Army vows firm support to govt in security challenges

Civil, military leadership pledges to work together for a ‘prosperous’ Pakistan

ISLAMABAD:

 

The civil and military leadership on Friday agreed to work together to uphold the country's national interests and for a "prosperous and secure" Pakistan.

The statement came from the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) after Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif along with his key cabinet members visited the GHQ.
This was the first visit by Shehbaz since he became the country's prime minister.

"The Honourable Prime Minister of Pakistan, Shehbaz Sharif, accompanied by key members of the Cabinet, visited the General Headquarters (GHQ) Rawalpindi today (Friday)," read a statement by the military's media wing.

The PM was received by Chief of Army Staff (COAS), General Syed Asim Munir, and was presented guard of honour.

A floral wreath at Yadgar-e-Shuhada was laid by the prime minister, to pay tribute to the martyrs.

During the visit, the prime minister and cabinet members engaged in discussions with military leadership on matters of national security, regional stability and military preparedness.

They were briefed on the current security environment, threat spectrum, response to the security threats and ongoing counter-terrorism operations.

PM and cabinet members appreciated the professionalism, operational readiness, and sacrifices of the Pakistan Army in the war against terrorism and commended the dedication of the Pakistan Army to safeguarding the nation's territorial integrity and ensuring peace and stability.

The PM assured that the government shall provide all the resources required for ensuring the operational readiness of the armed forces. He said that Pakistan is destined to rise and the role of the armed forces in ensuring the peaceful rise of Pakistan cannot be over-emphasised.

COAS thanked the PM for the visit and reposing confidence in the Army. COAS affirmed that the military will continue to measure up to the nation’s expectations and will resolutely support the government in addressing the security challenges facing Pakistan.

The visit concluded with civilian and military leadership reiterating their commitment to upholding national interests and working together for a prosperous and secure Pakistan.

The composition of the delegation which includes defence, foreign and finance ministers suggested that issues related to economy, national security and foreign policy were high on the agenda