Day: August 2, 2026

Islamabad: Federal Minister for Railways Muhammad Hanif Abbasi Saturday visited TÜRASAS, Sakarya and ASELSAN, where he explored opportunities for technology transfer, joint manufacturing and digital transformation aimed at modernising Pakistan Railways.

Accompanied by a high-level delegation, the minister reviewed advanced railway technologies, manufacturing facilities and digital systems being used by the two Turkish organisations, said a news release.

During the visit, Turkish Deputy Minister of Transport Osman Boyraz, TÜRASAS Director General Selim Koçbay, TCDD Tasimacilik Director General Ufuk Yalçin, the Deputy Governor of Sakarya and senior ASELSAN officials welcomed the Pakistani delegation and briefed them on the latest developments in railway manufacturing, signalling, communications and smart transportation technologies.

The delegation inspected modern passenger coaches, locomotives, Electric Multiple Units (EMUs), Diesel Multiple Units (DMUs), freight wagons and advanced production systems.

It
also visited research and development centres, quality control facilities and modern railway infrastructure units.

The two sides discussed cooperation in technology transfer, joint manufacturing and the modernisation of Pakistan Railways’ rolling stock.

They also explored collaboration in advanced signalling, telecommunications, cybersecurity, automated train control systems and intelligent railway technologies.

The discussions included proposals to upgrade the Islamabad Carriage Factory and Pakistan Railways’ workshops with modern technologies and to promote local manufacturing and production of electronic railway equipment.

Speaking on the occasion, Hanif Abbasi said the digital transformation of Pakistan Railways, modern traffic management, fibre-optic communication systems and safe railway operations were among the government’s top priorities.

He said Pakistan Railways was being transformed into a more efficient, secure and competitive organisation through the adoption of modern technologies.

The mi
nister said advanced railway technology was essential for the successful implementation of the ML-1 and ML-3 projects as well as the Islamabad-Tehran-Istanbul (ITI) freight corridor.

He said that internationally recognised signalling and communication systems would strengthen regional connectivity and improve freight operations.

Both sides also agreed to enhance cooperation in engineers’ training, exchange of technical expertise, research, cybersecurity and human resource development, expressing confidence that the partnership would significantly strengthen the technical and institutional capacity of Pakistan Railways.

Hanif Abbasi said Trkiye as an important strategic technology partner in the modernisation and industrial development of Pakistan Railways and reaffirmed the commitment of both brotherly countries to expand long-term cooperation in railway technology, investment and regional connectivity.

Islamabad: The District and Sessions Court of Islamabad has ruled in favour of Federal Minister Ahsan Iqbal in a defamation case and ordered former federal minister Murad Saeed to pay Rs 2. 5 million in damages.

The court found that allegations of Rs 70 billion corruption made against Ahsan Iqbal were not supported by evidence and had harmed his reputation.

Additional Sessions Judge Hakim Khan announced the verdict, stating that the accusations made by Murad Saeed amounted to defamation. The court observed that the allegations included claims of corruption, misuse of authority and receiving illegal commissions, all of which were found to be unproven during the proceedings.

According to the judgment, the statements had affected Ahsan Iqbal’s reputation and public standing. The court noted that the allegations created a negative impression among citizens and directly targeted his integrity, character and credibility.

The case stemmed from a press conference held in 2019 when Murad Saeed was serving as a federal minister. During the media briefing, he accused Ahsan Iqbal of corruption in the Multan-Sukkur Motorway project and claimed that financial irregularities worth Rs 70 billion had taken place.

Ahsan Iqbal later filed a defamation suit seeking Rs10 billion in damages. After reviewing the record, the court decided to award Rs 2. 5 million as compensation.

The judgment also highlighted that Murad Saeed neither appeared before the court nor submitted evidence to support the allegations made during the press conference. The absence of proof played a key role in the court’s findings.

Islamabad: Speaker of National Assembly Sardar Ayaz Sadiq on Saturday expressed deep sorrow and grief over the passing of Member of the National Assembly Malik Muhammad Iqbal, saying Parliament had lost a sincere, dignified and people-friendly representative.

In a condolence message, the Speaker paid tribute to the late lawmaker’s parliamentary, political and public services, saying his contributions would always be remembered.

He said Malik Iqbal had dedicated his political career to serving the people and made valuable contributions to national politics and the promotion of democratic traditions.

The Speaker also expressed heartfelt condolences and sympathy to Deputy Speaker of the Punjab Assembly Malik Zaheer Iqbal Channar on the demise of his father.

He said the loss of a father was an irreparable tragedy and assured the bereaved family that he shared their grief in this difficult time. Ayaz Sadiq prayed to Allah Almighty to grant eternal peace to the departed soul, elevate his ranks in Jannah, and bless the bereaved family with patience and fortitude to bear the loss.

Islamabad: Chairman Senate of Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani, met with internationally acclaimed Pakistani professional wrestler Ather Zahid, the first Saudi-born Pakistani wrestler to represent Pakistan on the international stage.

The Chairman congratulated Ather Zahid on his outstanding achievements and wished him continued success. He praised his dedication and appreciated his efforts in bringing recognition to Pakistan through his performances in international wrestling competitions.

Chairman Senate Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani said that sports promote peace, friendship, and harmony among nations, while athletes serve as ambassadors who inspire people and enhance the country’s image globally.

He emphasized that sports contribute to physical fitness, mental well-being, discipline, and resilience, and stressed the need for collective efforts to encourage young talent, strengthen sports infrastructure, and provide greater opportunities for Pakistani athletes to excel at regional and international levels.