions of rupees in a Rs27bn solar energy project in Sindh, raising concerns over mismanagement and potential corruption in a program intended to provide renewable energy to low-income households. The committee chairman, Saifullah Abro, said during the session that NGOs had been selected without proper tendering procedures, with contracts reportedly awarded to preferred individuals. He highlighted a striking discrepancy in costs, noting that solar panels which should have cost Rs21,000 were reportedly procured at Rs60,000, suggesting deliberate manipulation to benefit certain parties. Officials from…