ISI is country's first line of defence: PM

PM Nawaz and ISI chief General Akthar hold first meeting since Akhtar took office as director general

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif on Satuday on Saturday met newly-appointed Director General Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) Lieutenant General Rizwan Akhtar at the PM House and discussed the overall security situation in the country.

Gen Akthar took the reins as the new ISI chief on November 7, making this the first meeting between the premier and Akhtar.

According to media reports, Nawaz and Akhtar discussed ongoing military offensive Operation Zarb-e-Azb in North Waziristan .

The prime minister lauded the efforts of the ISI in regard to the security of the country.

"ISI is the country's first line of defence," Sharif said.

Prior to his meeting with the prime minster, Gen Akhtar had met with Army chief General Raheel Sharif November 11, where the army chief was briefed about the internal and external security situation of the country.