By Our Defence
Correspondent
ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Imran Khan accompanied by Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Qamar Jawed Bajwa visited the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) headquarters in Islamabad on Sunday. During the visit, ISI Director General Lieutenant General Faiz Hameed briefed the civil and military leadership on regional and national security situation.
Expressing his satisfaction over professional preparedness of ISI, PM Imran appreciated tireless efforts of the intelligence agency for national security.
Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi, Federal planning and development minister Asad Umar, Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee Chairman General Nadeem Raza, Chief of the Air Staff Air Chief Marshal Mujahid Anwar Khan and Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Muhammad Amjad Khan were also present in the meeting.
Earlier on arrival, ISI Director General Lieutenant General Faiz Hameed received the prime minister, federal ministers, services chiefs, and other military officers.
Earlier on April 23, Prime Minister Imran Khan along with Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Qamar Jawed Bajwa had paid a visit to the headquarters of the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) in the capital.
A comprehensive briefing covering the entire spectrum of internal and external challenges had been given to the premier during the visit. He had also been briefed on the impact of the ongoing coronavirus crisis.
The prime minister had emphasized that no effort would be spared for security, integrity and sovereignty of Pakistan.
He appreciated the sacrifices and contributions of the Inter-Services Intelligence
being a superior state intelligence agency.
It is noteworthy that the ISI chief had last week called on Prime Minister Imran Khan at the PM Office in Islamabad.
During the meeting, the two exchanged views on matters related to national security.
Earlier Saturday, Mr. Khan said there was no pressure from the army on the government in making the foreign policy, which was based on the PTI’s manifesto.
“The question of resistance to the army comes when they put pressure on me, but there is not even single thing, which I wanted to do and they asked me not to do,” he said in an interview with a local private television channel.
For example, Imran said, it was his belief from day one that there was no military solution to the Afghan issue and today what the government did with regard to the Afghan peace process had been acknowledged by the world.
Replying to another question, he said neither anyone pressured him nor could anyone do so adding that pressure would be on those, who would be fond of power and would then make compromises to remain in power.
He said the past rulers always claimed that they had conflict with the army due to its interference in the foreign policy.
Imran said he always advocated against military solution to the Afghan conflict and now they were pursuing the same policy.
Imran said he was unlike those who came into power to build factories and flats abroad adding that the ISI, being the world’s outstanding agency, knew everything when a prime minister would make a call or talk to someone, as it was their duty to protect the government head.
Imran said his government believed in strengthening the institutions.
He said all the institutions, including the NAB, were free having no interference or pressure from the government, but he would like that all those, who looted the national wealth were dealt with accordingly.
About his pledge to create one million jobs and build five million houses, the prime minister said they would even cross these targets on completion of their government’s term.
The prime minister said those who called him selected were themselves selected.
He recalled that Nawaz Sharif formed his party after having been made finance minister by General Jilani and then chief minister by General Zia.
“Zulfikar Ali Bhutto served as minister in the cabinet of a military dictator and then formed his own party when there was political vacuum.
Bilawal Bhutto is party leader because of a slip, while Maryam got the PML-N’s post because she was daughter of Nawaz Sharif, having no political struggle.
