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Business Recorder
a day ago
- Politics
- Business Recorder
AJK PM pays tribute to Kashmiri martyrs for their role in freedom
ISLAMABAD: Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) Prime Minister (PM) Chaudhry Anwar-ul-Haq on Sunday recognised the courage of the Kashmiri martyrs of 13 July, emphasizing that their sacrifice formed the bedrock of the Kashmiri freedom movement, a fight that will endure. In an exclusive conversation with a local news channel, he emphasised that the spirit of resistance shown by the martyrs continues to inspire generations of Kashmiris. He urged the international community to acknowledge the Kashmiris' legitimate right to self-determination and called for renewed efforts to resolve the longstanding conflict through peaceful dialogue. Anwar ul Haq further reaffirmed that the struggle for Kashmir's freedom is a collective responsibility that will carry on until justice is achieved. Responding a query, he also warned that India's brutality shows no signs of abating, despite the courageous response from our Shaheen brave Pakistani armed forces. He stressed that if such aggression is not stopped, it will only lead to further escalation and intensified resistance from the Kashmiri people. He warned that if such aggression persists, it will only harden the resolve of Kashmiris, escalate their struggle for freedom and provoke a fierce and uncompromising response from Pakistan's armed forces. He also held India responsible for the ongoing bloodshed and violence in Balochistan, accusing it of fueling unrest and destabilizing the region through covert operations. He warned that such interference not only threatens regional peace but also undermines the sovereignty and security of neighboring countries, calling on the international community to take notice and hold India accountable for its actions.
Business Recorder
3 days ago
- Business
- Business Recorder
CBS implementation: BAJK, Malaysia tech consortium sign contract agreement
ISLAMABAD: The Bank of Azad Jammu and Kashmir (BAJK), on Friday, signed a contract agreement with Malaysia-based global technology consortium Silverlake to implement a state-of-the-art 'Core Banking System (CBS)' envisaging digital transformation, enhance efficiency, improve customer experience, and enable the rollout of innovative digital services. The contract-signing ceremony, held here on Friday was attended among others by AJK Prime Minister Azad Kashmir Chaudhry Anwarul Haq, senior officials from BAJK and the Consortium partners, government representatives and key stakeholders from the financial and technology sectors marking a pivotal moment in the financial modernisation of the region. The major technology upgrade is set to replace BAJK's legacy systems with a modern, centralised, and real-time banking platform. The new CBS will integrate all of the bank's operations, enhance efficiency, improve customer experience, and enable the rollout of innovative digital services. The CBS project will be rolled out in phases and is expected to fully operational across all BAJK branches within next 24 months. With a growing network of branches and commitment to development, BAJK plays a vital in the socioeconomic uplift of Azad Jammu and Kashmir. Addressing on this occasion, Anwarul Haq reaffirmed the government's commitment to utilising all possible resources to modernise the BAJK and align it with present day financial requirements. Terming modernisation of the bank as a significant milestone in the financial sector, he said that the government will provide all resources for the development of the bank. He said that the people of Azad Kashmir were eager to seeing this institution ranked among the country's top banks. The PM further stated that the scope of AJK Bank would be further expanded. The government, he said, was determined to secure scheduled bank status for the institution. "Today is a momentous occasion for Azad Jammu & Kashmir as we witness a strategic leap in our financial infrastructure. The agreement between BAJK and Silverlake is not merely a technological upgrade—it is a game-changer for our economy and a testament to our government's commitment to digital progress,' Haq added. Speaker Azad Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly Chaudhry Latif Akbar said that the BAJK should enhance service delivery and create more facilities for the customers. "With this transformation, BAJK is on its way to becoming a scheduled bank—a milestone that will elevate financial services in the region,' he added. The President BAJK, Shahid Shahzad Mir, provided a detailed overview of the bank's modernisation plans, the aims and objectives of the agreement. 'Today marks a historic step forward for BAJK. The Core Banking System will not only strengthen our operational backbone but also allow us to serve our customers with speed, security, and innovation. This project is part of our broader vision to become a fully digital and customer-centric bank across Azad Jammu & Kashmir', he added. BAJK was established in 2005 under an Act passed by the Legislative Assembly of Azad Jammu and Kashmir. The bank with a network of 88 branches spread across the length and breadth of AJK, the Bank has a strong grassroots presence, ensuring banking access to remote and underserved areas. The growing branch network is evidence to the bank's dedication to financial inclusion and community empowerment. The bank has strong ties with the overseas diaspora, particularly in the Middle East and the United Kingdom which contributes significantly to remittances and economic activity in AJK, he added. Implementing a core banking system (CBS) is very critical for the Bank to enhance operational efficiency, improve customer experience, ensure regulatory compliance, and remain competitive in an increasingly digital financial landscape. iConsult consortium partners particularly, David Lim, Co-CEO of the Silverlake the principal solution Provider expressed their commitment to delivering a robust and scalable solution tailored to BAJK's requirements. 'We are proud to partner with BAJK in this transformation. David Lim – Co-CEO, Silverlake said that this partnership signifies a major digital transformation. Silverlake is committed to delivering a robust, scalable, and secure banking solution tailored to BAJK's needs, ensuring compliance with global standards while empowering customers with real-time, 24/7 banking services.' Our solution will support their growth and ensure compliance with global standards while empowering customers with real-time, anytime banking services, said Shahid Khan, lead partner. Abdul Majid Khan, chairman of the BAJK, said the Bank has achieved remarkable financial results met all key performance targets and taken significant steps toward institutional excellence. We are committed to continue this momentum with unwavering dedication to transform the Bank of AJK into a scheduled bank from the State Bank of Pakistan. The Bank of AJK will not only emerge as the most profitable institution in the State, but will also play a key role in the socio economic development of JK, he added. Forewarning and digital readiness are the backbone of modern banking. This initiative lays the foundation for BAJK's scheduled bank status, economic empowerment, and AJK's digital development. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Express Tribune
07-05-2025
- Politics
- Express Tribune
Pakistan delivers Swift Retort 2.0
Flames rise as Pakistan fires a retaliatory missile at Indian brigade headquarters; A girl sustains serious injuries in an Indian missile attack in AJK; A mosque is destroyed in Muzaffarabad during the Indian attack. PHOTO: EXPRESS After a long-drawn posture of bluster and theatrics over the Pahalgam attack, Pakistan's armed forces delivered a fitting blistering midnight riposte to the naked Indian aggression, striking military installations and shooting down at least three fighter jets, including two Rafale jets, deep inside enemy lines, security sources said in the early hours of Wednesday. Pakistan's jaw-breaking response came moments after the coward enemy fired missiles from inside its territory on five cities, targeting mosques in Ahmedpur East in Bahawalpur district, Muzaffarabad, Kotli and Bagh in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), as well as Muridke in Punjab. The sources said three civilians embraced martyrdom during the strikesone child died in Ahmedpur East in Bahawalpur district, sources said. Another child and a woman were martyred in Kotli, AJK Prime Minister Anwarul Haq said. The sources said that Pakistani forces were giving a befitting reply to the naked Indian aggression, while damage assessment was being carried out. "According to initial reports, Pakistan Air Force has shot down three enemy aircraft, and all the PAF planes are safe," a source said. Pakistan Army also shot down an Indian drone in Barnala sector, the sources added. "Our valiant forces are giving a befitting reply to the enemy at several places. They have destroyed an enemy brigade headquarters in retaliation, and an army missile strike blew up in an enemy post in Dadyal sector along the LoC [Line of Control]." According to the sources, India launched a cowardly attack in the wee hours of Wednesday targeting civilians in Masjid Subhanullah in Ahmedpur East and another mosque in the AJK capital. Videos of the spots clearly showed that only innocent and unarmed Pakistanis were targeted. Earlier, the military spokesperson, confirmed that India had conducted missile strikes. "The Indian aircraft from their airspace have hit cities of Bahawalpur, Kotli and Muzaffarabad," Director General Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) told a private television channel. He added that the airborne fighter jets of the PAF did not let the Indian aircraft enter the Pakistani airspace. The DG ISPR said that this cowardly and shameful attack would be met with a befitting reply and the choice of place and time for it will be at the discretion of Pakistan. The sources said that India had targeted innocent Pakistanis in a cowardly attack in the dark of night, adding that "the blood of innocent Pakistanis will be avenged at all costs". Following the strikes, the authorities closed the Islamabad airspace for all commercial flights, diverting three incoming planes to Peshawar. An emergency has been imposed in Rawalpindi hospitals and doctors and paramedics have been alerted. After the cowardly attack by the vile enemy India at five places in the dark of night, the airspace of New Islamabad International Airport was closed and three flights in the air were diverted to other airports including Peshawar. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, in a statement in the wake of India's attack, condemned the aggression, saying Pakistan reserves all rights to respond forcefully. "The devious enemy has carried out cowardly attacks at five locations in Pakistan," he said, adding that a forceful response was being delivered. "The entire nation stands with the Pakistan Armed Forces, and the morale and spirit of the Pakistani people are high," he said. He added that the people of Pakistan and the armed forces know well how to deal with the enemy. "We will never allow the enemy to succeed in its nefarious designs." Meanwhile, Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz announced closure of educational institutions in the province. In a related development, a key meeting of the National Security Committee has been convened, according to Federal Information Minister Attaullah Tarar. The minister said PM Shehbaz has summoned a meeting of the National Security Committee (NSC) at 10 am today. High-level consultations on the national security situation will be held, with major decisions regarding national security expected. "A crucial meeting has been called to thwart the enemy's designs," the minister added. Earlier, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif delivered a clear warning from the headquarters of the country's premier spy agency that any Indian attempt to violate Pakistan's sovereignty and territorial integrity would be get a decisive response. Shehbaz visited the headquarters of Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) in Islamabad along with senior cabinet members amid ongoing tensions with India. The Prime Minister was accompanied by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, Defence Minister, and the Services Chiefs in a carefully crafted move to convey a loud message to India that Pakistan was ready to deter any misadventure from across the border. A statement issued by the Prime Minister Office said, at the ISI head office, a detailed briefing was given to participants on the prevailing security environment, with a particular focus on preparedness for conventional threat in the light of India's increasingly aggressive and provocative posture along Pakistan's Eastern border.
Time of India
25-04-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Security intensified in capital in wake of PoK leader's comments
New Delhi: Delhi is on alert in the wake of a video of Anwarul Haq , the self-proclaimed Prime Minister of Pakistan Occupied Kashmir , surfacing online. In the video, Haq warned of "repercussions" that could affect areas ranging from Kashmir to the national capital. While unleashing the vitriolic rant against India following the Pahalgam terror attack , Haq also implicitly acknowledged that the conspiracy behind the attack was hatched in Pakistan. When asked a question about the attack by the Pak media, Haq described it as revenge for Balochistan. "Agar tum Balochistan mein Pakistaniyon ke khoon se Holi kheloge, iski keemat tumhe Dilli se lekar Kashmir tak deni been actively involved in this fight, and our efforts will only intensify from here on," Haq said. You Can Also Check: Delhi AQI | Weather in Delhi | Bank Holidays in Delhi | Public Holidays in Delhi Haq's veiled acknowledgement came in the backdrop of Adil Raza, a former Pakistani army officer, alleging that the Pakistan Army chief directly ordered the Pahalgam terror attack. Security has been tightened in Delhi, especially at tourist places and markets. Rapid Action Force, paramilitary units and local police have been deployed near Pakistan High Commission. In the border areas, thorough checks are being conducted on suspicious vehicles. tnn
Express Tribune
14-04-2025
- Politics
- Express Tribune
Diaspora celebrates culture at Lok Virsa
Lok Virsa Deputy Director Anwarul Haq said that the Lok Virsa aimed to preserve the cultural and historical value of Pakistan. PHOTO: A high-level delegation of overseas Pakistanis, currently participating in the Overseas Pakistanis Convention organised in collaboration with the Overseas Pakistanis Foundation (OPF), visited Lok Virsa on Sunday. The Ministry of Overseas Pakistanis, in coordination with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, made special arrangements to welcome the delegation. The guests were greeted with traditional drumbeats and vibrant regional folk music, creating a festive atmosphere. Parliamentary Secretary for National Heritage and Culture, Farah Naz Akbar, officially welcomed the overseas delegates upon their arrival. Delegations from various parts of the worldincluding the United States, Europe, Gulf countries, and Africatoured the Lok Virsa Museum, Handicraft Bazaar, Craft Village, and cultural stalls showcasing Pakistan's rich heritage. The visitors also enjoyed live folk performances, featuring traditional melodies, instruments, and dances from different regions of the country. The performances were met with enthusiastic applause. Delegates visited provincial pavilions that represented the unique cultural identities of all federal units, including Azad Jammu and Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan. Lok Virsa officials briefed the guests on the diversity and vibrancy of Pakistan's cultural landscape. Speaking to the media, Farah Naz Akbar shared that approximately one thousand overseas Pakistanis are participating in this year's convention. She praised Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif for facilitating this platform, calling it a positive initiative to strengthen connections with Pakistanis living abroad. She added that the convention would help formulate a comprehensive strategy to address the concerns and challenges faced by the overseas community.
