COAS calls on PM, security issues discussed

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

It was their second meeting in a week. It has been officially stated that various security related issues were discussed in the course of meeting but no detail has been given in the brief official release of 24 words.

Well-placed sources indicated that the situation along the international border with India and LoC is still tense. The government has already expressed fear of an act of aggression by the Indians in the wake of ongoing polls in that country, the two discussed situation in that regard as well.

Pakistan is concerned about India’s incumbent prime minister’s announcement pertaining to annulling the Article 370 of the Indian constitution that would snatch special status of Indian Held Kashmir (IHK). This act could change the demography of the IHK but also have serious negative impact on the disputed status of Kashmir. Pakistan will resist such act for the sake of the people of Kashmir.

The sources reminded that the economy is directly linked with the security and the economic managers are trying very hard to overcome complexities of economic crisis. Pakistan has formally approached the IMF and for the purpose a high echelon delegation is already in the United States.

The prime minister is leaving for China later this month where he will attend an international seminar on One Road One Belt initiative. He will also have bilateral meetings with the host leadership. The relations with China are also integral part of the country’s security. The sources said the army chief briefed the prime minister about the overall perspective of security situation.

Meanwhile, General Sherali Mirzo, Defence Minister of Tajikistan, called on Chief of Army Staff General Qamar Javed Bajwa at the GHQ on Thursday. Regional security situation and matters of mutual interest including enhancement of bilateral defence and security cooperation were discussed.

The defence minister expressed his appreciation for Pakistan Army’s professionalism and efforts towards regional stability. The COAS said Tajikistan was a brotherly country and cooperation between Tajikistan and Pakistan would help improve peace and stability in the region, said a news release issued by Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR).