‘COAS is a straight talker, his work must be praised’

LAHORE: Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif on Wednesday said he had met Chief of the Army Staff Gen Qamar Javed Bajwa and found him a professional person who believed in straight talk, adding that his services for the country should be respected.

Replying to a question about the Bajwa Doctrine during his visit to the Pakistan Kidney and Liver Transplant Institute (PKLI), Shahbaz said much had been written in the media about that and added, “We have to strengthen the national defence jointly.”

“The immortal sacrifices rendered by the armed forces of Pakistan for the defence of the country and elimination of terrorism and fanaticism should be appreciated from the core of the hearts. These priceless sacrifices will not be wasted,” he said.

Shahbaz said Chaudhry Nisar had rendered invaluable services for the party; however, he as the PML-N president was responsible for maintaining party discipline and, therefore, the trend of levelling allegations must stop so that the party could go for elections with full concentration.

In response to a question, the chief minister said meetings were held as he being the party president needed to convey to everybody that discipline should not be violated. Shahbaz said the PTI did not want to the Pakistanis enjoying the quality facilities like those available in Europe and other developed countries. “These people do not want that the working class could reach to their destinations in an honourable manner,” he said in reference to the Metro Bus and Orange Line.

Answering a question about NAB, Shahbaz said the NAB had become very active. “It is the basic responsibility of NAB to investigate corruption and dishonesty. Accountability of dishonesty occurring anywhere, either by a minister or a bureaucrat, is the responsibility of NAB, but this accountability should be without any political victimisation.”

About the Orange Line project, he said, “If there was any corruption in this project, the PTI should have given proof to the court. Now any wrangling about the corruption is, in fact, an attempt to misguide the nation.”

Separately, Shahbaz, on the recommendations of religious leaders, has given approval to increase the number of loudspeakers from one to four for Azaan and Friday sermons in mosques.

Provincial Law Minister Rana Sanaullah said increasing the number of loudspeakers in mosques was meant to provide ease in audio transmission, adding that the Punjab government respected the religious and national services of religious leaders.