Army chief calls on president, PM

Leaders decide to continue Zarb-e-Azb; Chinese military commander also meets General Bajwa

ISLAMABAD: Chief of the Army Staff (COAS) General Qamar Javed Bajwa on Monday called on President Mamnoon Hussain and Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif separately here in the federal capital.

The army chief, who assumed the command on Tuesday last, was here for formal courtesy meetings with the two highest office holders of the country as per traditions. The meeting with the prime minister took place at the Prime Minister House, while the COAS met the president at the Presidency.

It was decided in the meetings that operation Zarb-e-Azb against terrorist will be continued.  According to the Prime Minister House, professional issues pertaining to national security were discussed during the meeting. No other detail was given by the House.

The army chief, who spent his first three days in the field and forward areas with his troops, left for Lahore on Saturday like Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif also left for Lahore on the same day. The two met on the first working day of the week here and it is understood that the army chief has briefed the prime minister about his interaction with the troops in the front. They are in high spirits and General Qamar Bajwa boosted their morale with his presence and message that he gave to them on the occasion. 

APP adds: Commander People Liberation Army, Western Theatre, People’s Republic of China, General Zhao Zongqi Commaon Monday visited the General Headquarters (GHQ) to meet COAS General Qamar Javed Bajwa on assumption of command of Pakistan Army.

According to ISPR, during the meeting, matters related to regional security and professional interest were discussed. The visiting general lauded the Pakistan Army’s achievements in fight against terrorism and continued efforts for regional peace and stability.

General Bajwa reaffirmed the Pakistan Army’s unwavering support for China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) security. Earlier, on arrival at the GHQ, a smartly turned out contingent of Pakistan Army presented guard of honour to the visiting dignitary.  In line to pay homage to the martyrs of Pakistan Army, the Chinese general laid wreath at Yadgar-e-Shuhada.