RAWALPINDI, APR 6 /DNA/ – Pakistan–Egypt Joint Exercise Thunder-II is a bilateral counter-terrorism exercise conducted between the armies of Pakistan and Egypt.

Two weeks long exercise commenced on 06 April 2026 at the Special Operations School, Cherat, Pakistan. Troops from the Special Services Group of the Pakistan Army and Special Forces of the Egyptian Army are participating in the exercise. The Commandant Special Operations School, Cherat, graced the opening ceremony as Chief Guest.

The exercise is aimed at enhancing professional skills through joint training, while further strengthening the longstanding military-to-military relations between the two friendly countries. Participating troops will benefit from the exchange of mutual experiences and expertise, particularly in the conduct of counter-terrorism operations.

ISLAMABAD, APR 6 /DNA/ – Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister Senator Ishaq Dar @MIshqqDar50 spoke today with Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State (Minister of State) Hamish Falconer @HFalconerMP.

They discussed the evolving regional situation. Mr Falconer appreciated Pakistan’s efforts to promote dialogue and diplomacy in support of peace and stability in the region.

Both sides reaffirmed the strength of Pakistan-UK relations and agreed to remain in close contact.

ISLAMABAD, Apr 6 (DNA): “Strengthening institutional linkages between the judiciaries of Pakistan and Türkiye is vital for enhancing efficiency, accessibility, and transparency in the administration of justice,” said Chief Justice of Pakistan Justice Yahya Afridi on Monday.

The remarks came as the Supreme Court of Pakistan hosted a high-level delegation from the Constitutional Court of Türkiye, led by its President Kadir Özkaya, who is visiting Pakistan as a state guest.

A key highlight of the visit was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on judicial cooperation between the two institutions. The agreement was signed by Chief Justice Yahya Afridi and President Kadir Özkaya during a ceremony held at the Supreme Court Monday.

The event was attended by judges of the Federal Constitutional Court, chief justices of all high courts including Azad Jammu and Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan, the federal minister for law and justice, the attorney general for Pakistan, senior government officials, members of the district judiciary, and representatives of the legal fraternity.

Welcoming the delegation, the Chief Justice emphasized that such engagements play a crucial role in improving judicial performance and strengthening institutional cooperation.

In his remarks, President Özkaya appreciated the warm hospitality extended to the delegation and underscored the importance of sustained judicial dialogue and knowledge sharing between the two countries.

The MoU provides a comprehensive framework for cooperation, including judicial exchanges, capacity building, professional training, and sharing of best practices in adjudication and court administration. It places particular emphasis on the professional development of the district judiciary through joint training programmes, academic exchanges, and exposure to comparative legal systems.

The agreement also envisages collaboration in adopting modern technologies in judicial processes, including digitalisation and e-courts, to enhance efficiency, transparency, and access to justice. It further includes provisions for joint research initiatives, exchange of legal knowledge and jurisprudence, and the establishment of a joint working group to ensure effective implementation.

As a symbolic gesture of friendship and partnership, the visiting delegation planted a sapling within the premises of the Supreme Court, reflecting the strong fraternal ties between Pakistan and Türkiye and their shared commitment to sustainability.

The development marks a significant step towards deepening judicial cooperation between the two countries, reaffirming their commitment to the rule of law and institutional reform through sustained collaboration.

ISLAMABAD, Apr 06: Federal Minister for Railways Muhammad Hanif Abbasi on Monday chaired a meeting to review a wide-ranging digital transformation plan for Pakistan Railways, including real-time tracking of locomotives and assets, smart surveillance and passenger-focused services.

Senior officials of the Frontier Works Organisation (FWO), including its chief technical officer and chief operating officer, briefed the minister on progress under the Railways Advanced Infrastructure Network (RAIN) Phase-I — a key component of the department’s modernisation drive.

Officials said a locomotive tracking system comprising around 700 devices was being introduced to enable end-to-end monitoring of train movements.

In parallel, a rolling stock tracking system involving about 6,000 devices, along with the installation of 14,000 RFID tag devices, would allow closer oversight of railway assets and operations.

The briefing also covered the establishment of modern control rooms at the railway headquarters and across all divisions, provision of free Wi-Fi for passengers, and deployment of a smart surveillance system in major cities in the initial phase, including Karachi, Lahore and Sukkur.

A real-time fuel monitoring system is also part of the initiative, aimed at improving operational efficiency and transparency.

Separately, officials apprised the minister of digital systems being introduced in collaboration with the Punjab Information Technology Board (PITB). An advanced attendance management system is expected to become fully operational within a week, with the aim of ensuring discipline and transparency in staff attendance.

The meeting was further informed that an e-inspection regime is being launched to enable real-time monitoring of field operations. The system is expected to bring significant improvements in inspection processes and asset management.

According to officials, all major digital projects being executed with FWO’s support are likely to be completed within the current financial year, after which Pakistan Railways’ operational framework would be substantially upgraded.

Speaking on the occasion, Abbasi said the reforms were aligned with the prime minister’s vision to transform Pakistan Railways into a modern, efficient and internationally competitive transport system.

He said the digitalisation drive would not only enhance institutional performance but also strengthen transparency, accountability and passenger services.

The minister reiterated the government’s commitment to developing Pakistan Railways into a safe, reliable and modern mode of transport capable of supporting the country’s economic growth.

ISLAMABAD, APR 6 /DNA/ – Sardar Tahir Mehmood, President of the Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ICCI), has emphasized that while Pakistan has firmly established its strategic strength as a nuclear power, the nation must now demonstrate an equal resolve in building a resilient, self-reliant economy.

Addressing a delegation of visiting businessmen at the Chamber House on Monday, he stated that a strong defence framework remains indispensable for national security; however, long-term sovereignty and prosperity are ultimately anchored in economic stability and sustainability.

He emphasized the urgent need for the government to move beyond repetitive taxation of compliant taxpayers and instead adopt pragmatic measures to broaden the tax base. Expanding the tax net, he noted, is crucial for ensuring fairness, enhancing revenue collection, and promoting economic confidence.

Highlighting key growth drivers, he stressed that Pakistan must prioritize export-led growth through structural reforms in agriculture, industry, and technology, while simultaneously reducing dependence on imports by strengthening domestic production capabilities.

Sardar Tahir Mehmood further called for decisive action to rationalize public expenditure, advocating for transparent and responsible fiscal management. He remarked that disciplined financial governance and deep-rooted structural reforms are essential for positioning Pakistan as a robust economic power alongside its strategic capabilities.

The ICCI President also urged the government to introduce a comprehensive and investor-friendly incentive framework for overseas Pakistanis, particularly to attract capital into the real estate and construction sectors. He noted that overseas Pakistanis have consistently been a cornerstone of economic support, and with improved facilitation, stronger investor protection, and competitive incentives, their contributions can be significantly enhanced.

Increased investment in real estate and construction would act as a catalyst for economic activity, generating employment and stimulating a wide range of allied industries, thereby contributing meaningfully to sustainable economic growth, he concluded.

ISLAMABAD, APR 6 /DNA/ – The Higher Education Commission (HEC) Pakistan has successfully conducted National Skill Competency Test (NSCT) nationwide for the students enrolled in the 7^th and 8^th semesters of computing programmes.  

The test, held across 165 centres in 112 cities, marked a major step towards strengthening skills assessment and opportunities for students across Pakistan.

Federal Minister for IT & Telecommunications Shaza Fatima Khawaja, along with the Federal Secretary IT, visited the Virtual University Control Centre in Islamabad, where they were briefed by HEC on the overall progress. Live monitoring of centres was observed, reflecting the scale and coordination of this effort. 

The Minister appreciated the contributions of universities, institutional heads, focal persons, and on-ground teams whose dedication ensured the smooth and successful conduct of NSCT.  

Chairman HEC Dr. Niaz Ahmad Akhtar also visited the VU and noted that the test was conducted smoothly and efficiently. He appreciated the Rector and the Virtual University team for executing the initiative effectively.

The free-of-charge, computer-based NSCT enables the IT students to be part of the national IT talent pool and have access to employment opportunities in the IT industry. High-achieving students will receive a joint certificate by HEC, Pakistan Software Export Board (PSEB), and Pakistan Software Houses Association (P@SHA). In addition, the qualifying students will receive one academic credit from their respective institutions and gain prioritised access to internships, apprenticeships, and international certification pathways.

HEC announced the commencement of NSCT for IT graduates in January as a landmark initiative to align academic outcomes with the rapidly evolving demands of the global technology sector.