Author: Asghar Ali Mubarak

By Asghar Ali Mubarak ISLAMABAD:Former Pakistani ambassador Maleeha Lodhi said that the international community has not made a serious or coordinated effort to halt the escalating conflict involving Iran, Israel, and the United States, largely because many countries lack confidence in the policies of Donald Trump. Speaking to the media, Lodhi argued that the absence of trust in Washington’s leadership has made diplomatic mediation extremely difficult. According to her, many governments believe that negotiations led or influenced by Trump cannot be relied upon, because his administration often mixes diplomatic outreach with military escalation. This approach, she said, creates uncertainty about…

ISPR RAWALPINDI: The Pakistan Navy has launched Operation Muhafiz-ul-Bahr in response to emerging regional threats, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) announced. According to ISPR, comprehensive measures are being implemented to secure key maritime routes and ensure uninterrupted energy supplies. The Navy continues constant monitoring and guidance to protect commercial vessels, as 90% of Pakistan’s trade passes through sea routes, making maritime security a national priority. ISPR added that the Pakistan Navy is fully prepared to respond to evolving maritime challenges and safeguard the country’s interests at sea. #PakistanNavy #MaritimeSecurity #OperationMuhafizUlBahr #ISPR #RegionalThreats #EnergySupply #TradeSecurity #NavalOperations

By Asgher Ali Mubarak ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif announced a series of key government decisions aimed at reducing expenditures and addressing emerging regional challenges, saying peace in the region is under serious threat. In a televised address to the nation, the prime minister said Pakistan is facing terrorism on its western borders, adding that the country’s armed forces, under the leadership of the army chief, are striving to safeguard national security and sovereignty. He also expressed deep sorrow over the martyrdom of Ali Khamenei and his family, and condemned attacks on Gulf countries including Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Qatar, and…

By Asgher Ali Mubarak ISLAMABAD: The United States Embassy in Pakistan has cancelled all visa appointments in Islamabad from March 9 to March 13, according to an official statement. The embassy said routine and emergency services for US citizens in Islamabad will continue as usual during this period. Visa applicants will be informed through email about the rescheduling of their appointments. Meanwhile, consular services at the US consulates in Karachi and Lahore have also been temporarily suspended. The embassy advised applicants to keep checking their email and the official website for updates regarding new appointment dates and other relevant information.…

By Asgher Ali Mubarak SLAMABAD: Federal Information Minister Attaullah Tarar on Sunday reported that 583 Afghan Taliban operatives have been killed during the ongoing Operation Ghazab Lil Haq.The operation has also left more than 795 personnel injured, and 242 Taliban check-posts were destroyed, the minister added. Security forces captured 38 check-posts and destroyed 205 tanks, armoured vehicles, and artillery units.Airstrikes carried out during the operation successfully targeted 64 locations across Afghanistan, demonstrating the effectiveness of coordinated land and aerial action against Taliban positions.The operation continues as part of Pakistan’s broader counter-terrorism campaign, aiming to dismantle militant infrastructure and weaken the…

By Asghar Ali Mubarak ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Railways has announced an increase in train fares for passenger and freight services, effective from March 9, following a sharp rise in diesel prices. The fare adjustment comes after diesel prices jumped by around 20%, significantly increasing the operational cost of running trains across the country. Railway officials said the hike was necessary to maintain services and offset the rising fuel expenses. Economy and AC class fares revised Economy class fares have been increased by 5%, while AC class fares have been raised by 10%, a Pakistan Railways spokesperson confirmed. The increase will cover…

By Asghar Ali Mubarak ISLAMABAD: The government’s sharp increase in aviation fuel prices is expected to push airline ticket fares higher and escalate operational costs across the aviation sector. The price of GP1 jet fuel, used by commercial aircraft, has been raised by Rs154 per liter, jumping from Rs188.93 to Rs342.37 per liter—an 82% increase in a short period. Aviation experts warn that this record hike could prompt airlines to raise ticket prices by up to Rs5,000 per passenger to offset the higher operating costs. The government has also increased fuel prices for small training aircraft and air ambulance services,…

By Asghar Ali Mubarak ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has directed the preparation of a comprehensive plan in coordination with provincial governments to ensure uninterrupted supply of petroleum products amid the ongoing crisis in the Middle East. During a high-level meeting chaired by the prime minister, officials reviewed the current economic situation in light of global developments. Participants were briefed in detail on how recent international tensions could impact Pakistan’s economy, particularly in terms of energy supplies and petroleum product availability. The prime minister instructed the concerned committee to prepare a strategy emphasizing austerity, conservation, and savings, and requested actionable…

By Asghar Ali Mubarak ISLAMABAD: Pakistan currently has sufficient supplies of petrol and diesel and there is no shortage of petroleum products in the country, according to Imran Ghaznavi, spokesperson for the Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (OGRA). Speaking to Geo News over the telephone, Ghaznavi said people had rushed to purchase more fuel before the price increase, which temporarily created panic in the market. He added that the rumors circulating earlier have now subsided and the situation has returned to normal. He said strict monitoring of petrol pumps is being carried out across the country, while oil marketing companies…

By Asghar Ali Mubarak ISLAMABAD: Petroleum Minister Ali Pervaiz Malik has assured that petrol and diesel prices in Pakistan will be reduced as soon as the situation stabilizes, with weekly reviews of fuel rates to be conducted. Speaking to journalists, the minister said the recent increase in petroleum prices was a difficult but necessary decision due to extraordinary circumstances in global oil markets. He warned that strict action would be taken against those who hoarded fuel to profit from artificial shortages. More Details: https://metro-morning.com/petrol-and-diesel-prices-rise-by-rs55-amid-middle-east-crisis/ Minister Malik added that Pakistan had increased its fuel reserves in response to the situation. Following…