Islamabad: Minister for Defence and Defence Production Khawaja Muhammad Asif on Monday said Pakistan is committed to stability and peace in the region.

He was talking to Ambassador of France to Pakistan Nicolas Galey who called on him in Islamabad today.

The Defence Minister highlighted that Pakistan attaches great importance to its bilateral relations with France.

He emphasized on enhanced collaboration between Armed Forces of two countries.

The Minister expressed that Pak-France bilateral relations are based on principles of mutual respect.

Defense Minister reiterated Pakistan's commitment to address global challenges of terrorism and extremism.

The visiting dignitary appreciated Pakistan's role in regional stability and ensured to play his role for further improvement in diplomatic cooperation with Pakistan at all levels.

Islamabad: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Monday reiterated commitment to work closely with Italy to further cement bilateral ties in the days ahead.

He was talking to the Ambassador of Italy Marilina Armellin who paid a courtesy call on him in Islamabad today.

Welcoming the Ambassador, the Prime Minister said Pakistan deeply valued its multifaceted relations with Italy spanning over many decades, which had always been marked by goodwill and trust.

He added that the two sides also shared similar views on a number of important regional and global issues.

Emphasizing the importance of high-level exchanges, the Prime Minister extended a cordial invitation to Prime Minister of Italy Giorgia Meloni to undertake an official visit to Pakistan.

He conveyed his appreciation for Prime Minister Meloni's policies at home and abroad that had made Italy an important member of the EU.

Expressing satisfaction over the positive trajectory of Pakistan-Italy bilateral relations, the Prime Minister urged the two sides to enhance cooperation in the fields of education, trade and investment, legal migration, as well as cultural exchanges.

He thanked Italy for hosting a large population of Pakistani diaspora who were acting as a bridge between both countries while also contributing to their economic growth.

The Ambassador thanked the Prime Minister for receiving her and assured him that Italy is keen to further enhance its ties with Pakistan.

The Ambassador said she would strive to promote stronger relations between the two countries.

Lahore: Pakistan Peoples’ Party (PPP) leader Sardar Salim Haider Khan will take oath as Punjab governor on Tuesday (tomorrow).

Lahore High Court Chief Justice Malik Shahzad Ahmad Khan will administer oath to Sardar Salim Haider Khan.  PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari will arrive in Lahore and will grace the occasion.

The oath taking ceremony is expected at 6:00 pm at Shahrah-e-Quaid-e-Azam.

The PPP leaders and workers including members of the provincial cabinet as well as the leaders of the PML-N and others will also take part in the oath-taking ceremony.

The sources said that Bilawal Bhutto Zardari would stay in Lahore for next two days. During his stay he would hold important meetings with the party leaders and would discuss the political situation in Punjab.