COAS congratulates Imran on assuming charge

The two reiterate desire to ensure Pakistan’s peace, stability

ISLAMABAD : Chief of Army Staff General Qamar Javed Bajwa on Monday called on Prime Minister Imran Khan to congratulate him on assuming office.

The meeting was held at the office of the Prime Minister and according to a statement the prime minister and the army chief discussed the country’s security situation, reiterating their desire to bring peace and stability while continuing efforts to achieve regional harmony.

It was the PM’s first meeting with the COAS after assuming office. General Qamar had also attended Imran’s swearing in ceremony on August 18 while, their first formal meeting was held in 2017 when the PTI chairman visited Bajwa to congratulate him on his appointment as COAS.

COAS conveys condolences to bereaved family of deceased Sen. John McCain. “McCain was a distinguished war veteran and an accomplished representative of his country. A friend of Pakistan who believed in great potential of Pak-US relations for common good of both countries”, COAS.

— DG ISPR (@OfficialDGISPR) August 27, 2018

Earlier, PM Imran chaired a meeting about functioning of the Ministry of Interior and its attached departments. Secretary Interior Yousaf Naseem Khokhar briefed Imran about the various steps taken by the ministry including adoption of legislative measures and policies to combat terrorism, smuggling, human trafficking, and curbing electronic and other crimes.

On the occasion, Adviser to PM on Institutional Reforms Dr Ishrat Hussain, secretary to the PM Azam Khan, special assistants to PM Naeemul Haq and Iftikhar Durrani were also present. The PM observed that curbing corruption and retrieving wealth of the country amassed through illegal means and laundered abroad were among the biggest challenge for the government.

Moreover, the prime minister added that overseas Pakistanis are the most valuable asset of the country as they are willing bring their money to Pakistan and invest in various sectors of the economy. “We need to provide them an enabling environment that ensures safety and security of their lives and property,” said the PM.

He also directed the ministry and its attached departments to play their role more effectively towards ensuring service delivery, improving overall security situation and providing a sense of security to the citizens.