Chief of Defence Forces Australia General Angus J. Campbell called on Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee General Sahir Shamshad Mirza in Rawalpindi today. During the meeting, the two senior military leaders engaged in comprehensive discussions on defence and security cooperation, regional dynamics, and global security challenges. Both the sides reiterated resolve to further strengthen and enhance security and defence cooperation between the two countries. The Australian dignitaries appreciated the professional standards of Pakistan Armed Forces, their achievements in fight against terrorism and continued efforts for regional peace and stability. Earlier upon arrival, General Angus J. Campbell was presented Guard of Honour by a smartly turned-out tri-services contingent. General Angus J. Campbell is on official visit to Pakistan for 13th Round of Pakistan-Australia, Defence and Security Talks and 10th Round of 1.5 Track Security Dialogue. Source: Radio Pakistan
First Batch of 30 Electric Buses Arrives for Islamabad Transport Project
Islamabad's Urban Transport Project has made progress with the arrival of the first batch of 30 electric buses from China. Following clearance, these buses will be transported from Karachi to Islamabad and are expected to arrive by the end of next week. According to CDA sources, the buses will be moved to Islamabad on trailers. CDA Chairman Chaudhry Muhammad Ali Randhawa has directed that senior citizens and students receive subsidies under the urban transport project. An important meeting regarding the project was held at the CDA headquarters, chaired by Randhawa, and attended by senior officials from the CDA Transport Wing, including the Member Engineering. During the meeting, Randhawa requested a timeline for the construction of bus depots and instructed that charging points for electric buses be made operational promptly. In a briefing, CDA officials informed Randhawa that the remaining 70 buses would soon arrive in Pakistan. Tenders for depots at I-9, Tramari Chowk, and Zero Point have been issued, and the lowest received bid will be awarded the tender shortly. C Randhawa also directed a comparative review with the Punjab Metro Bus Authority model and instructed that efforts be made to extend the route to the Diplomatic Enclave. He stressed that the Islamabad bus service is an exemplary project and emphasized that any delays beyond the given timeline would not be tolerated. Source: Pro Pakistani
Zardari, Shehbaz express grief over death of Iranian President
President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif have expressed deep grief and sorrow over the tragic death of Iranian President Seyyed Ebrahim Raisi, in a helicopter crash. In their separate statements, the President and the Prime Minister extended heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families of the Iranian President, the Foreign Minister, and others who lost their lives in the accident. President Asif Ali Zardari paid tribute to President Raisi's dedicated services to the Muslim Ummah, highlighting his steadfast advocacy for the unity of Muslim Ummah. He emphasized that the Islamic World has lost a remarkable leader who always supported Muslim cause and deeply felt the sufferings of the Muslims globally, particularly the Palestinian and Kashmiri people. He said Pakistan mourns the loss of a great friend. Recalling his recent visit to Pakistan, he said the Iranian President always had a special place for Pakistan and its people. President Zardari described Raisi's passing as a great loss not only for Iran but for the entire Muslim Ummah. He said President Raisi will be dearly missed and fondly remembered in Iran, Pakistan, and the Islamic World for his efforts to enhance relations with regional and Islamic countries. In a post on his X handle, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said both the Iranian President and the Foreign Minister were good friends of Pakistan. He said Pakistan will observe a day of mourning and the flag will fly at half-mast as a mark of respect for President Raisi and his companions and in solidarity with the Iranian people. Shehbaz Sharif said the great Iranian nation will overcome this tragedy with customary courage. Pakistan has expressed deep shock and grief over the tragic news of the death of Iranian President Dr. Seyyed Ebrahim Raisi and the Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian in a helicopter crash. In a statement today, Foreign Office Spokesperson Mumtaz Zahra Baloch said we stand in solidarity with the Iranian people in this time of National tragedy. The spokesperson said President Dr. Seyyed Ebrahim Raisi and Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian were esteemed leaders and statesmen whose contributions to their country and reinforcing Pakistan-Iran relations and regional cooperation will always be remembered. They visited Pakistan this April when important understandings were reached by the two sides to further solidify the bilateral ties. The spokesperson reiterated Pakistan's commitment to furthering the bonds of friendship and cooperation with Iran, as envisioned by the late leaders. Source: Radio Pakistan
MCB Islamic Bank Partners with Techlogix for Oracle Flexcube Upgrade, Enhancing Customer Experience
MCB Islamic Bank has partnered with Techlogix (Private) Limited for a functional upgrade of the Oracle Flexcube Core Banking system. This upgrade represents a significant step forward in enhancing MCB's banking services, ensuring smoother transactions and better experiences for valued customers. The ceremony was attended by MCB Islamic Bank representatives including Mr. Zargham Khan Durrani (President and CEO), Mr. Abrar Aleem (Chief Information Officer), and Mr. Umer Sheikh (Business Head Digital Banking) alongside other officials from the Bank. From Techlogix, Mr. Salman Akhtar (Co-CEO) and other senior executives participated in the ceremony. Speaking about the partnership, Mr. Zargham Khan Durrani, President and CEO of MCB Islamic Bank commented: 'This collaboration signifies the bank's commitment to leveraging cutting-edge technology to enhance banking operations, demonstrating our unwavering dedication to delivering top-notch services to our customers.' Salman Akhtar, Co-CEO of Techlogix, added: 'We embark on this partnership not merely as an agreement between two entities, but as a promise towards pioneering future development.' Source: Pro Pakistani
No unilateral legislation on Digital Media Authority’s establishment: Attaullah
Minister for Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar has said the government has no intention of unilateral legislation regarding the establishment of Digital Media Authority. During a meeting with a delegation of National Press Club Islamabad, he said all journalist organizations and press clubs will be taken into confidence on matter. The Information Minister said health insurance scheme for journalists will soon be started. He said necessary steps will be taken for the construction of permanent building of the National Press Club and the improvement of the existing one. He assured to ensure provision of annual grant for the National Press Club. The Press Club delegation apprised the Information Minister about the problems faced by the journalist community. Source: Radio Pakistan
Italian investors invited to explore Pakistan’s potential in IT sector
Italian Ambassador Ms. Marilina Armellin called on Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb in Islamabad on Monday, to discuss the cooperation and longstanding relations between Pakistan and Italy. The Finance Minister welcomed the Italian Ambassador and highlighted the significant improvements in Pakistan's economic landscape. He discussed the government's achievements, in decreasing current account deficit, globalization of currency, the stock market reaching an all-time high and the successful completion of the nine-month Stand-By Arrangement with the International Monetary Fund. He further mentioned that the ministry is currently in engagement with the IMF mission for a new program on longer term basis. The Minister also outlined the government's strategic initiatives aimed at broadening the tax base by targeting previously untaxed and under-taxed segments. Additionally, he reiterated the government's commitment to privatize various State-Owned Enterprises, starting with Pakistan International Airlines also followed by major airports. He noted that the Government's policy reflects a shift from aid to investment in Pakistan's economic strategy. The Minister also shed light on Pakistan's potential in IT and agriculture sectors, inviting Italian investors to explore these investment areas. Ambassador Armellin acknowledged the promising economic indicators and appreciated the upward trend in Pakistan's economy. She emphasized the potential for enhanced cooperation between Italy and Pakistan, particularly in the textile, machinery, agriculture, and dairy sectors. The Finance Minister thanked the Italian government for their continued support and reiterated Pakistan's commitment to longstanding cooperation with Italy. Source: Radio Pakistan