Army commander given a warm sendoff

CM lauds services of Lt-Gen Asim Saleem Bajwa

QUETTA: Balochistan Chief Minister Jam Kamal Khan Aliyani has said that retiring Commander Southern Command Lieutenant General Asim Saleem Bajwa has utilised his earnest expertise for peace and development of the province, adding that joint efforts by civil and military leadership have ended sense of disillusionment from Balochistan.

He shared these views on Monday while addressing a farewell ceremony held in honour of the retiring Commander Southern Command in Quetta’s Chief Minister House.

“Lieutenant General Asim Saleem Bajwa was aware of the provincial issues and during his service he provided full assistance and cooperation to the provincial government in handling all matters, particularly law and order,” Jam Kamal said.

Governor Balochistan Justice (retd) Amanullah Khan Yasinzai, Deputy Speaker BA Sardar Babar Musakhail, Opposition Leader Malik Sikandar Advocate, provincial ministers, MPAs, IG FC, IG Police and government officers were also present at the dinner hosted by the chief minister for the outgoing commander.

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Lauding Saleem Bajwa’s efforts in the provincial development, Jam Kamal said the civil-military leadership remained fervent in persuading the federal government to address Balochistan’s issues hence succeeded in winning mega-development schemes from the Centre.

“I believe that Commander Southern Command will remember the love and respect given to him by the people of Balochistan and after retirement, wherever he gets appointed, Mr Bajwa would continue his efforts for the province,” he said.

“We are attending today’s event by putting our political differences aside because without joint efforts we can’t ensure provision of relief to the masses.”

Sharing his views on the occasion, Lieutenant General Asim Saleem Bajwa said that peace has been restored in the province due to the joint efforts of Pakistan Army, Frontier Corps, police, Levies Force and the provincial government.

“Being an institution, Pakistan Army is standing with the provincial government to ensure development in Balochistan,” Asim Saleem Bajwa affirmed. “I will never forget the respect rendered by the wholehearted people of this province.”

“The on-going development schemes will change the lifestyle and fate of the people of this province,” Asim Saleem Bajwa said.

Published in The Express Tribune, September 18^th, 2019.