Author: Asghar Ali Mubarak

By Asghar Ali Shah ISLAMABAD: Petrol and diesel prices in Pakistan were increased by Rs55 per litre following a federal government revision amid soaring global oil rates and ongoing tensions in the Middle East. The new price of petrol is Rs321.17 per litre, while diesel has been fixed at Rs335.86 per litre. Petroleum Minister Ali Pervaiz Malik warned of strict action against fuel hoarders, saying Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif had taken notice of reports regarding illegal stockpiling. He noted that while no immediate shortage is visible, the country is facing extraordinary circumstances, as much of Pakistan’s energy supply passes through…

By Asghar Ali Mubarak ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has directed strict action against petrol pumps and individuals involved in hoarding petroleum products or creating artificial shortages, warning that licenses of violating pumps will be cancelled. During a high-level meeting on petroleum stocks, consumption, and supply amid regional tensions, the prime minister called hoarding a “heinous business” and stressed that the government will not tolerate market manipulation. Officials confirmed that Pakistan currently has adequate petroleum reserves to meet national demand. To ensure uninterrupted supply, the prime minister ordered the creation of a real-time monitoring dashboard to track fuel movement nationwide,…

By Asghar Ali Mubarak ISLAMABAD: Information Minister Attaullah Tarar said that 527 fighters linked to the Afghan Taliban had been killed during the ongoing military campaign named Operation Ghazab Lil Haq, describing the operation as a major step to counter militant threats along the border. Sharing details of the operation, Tarar said that more than 755 Taliban fighters had also been injured during the campaign. He said Pakistani forces destroyed 237 Taliban checkpoints and took control of 38 additional posts during the operation. According to the minister, 205 pieces of military equipment belonging to the Afghan Taliban — including tanks,…

By Asghar Ali Mubarak ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has expressed serious concern over a recent deal between India and Canada for the supply of uranium and advanced reactor technology, warning that it could destabilize regional security and weaken international nuclear non-proliferation standards. Foreign Office Spokesperson Tahir Andrabi said the agreement, under which Canada will provide uranium and advanced reactor technology to India, represents an exception to international nuclear norms. He described the move as potentially disturbing the strategic balance in South Asia. Historical context of India’s nuclear programAndrabi recalled that India conducted its first nuclear explosion in 1974 using a reactor supplied…

By Asghar Ali Mubarak ISLAMABAD: The National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (Nepra) has approved an increase of Rs1.63 per unit in electricity prices, which will apply to all consumers across Pakistan, including K-Electric users, starting with March bills. More Details: https://metro-morning.com/nepra-raises-electricity-tariff-by-35-paisa-per-unit/ The rise comes under the monthly fuel adjustment for January and is expected to add over Rs15 billion to the overall consumer burden. Nepra’s decision follows a request from the Central Power Purchasing Agency (CPPA) for a Rs1.78 per unit hike. After verifying the data, Nepra finalized the increase, citing higher reliance on imported liquefied natural gas (LNG) and…

Asghar Ali Mubarak ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s military intensified its campaign against the Afghan Taliban regime with a major strike on Afghanistan’s Bagram Air Base, marking a significant escalation in Operation Ghazab Lil Haq. Satellite images and international reports confirmed the destruction of an aircraft hangar and two warehouses at the strategic facility. The Pakistan Air Force carried out the attack as part of a broader offensive targeting Taliban and militant groups, including Fitna al-Khawarij, along the Afghan border. Satellite imagery revealed severe damage to key infrastructure at Bagram, significantly reducing the operational capability of the base. The New York Times described…

By Asghar Ali Mubarak ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif met a delegation from the Pakistan Peoples Party Parliamentarians (PPPP) on Monday to discuss the country’s political situation and broader regional developments. The talks underscored ongoing dialogue between coalition partners amid a complex political and security environment. The Prime Minister described the PPP as a key partner in government and expressed appreciation for the party’s support in critical decisions affecting national development and policy implementation. He stressed that the backing of the PPP had been essential in enabling decisive measures across governance, economic planning, and public policy, framing the partnership…

By Asghar Ali MUbarak ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif has directed all government institutions to adopt digital tools and include QR codes on every bill, aiming to make transactions easier and more transparent for citizens. The announcement was made during a review meeting focused on advancing Pakistan’s cashless economy. The Prime Minister stressed the need for swift implementation of digital payment targets, warning that delays could undermine efforts to modernize the country’s financial system. He highlighted the importance of efficiency, transparency, and convenience in all government transactions. Shehbaz Sharif praised the economic team and the State Bank of Pakistan…

By Asghar Ali Mubarak ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif convened a high-level meeting on Sunday to review Pakistan’s regional and domestic security situation, focusing on both external threats and internal law and order. The session examined the evolving security environment in Afghanistan and its potential impact on Pakistan, while authorities reviewed domestic arrangements to ensure readiness against any internal challenges. Under the Prime Minister’s directives, officials also discussed plans for the evacuation of Pakistani nationals from Iran amid rising Middle East tensions, with operations coordinated through Azerbaijan. The meeting included senior political, military, and administrative figures, including Deputy Prime Minister…

By Asghar Ali Mubarak RAWALPINDI: Saeed Yousuf Khan has been elected president of the Rawalpindi High Court Bar Association for 2026-27 after securing 1,520 votes in a closely watched contest. According to results announced by the election board, Qasim Mahmood Malik won the post of secretary general with 887 votes. Shazia Yousuf Raja was elected senior vice-president with 1,351 votes, while Naila Firdous Kayani secured 1,274 votes to become vice-president. Sheikh Fahad Fayyaz was elected joint secretary with 1,211 votes. Earlier, the additional secretary for women, the library secretary and six members of the executive council were elected unopposed. Three…