-Expresses satisfaction over Naval Force’s capabilities
-Receives briefing on maritime security, challenges
-Highlights government’s pledge to boost maritime economy
By Our Defence
Correspondent
Islamabad: Prime Minister Imran Khan commended the efforts of the Pakistan Navy in defending the country’s maritime borders and the China–Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), including Gwadar Port, during a visit to the Naval Headquarters in Islamabad.
He was received by Chief of Naval Staff (CNS) Admiral Muhammad Amjad Khan Niazi, and accompanied by federal ministers Pervez Khattak, Dr Abdul Hafeez Sheikh, Syed Ali Haider Zaidi, and Special Assistant on National Security Dr Moeed Yusuf.
PM Imran met with principal-staff officers during his visit and was briefed on the situation of maritime security and the Pakistan Navy’s step to coup with the challenges. Naval Chief Niazi said the Pakistan Navy is fully prepared to protect the maritime interests and sea frontiers of the country.
The premier assured the CNS that the country was offering its full support to the maritime forces, and declared 2020 as the year of the blue economy. He said that the government is working to promote the maritime sector as a means of economic growth. The naval chief thanked PM Imran for showing confidence over the capabilities of the naval forces.
Moreover, Prime Minister Imran Khan on Monday has visited Naval Headquarters in Islamabad today where he was received by the Chief of Naval Staff (CNS) Admiral Muhammad Amjad Khan Niazi.
A smartly turned out contingent of Pakistan Navy personnel presented the guard of honor to PM Imran Khan. The premier laid a floral wreath at Shuhada’s Monument at Naval Headquarters.
PM Imran Khan interacted with principal-staff officers during his visit, whereas, a briefing was also given to the premier regarding the situation of maritime security and the Pakistan Navy’s step to coup with the challenges.
PM Khan praised the efforts of the Pakistan Navy for the establishment of regional peace and vowed that the federal government will provide maximum assistance to the naval forces.
The federal government wants to further promote the maritime sector due to its importance and declaring 2020 as a blue economy year exhibits the willingness of the government for enhancing the maritime economy.
The Naval Chief thanked PM Imran Khan for showing confidence over the capabilities of the naval forces. He said that the naval forces are always ready to safeguard the maritime boundaries of Pakistan.
The was also attended by defence minister Pervez Khattak, finance adviser Abdul Hafeez Shaikh, minister for maritime affairs Ali Haider Zaidi, PM’s adviser on national security Moeed Yusuf, and other senior officers.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Imran Khan on Monday prayed for the speedy recovery of religious scholar Maulana Tariq Jamil, who was tested positive with COVID-19.
The Prime Minister in a tweet said, “Praying for Maulana Tariq Jamil’s speedy and full recovery from Covid-19.”
Maulana Tariq Jamil was hospitalized on the advice of doctors.
Earlier, Chairing a meeting of PTI leaders, Prime Minister Imran Khan said on Monday that the 11 opposition parties part of the Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM) lay badly exposed after yesterday’s Lahore rally.
“The reality of [the opposition’s] false narrative divulged to the public,” Prime Minister Khan said.
During the meeting, some party leaders were of the opinion that the PDM-constituent parties were confused over the issue of resignations from assemblies and hailed the government’s decision of not interfering in the opposition’s rally at Minar-e-Pakistan.
They further said the PDM’s narrative has died down after the opposition parties’ defeat in the Gilgit Baltistan elections and low attendance at their recent public gatherings.
Meanwhile, the prime minister has called a meeting of government spokespersons, which will take place today at 4:30pm at the Prime Minister’s Office. A report on the PDM’s Lahore rally will be presented to the premier during the meeting.
Punjab Chief Minister Usman Buzdar, federal ministers and special assistants have been instructed to attend the meeting.
