KARACHI: In his second direct message to Karachiites after assuming command, Chief of the Army Staff Gen Qamar Javed Bajwa reiterated on Thursday that the role of the military establishment and the paramilitary force in maintaining law and order “would continue unabated” to “consolidate budding peace” in Karachi.

During his visit to Karachi, Gen Bajwa was full of praise for Pakistan Rangers, Sindh, and other law enforcement agencies in their efforts for peace while assuring Karachiites that these would continue till attainment of a sustainable peace.

“COAS [the chief of army staff] reiterated that efforts to consolidate budding peace in the city would continue unabated,” said a brief statement issued by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) after the army chief’s visit to the Corps Headquarters and Rangers Headquarters.

“COAS lauded operations by Rangers with LEAs, which have restored normalcy in Karachi, significantly reducing terrorism, target killing and kidnapping for ransom. The army as a state institution would continue to give full support to all government institutions involved in Karachi operation, particularly Sindh police and civil administration.”

During the two visits, detailed briefings were given to the army chief, who also laid a wreath at Yadgar-i-Shuhada and offered Fateha for the martyrs. “While interacting with soldiers and officers, the COAS appreciated their courage and resolve to rid the city of the terrorists and criminals. The COAS paid tribute to the people of Karachi for their support to the security forces,” said the ISPR statement.

In a significant engagement during his Karachi visit, Gen Bajwa invited business leaders and prominent bankers of the city and reassured them that businesses and investment in the city would continue to benefit from improving law and order, the statement said.

“And [they] should, in turn, ensure national and social obligations,” it said quoting details of the army chief’s meeting with business leaders and bankers.

Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry president Zubair Tufail, who attended the meeting, said later that the army chief personally invited them to the meeting and after his brief address at the Corps Headquarters he opened the forum for everyone for their suggestions or queries.

“It was an interactive and quite effective meeting,” he told Dawn. “The business community and bankers definitely lauded the peace efforts in Karachi and also proposed a few more measures and steps. However, most of the issues they raised actually related to the Sindh government or local bodies. The army chief acknowledged those concerns or complaints and assured them that he would play his role to take up them with the authorities concerned.”

Published in Dawn, January 20th, 2017