Lahore/Islamabad (Web Desk): Minister of State and Chairman of the Pakistan Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (Pakistan Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority), Bilal bin Saqib, met Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Friday to discuss ongoing developments in Pakistan’s digital and financial technology sector.

During the meeting, the Prime Minister instructed that a robust and globally compatible regulatory framework for virtual assets should be implemented without delay to support the growth of the digital economy and improve investor trust in the sector.

He further stressed the importance of equipping the youth with modern skills, particularly in artificial intelligence and digital finance, so they can meet emerging global economic demands.

Bilal bin Saqib briefed the Prime Minister on the progress of transforming the Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority into a fully functional regulatory body, along with the introduction of a regulatory sandbox aimed at encouraging innovation.

The briefing also highlighted new initiatives involving AI-driven payment systems and regulated virtual asset services, while confirming ongoing efforts to strengthen institutions, workforce capacity, and regulatory structures in preparation for future economic changes.
 
 
 

Islamabad (Web Desk): Federal Information and Broadcasting Minister Attaullah Tarar said on Friday that Pakistan’s success in “Operation Bunyan-un-Marsoos” (Iron Wall) had elevated the country’s position and marked a significant moment in its historical journey.

While speaking at a ceremony marking the first anniversary of Marka-e-Haq, he said the month of May completed one year since what he described as a divinely granted victory for the Pakistani nation.

 He added that the passion and excitement shown by students at the event clearly demonstrated that Pakistan’s future was secure and in responsible hands.

The minister described Pakistan as a great blessing from Allah, achieved after the countless sacrifices of Muslims of the subcontinent. He further said that the dream envisioned by Allama Muhammad Iqbal was fulfilled under the leadership of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, which ultimately led to the creation of a free homeland.

Referring to tensions in the region, Tarar said Pakistan’s opponents had never accepted its existence peacefully and continued to engage in conspiracies against the country. He stated that during what he called the “false flag operation” in Pahalgam, Pakistan maintained a clear stance and even proposed an independent and transparent inquiry.

The minister alleged that Pakistan was consistently engaged in combating terrorism, whereas India was involved in promoting it, adding that the global community was gradually acknowledging this distinction.

Speaking about leadership during the conflict, he said Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif provided decisive guidance by calling for an investigation into the Pahalgam incident, while Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir led the defence planning. He also claimed that eight Indian aircraft were downed during the operations.

He added that Pakistan’s counter-response, including Fateh missile strikes on Indian defence positions, rapidly altered the situation and led Indian officials to request de-escalation within a few hours.

Criticizing Indian media, he said it had spread false narratives, including claims regarding the destruction of the “Port of Lahore” and “Port of Multan,” which he said were widely disproven at the international level.

Tarar stated that Pakistan had achieved success across diplomatic, informational, and military domains, calling it a historic achievement that would be remembered for years. He said the outcome reflected the strong unity between the people and armed forces of Pakistan, which stood together like an “Iron Wall” under the spirit of Bunyan-un-Marsoos.

He emphasized that this unity played a vital role in the success achieved. Federal Information Secretary Ashfaq Ahmed Khalil was also present at the ceremony.

Later, the minister participated in a candlelight vigil with students to honour the martyrs of Operation Bunyan-un-Marsoos and paid tribute to their sacrifices.
 
 
 

Sanya, China  (Web Desk): President Asif Ali Zardari departed for Pakistan after completing a highly successful five-day official visit to China aimed at deepening bilateral economic cooperation and expanding strategic ties between the two countries.

At the conclusion of the visit, senior Communist Party of China leader Wang Qiang from Hainan, along with other high-ranking officials, saw the president off at Sanya Airport with a warm farewell ceremony.

During the visit, Pakistan and Chinese companies signed several agreements and memorandums of understanding across multiple sectors, opening new avenues for economic collaboration between the longtime allies.

President Zardari invited the Chinese business community to invest in Pakistan’s Special Economic Zones (SEZs) and emphasized the importance of joint ventures in agriculture, energy and information technology.

He also held meetings with Chinese leadership and prominent business figures, where both sides agreed to accelerate the second phase of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor.

Speaking at the farewell ceremony, Chinese officials reaffirmed their commitment to further strengthening strategic relations with Pakistan.

President Zardari thanked the Chinese leadership for their hospitality and described the visit as a milestone in enhancing economic partnership and long-term cooperation between the two countries.