Counter terrorism efforts: Khawaja Asif salutes servicemen for their role

Says armed forces have lost more lives battling extremism than in wars.

ISLAMABAD:

Defence Minister Khawaja Asif on Tuesday saluted the country’s military for spearheading the fight against terrorism and its brave soldiers for sacrificing their lives for the nation.

“[Our] armed forces have lost more lives than in the three wars. We must commend the way they have sacrificed their lives for striking out terror from the country,” Asif was quoted as saying in a statement issued by the defence ministry.

His remarks, which came during a meeting with Thailand’s Chief of Defence Forces General Tanasak Patimapragon, appear to suggest that he is seeking a patch up differences with the military leadership.

The country’s security establishment was upset over his public criticism of the army over the treason trial of former military ruler General (retd) Pervez Musharraf.

The apparent row even compelled the government not to invite the defence minister, who has a largely ceremonial role, to attend Tuesday’s security briefing attended by Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, Army Chief General Raheel Sharif, Director General Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) Lt General Zaheer-ul-Islam and other key federal ministers.

Asif also skipped the previous two such huddles giving credence to reports that the army was not happy with him.



During a meeting with the Thai general, Khawaja Asif said Pakistan and its people and armed forces suffered immensely due to the war on terror.

“Pakistan wants the international community to acknowledge the sacrifices both in terms of men and money,” he said.

Asif insisted that Pakistan believes in the policy of non interference. He said peaceful elections in Afghanistan and public participation for the cause of democracy were commendable.

The Thai official said Pakistan had professional, trained and fully-equipped armed forces, which have very powerfully and successfully played their role in eliminating terrorism from disturbed areas.

“Thailand fully acknowledges the sacrifices rendered by Pakistan Army,” he said. The Thai general also showed interest in exploring areas of mutual cooperation and said Pakistan had a potential defence production market.

Khawaja Asif said Pakistan has a sizeable defence production industry with some state-of the-art avionics and heavy machinery.  “We need to focus towards areas of joint collaborations, training, joint exercises, naval and maritime cooperation between Pakistan and Thailand,” he added.

The Thai defence official also visited the Joint Staff Headquarters in Rawalpindi and held meeting with Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee General Rashad Mehmood.

Published in The Express Tribune, May 21^st, 2014.