Author: Asghar Ali Mubarak

By Asghar Ali Mubarak ISLAMABAD: President Asif Ali Zardari said on Friday that Pakistan attaches great importance to its close and brotherly ties with Uzbekistan, describing the partnership as natural and enduring, rooted in shared history, culture, and faith. President Zardari made the remarks during a meeting with his Uzbek counterpart, President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, who called on him at Aiwan-e-Sadr, according to a press release from the presidency. He said Pakistan was committed to elevating bilateral relations through closer cooperation in connectivity, trade, and people-to-people contacts. Describing President Mirziyoyev as a visionary statesman, Zardari praised his leadership in transforming Uzbekistan…

Pakistan points to Indian-backed Afghan proxy in deadly attack, raising fresh concerns over India’s cross-border terrorism By Asghar Ali Mubarak/Syed Tauqeer Zaidi ISLAMABAD: At least 31 people were killed and 169 others injured when a suicide bomber detonated himself inside an imambargah during Friday prayers in Islamabad’s Tarlai area, officials confirmed. The explosion occurred at Imambargah Khadijah al-Kubra. Eyewitnesses told Daily Metro Morning that the bomber was stopped at the mosque’s entrance. They said the attackers opened fire before the explosion. The eyewitnesses said the main door is at least 30 metres from the imambargah’s gate. Guards tried to stop…

By Asghar Ali Mubarak ISLAMABAD: Condemnations poured in after a suicide bomber targeted Imambargah Khadijah al-Kubra in Islamabad’s Tarlai area, killing at least 31 worshippers and injuring dozens during Friday prayers. The United States strongly condemned the attack, calling all acts of terror and violence unacceptable, the US Embassy in Islamabad said. Charge d’Affaires Natalie A Baker offered condolences to the wounded and the families of the dead. The embassy added that violence against civilians and places of worship could never be justified. It reiterated Washington’s support for Pakistan’s efforts to maintain peace and security and pledged continued commitment to…

The prime minister reaffirmed Pakistan’s resolve to deepen economic ties with Uzbekistan, signalling a broad-based push for cooperation across trade, energy, investment and regional connectivity By Asghar Ali Mubarak/Mehrab Shah Afridi ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and Uzbekistan have agreed to raise bilateral trade to $2bn within the next five years. The agreement was formalized through a protocol on enhancing bilateral trade and economic cooperation, signed in Islamabad on Thursday evening by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Uzbekistan’s President Shavkat Mirziyoyev. Under the protocol, both sides will establish a joint working group to develop an action plan. The group will identify priority sectors…

The Field Marshal met local notables and veterans, reaffirming the nation’s steadfast solidarity with Kashmiris amid persistent tensions along the Line of Control By Asghar Ali Mubarak ISLAMABAD: Chief of Army Staff and Chief of Defence Forces Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir reiterated Pakistan’s unwavering political, moral, and diplomatic support for the people of Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir during a visit to Muzaffarabad on Thursday. The Field Marshal met with local notables and veterans, underlining the country’s enduring solidarity with Kashmiris amid ongoing tensions along the Line of Control. He condemned Indian atrocities, persistent human rights violations, and…

Regional peace will remain elusive, the prime minister warned, until India abandons what he described as aggressive and expansionist ambitions destabilising South Asia By Asghar Ali Mubara/Mehrab Shah Afridi ISLAMABAD: In the wake of recent deadly attacks in Balochistan, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif accused India on Thursday of orchestrating terrorism across Pakistan through proxy groups, following what he described as a humiliating defeat in Marka-e-Haq — the period of conflict with India from 22 April to 10 May last year. “Durable peace in South Asia cannot be established until India abandons its aggressive, expansionist designs and nefarious conspiracies,” the prime…

By Asghar Ali Mubarak ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif announced on Wednesday that Pakistan will not face India in the upcoming T20 World Cup, reaffirming the country’s clear stance on keeping politics separate from sport. Speaking to ministers at a cabinet meeting, Sharif said, “Sports should be free of political interference. We must stand with Bangladesh and uphold the spirit of fair play.” The prime minister also addressed Pakistan’s diplomatic efforts amid tensions in Iran, noting that he, the Deputy Prime Minister, and the country’s military chief had engaged in multiple meetings and telephone conversations with Iranian leadership. PM Shehbaz…

Smuggled Iranian fuel, bought at Rs40 per liter and sold in Karachi for Rs200, is fueling violence linked to terrorist financing By Asghar Ali Mubarak ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s defence minister, Khawaja Asif, has claimed that terrorists in Balochistan are earning up to Rs4bn a day through the smuggling of Iranian fuel, warning that a crackdown on criminal networks has triggered a backlash against the state. Addressing the National Assembly, Asif said large-scale smuggling of fuel and other goods had gone unchecked for years, generating billions of rupees. He said the government’s recent enforcement drive had disrupted these operations, prompting smugglers and…

The prime minister warmly welcomed Banga, praising the World Bank Group’s enduring partnership with Pakistan By Asghar Ali Mubarak ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif acknowledged the World Bank Group’s critical role in supporting Pakistan’s economic development and reform initiatives during a meeting with its president, Ajay Banga, at the Prime Minister’s House on Monday. The visit marked Banga’s first official trip to Pakistan as head of the global financial institution. The prime minister welcomed Banga warmly and expressed appreciation for the World Bank Group’s long-standing partnership with Pakistan. He highlighted the institution’s commitment to supporting the country’s development priorities, particularly…

By Asghar Ali Mubarak ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Tourism, Sports, and Family Festival 2026 was officially launched at F-9 Park by the Prime Minister’s Coordinator for Tourism, Sardar Yasir Ilyas Khan, marking the beginning of a multi-day celebration showcasing Pakistan’s cultural, recreational, and tourism potential. Organized by the Ministry of Inter-Provincial Coordination (IPC), the Pakistan Tourism Development Corporation (PTDC), provincial tourism departments, and public and private sector partners, the festival opened with tent pegging competitions and was attended by diplomats and cultural representatives from Turkey, Indonesia, Nepal, Nigeria, Iran, Turkmenistan, Azerbaijan, Uzbekistan, Iraq, and Saudi Arabia, reflecting strong international interest and…