COAS holds important meeting with PM

ISLAMABAD/RAWALPINDI: Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Qamar Javed Bajwa had an important meeting with Prime Minister Imran Khan here at the Prime Minister Office (PMO) Thursday.

The sources pointed out that the COAS who chaired corp commanders huddle early this week briefed the prime minister about the meeting and subjects came under discussion there.

Pakistan is keeping vigilant eye constantly on the developments on its eastern borders due to obnoxious attitude of India’s outgoing Prime Minister Narendra Modi who has been aspiring to create situation on its borders with Pakistan to take political advantage in the ensuing polls.

The two also discussed the domestic and as well security on the frontiers. Implementation of the National Action Plan (NAP) in letter and spirit has been the resolve of the political and military leadership for the sake of national interest.

The sources said that extension/revival of the military courts to deal with the terrorists was yet another issue that came under discussion. The efforts to take the country out of the grey list of the FATF also discussed by the two and it was decided to accelerate the efforts for fulfilling the requirements in this regard.

The 27-words release of the PMO without giving details of the meeting stated that various important security related matters were discussed during the meeting. The sources said that General Bajwa informed the prime minister about the state of alert being maintained by the Armed Forces at the face of threats of Indian leadership.

The briefing for the defence standing committees of the two houses of the Parliament jointly scheduled early next week also figured in the meeting. The briefing will be given in the GHQ Rawalpindi and General Qamar Javed Bajwa will brief the legislatures abut overall security situation.

The sources pointed out that effort for resolution of Afghan situation also figured in the meeting between Army Chief and the prime minister. The US diplomat Zalmay Khalilzad is in the region and visiting Islamabad for having important meetings including calling on Prime Minister Imran and Army chief General Bajwa. The two discussed the serious differences at the highest level in Afghan administration about the US efforts for political settlement of the situation.

It is understood Pakistan will adhere its current position towards the peaceful efforts of Afghan imbroglio and keep extending its hand of cooperation for the settlement through negotiations, the sources added.

PPI adds: Meanwhile, Commander Royal Air Force of Oman Air Vice Marshal Matar Bin Ali Bin Matar Al Obaidani called on Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Qamar Javed Bajwa here at GHQ on Thursday.

Matters of mutual and professional interest including regional security situation were discussed during the meeting. The visiting dignitary appreciated Pakistan Army’s professionalism and efforts towards regional stability.