Staff Report
ISLAMABAD: Chief of Army Staff General Qamar Javed Bajwa on Tuesday met newly-elected Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif at the latter’s official residence in Islamabad, a statement from the PM House said. It was the maiden visit of the army chief to Shehbaz after the latter’s election as the prime minister.
According to a statement from the Prime Minister’s Office, professional matters pertaining to national security were discussed during the meeting. Shehbaz was elected the 23rd prime minister of Pakistan on April 11 after 174 lawmakers voted in his favour following the ouster of Imran Khan as the premier on April 9. According to Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) Director General (DG) Major General Babar Iftikhar, the COAS didn’t attend Shehbaz’s oath-taking ceremony because he was ill — and there was no other reason. Major Gen. Iftikhar had also clarified that “He [Gen Bajwa] will retire on time on November 29, 2022,”. The DG ISPR had asked political parties and the public not to drag the Pakistan Army into politics. He had said any effort to create a rift between people and the armed forces is against national interest
The military’s spokesperson welcomed constructive criticism but pointed out that a “malicious campaign” is being run against the army and its leadership.
Maj Gen Iftikhar had said that the formation commanders expressed confidence in the steps taken for the country’s security, especially on account of international security and the Pakistan Army’s role in upholding the rule of law.
