First ever joint drill by Pakistani, Moroccan special forces concludes 

The Pakistan-Morocco Bilateral Joint Exercise 2021  held at the National Counter Terrorism Center in the northwestern Pakistani town of Pabbi concluded on Oct. 23, 2021. (Screengrab from ISPR video)
Short Url
Updated 23 October 2021
Follow

First ever joint drill by Pakistani, Moroccan special forces concludes 

  • Pakistan-Morocco Bilateral Joint Exercise 2021 held at National Counter Terrorism Center in Pabbi
  • Training aimed at sharing counterterrorism experience, adopting best practices, enhancing cooperation 

ISLAMABAD: A counterterrorism joint drill in which the special forces of Pakistan and Morocco participated has concluded, the Pakistan military spokesperson said on Saturday. 

The Pakistan-Morocco Bilateral Joint Exercise 2021, the first ever between the two countries, was held at the National Counter Terrorism Center in the northwestern Pakistani town of Pabbi.

“During the exercise, Special Forces of Morocco and Pakistan practiced various drills involved in counter terrorism operations including cordon and search, compound clearance, close quarter battle, fast roping, rappelling and combat medics,” the Pakistan army’s media wing said. 

“The training was aimed at sharing mutual experience in counter terrorism domain, rehearsing / adopting best practices and enhancing cooperation between the two armies.”

Pakistan and Morocco have had cordial ties since the fifties, soon after Pakistan was created.

Pakistan’s exports to Morocco currently stand at $11.5 million, while Moroccan exports to Pakistan stand at $147 million.

 

 


Pak-Qatar becomes Pakistan’s first dedicated family takaful operator to list on PSX

Updated 8 sec ago
Follow

Pak-Qatar becomes Pakistan’s first dedicated family takaful operator to list on PSX

  • Pak-Qatar Family Takaful Limited’s initial public offering raises $3.2 million, says company
  • Company says remains committed to strengthening Pakistan’s Islamic financial eco-system

KARACHI: The Pak-Qatar Family Takaful Limited (PQFTL) became the first dedicated family Takaful operator to be listed on the Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX), the company announced on Thursday, saying the development would strengthen the ecosystem for Islamic financial products and services in the stock market. 

PQFTL is the country’s first and largest dedicated shariah-compliant family risk-protection provider, holding 44 percent of the total family takaful market and more than 90 percent of the fully dedicated segment, with a nationwide presence of 73 branches and 1,971 field representatives.

The company announced in a statement last month it would offer 50 million shares, starting at a floor price of Rs14 per share ($0.05), with a ceiling of Rs21 per share ($0.07). Of the total issue, 37.5 million shares will be allocated to institutional investors, while 12.5 million shares will be offered to the general public.

In its latest statement, the PQTFL said the book building and public subscription portions of its Initial Public Offering (IPO) were oversubscribed by 3.2 times and 3.8 times, respectively, reflecting strong investor confidence in the company and Pakistan’s Islamic financial ecosystem.

“The IPO raised Rs901 million [$3.2 million], achieving a 29 percent premium, reflecting strong investor interest and positive market perception,” the statement said. 

“This historic milestone and response from investors underscore PQFTL’s exceptional financial resilience, strategic foresight, and unwavering commitment to Shariah-compliant excellence,” it added. 

The company said over 8,200 investors participated in the IPO, making it one of the highest investor turnouts in Pakistan’s insurance and Takaful sector. 

“The offering attracted a diverse mix of institutional investors, insurance companies, family offices, corporate investors, and a significant number of individual investors,” it said. 

Muhammad Kamran Saleem, a member of the board of directors of the PQFTL, said the company’s listing on the stock exchange was a “historic achievement.”

“The overwhelming response from investors demonstrates deep trust in our business fundamentals, Shariah governance standards and strategic vision,” he said. 

“We are grateful to Allah Almighty for this historic achievement and we remain committed to strengthening the Islamic financial eco-system and long-term sustainable value creation to all our stakeholders.”

PQFTL said the IPO proceeds will help it in meeting regulatory capital requirements, expand digital distribution channels, enhance product innovation and drive customer-centric growth initiatives.