Author: Asghar Ali Mubarak

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 has voiced serious concern over what it described as a surge in attacks on minorities in India, with particular alarm over incidents targeting Muslims during the recent Christmas period. A spokesperson for Pakistan’s Foreign Office characterized the situation as “alarming” and condemned acts of vandalism and violence directed at Muslim communities, highlighting what they described as a broader pattern of state-backed campaigns against the minority population. The spokesperson pointed to reports of homes being destroyed and communities under threat, saying these incidents contributed to an atmosphere of fear and insecurity. Citing the lynching of…

Pakistan’s military, tested by a brief yet intense South Asian clash, demonstrated disciplined resolve and strategic precision, asserting its regional readiness By Asghar Ali Mubarak ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s deputy prime minister and foreign minister, Ishaq Dar, has said that the country has regained respect and recognition on the global stage, arguing that recent diplomatic and military developments had tested and strengthened Pakistan’s standing. Briefing journalists in Islamabad on what he described as Pakistan’s diplomatic successes, Dar reflected on the recent four-day conflict between Pakistan and India, relations with neighboring and regional countries, and expanding ties with key global partners. He said…

By Asghar Ali Mubarak ISLAMABAD: The 18th anniversary of the assassination of former prime minister Benazir Bhutto was marked across Pakistan on Saturday with tributes, prayers and political gatherings held in her memory. Events organized by the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) took place nationwide, with supporters observing the day with what the party described as devotion, respect and renewed political resolve. The central commemorative rally was held at Garhi Khuda Bakhsh in Sindh, where Bhutto is buried, drawing party workers and supporters from across the country who arrived in large convoys. Addressing the gathering, PPP chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari paid…

By Asghar Ali Mubarak ISLAMABAD: National Assembly Speaker Ayaz Sadiq suggested that the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) and Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) are considering a long-term strategic approach in parliamentary affairs, reflecting ongoing political negotiations in the country. Speaking in Sukkur, Sadiq emphasized that any engagement by the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) would require the party’s representatives to participate directly in National Assembly discussions, underlining the importance of formal parliamentary channels for dialogue. The remarks followed Sadiq’s visit, alongside Prime Minister’s Adviser Rana Sanaullah, to the mausoleum of former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto in Garhi Khuda Bakhsh, where both leaders offered…

By Asghar Ali Mubarak ISLAMABAD: Islamabad has formally issued a demarche to the Acting British High Commissioner, raising concerns over threats made against Pakistan’s military leadership during a protest outside the Pakistani consulate in Bradford, UK. According to Foreign Office sources, Deputy Head of Mission Matt Kennel was summoned to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs around 2 pm, in the absence of High Commissioner Jane Marriott, who is currently away from the country. Pakistan lodged a strong protest over the incident and demanded that the UK take action against those involved. The protest reportedly involved demonstrators using a political party’s…

By Asghar Ali Mubarak NUR KHAN: A rare and symbolic moment took place at Nur Khan Airbase on Monday as the President of the United Arab Emirates, Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, returned a salute from Pakistan’s army chief, Field Marshal Asim Munir, during the start of his first official visit to Islamabad. The exchange, witnessed by senior officials, was widely seen as a reflection of the warmth and depth of the bilateral ties between the two countries, highlighting decades of close political, military, and economic cooperation. Sheikh Mohammed’s aircraft was met with a high-profile reception upon entering Pakistani…

A one-day Islamabad meeting underscored historic ties and future cooperation ambitions, marking a pivotal moment in strengthening bilateral relations By Asghar Ali Mubarak/Mehrab Shah Afridi ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif hosted United Arab Emirates President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, marking the first such visit of the UAE leader to Pakistan since assuming the presidency. The one-day meeting, held in Islamabad, was framed as a pivotal step in reinforcing the long-standing bonds between the two nations, highlighting both historical ties and ambitions for future cooperation. According to an official statement issued by the government, the discussions focused on deepening…

By Asghar Ali Mubarak LONDON: Pakistan has called on the British government to take swift legal action after video footage emerged showing individuals in the UK making death threats against the country’s military leadership. According to Pakistani officials, the video, circulated on 23 December 2025 via a PTI-associated UK account, depicted protesters openly threatening Field Marshal Asim Munir with a car-bomb attack. The footage reportedly included a woman stating that anyone could target the army chief with explosives. Authorities in Islamabad condemned the video as incitement to terrorism rather than an exercise of free speech or political dissent. Officials said…

By Asghar Ali Mubarak RAWALPINDI: Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir attended the Christmas celebrations at Christ Church in Rawalpindi, joining members of the Christian community in marking one of the year’s most cherished occasions. The senior military official offered warm Christmas greetings and conveyed his wishes for peace, prosperity, and harmony, highlighting the spirit of the festival as a moment for reflection and togetherness. During his visit, the Field Marshal paid homage to Pakistan’s founding father, Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, invoking the principles that underpinned the creation of the nation. He drew attention to Jinnah’s enduring vision of equality, freedom,…