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Today's Paper | December 22, 2024

Updated 30 Aug, 2018 11:09pm

Prime Minister Imran Khan visits GHQ for security briefing

Prime Minister Imran Khan visited the General Headquarters, Rawalpindi on Thursday morning for a security briefing, the army's media wing, Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), said in a tweet.

"Prime Minister Imran Khan arrived to visit GHQ. Received on arrival by COAS [Chief of Army Staff Gen Qamar Javed Bajwa]. PM being briefed on defence, internal security and other professional matters," the ISPR said.

"Ministers of Defence, Foreign Affairs, Finance, Information and Minister of State for Interior are accompanying the PM," it added.

Upon arrival, a guard of honour was given to PM Khan, who then laid a floral wreath at the at the Yadgar-i-Shuhada (Monument to Martyrs).

The PM and his ministers, the ISPR said, were given "detailed briefings on the security environment, threat spectrum and response, the Army’s campaign against terrorism, Operation Radd-ul-Fasaad, Karachi situation as well as the Khushal Balochistan program".

Information Minister Fawad Chaudhry said that PM Imran Khan and the ministers spent nearly eight hours at the GHQ.

The minister added that during the meeting Gen Bajwa said, "There is perception army interferes in the civilian affairs, but please be rest assured, the army will function like any other government institution".

PM Khan, according to the ISPR, "greatly appreciated the professionalism, operational readiness, and contributions and sacrifices of Pakistan Army in the war against terrorism". ‬

"Pakistan is facing external and internal challenges but with the support of the nation and through a cohesive national approach, we shall successfully overcome these," the prime minister was quoted as saying.

Moreover, PM Khan also reportedly assured General Bajwa that his government shall provide all resources required to maintain the capability and capacity of the armed forces.

The COAS thanked the PM for his visit and his confidence in the Army, and assured him that the armed forces shall, God willing, "continue to deliver on nation’s expectations of defending the motherland at all costs and sacrifices".

The Thursday meeting follows PM Khan and Gen Bajwa's first-ever official interaction as chief executive and army chief on Monday this week at the Prime Minister's Office.

A statement following their meeting had stated that the two had pledged to work closely for establishmentpeace in the country and the region.

They “expressed resolve to bring enduring peace and stability in the country while also continuing efforts for regional peace”, the Prime Minister Office had said in a statement.

Although the Monday meeting was supposed to be a courtesy call, the focus of discussion, it is said, had quickly shifted to security in the country and the neighbourhood.

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