PM Imran visits GHQ, gets briefing on security situation

RAWALPINDI: Prime Minister Imran Khan on Thursday visited military’s general headquarters (GHQ) to get briefing on security matters.

PM Khan was welcomed by Chief of Army Staff General Qamar Javed Bajwa on his arrival. The federal ministers of defence, foreign affairs, finance, information, state minister for interior, and secretary defence also accompanied the PM.

The prime minister was presented a guard of honour and laid a floral wreath at the martyrs monument and paid tribute to them. PM Imran was introduced to all Principal Staff Officers (PSO) of the GHQ.

PM and his ministers were given detailed briefings on security environment, threat spectrum and response. They were also updated on army’s campaigns against terrorism, ongoing Radd-ul-Fasaad Operation, situation in Karachi and the Khushal Balochistan programme.

PM Imran appreciated the professional, operational readiness and contributions and sacrifices of the Pakistan Army in the war against terrorism.

He said that the nation is facing external and international threats which they will overcome with the support of the nation and a cohesive national approach.

He assured that the government shall provide all resources required to maintain capability and capacity of the army. He said that Pakistan is destined to rise and stay positively relevant in the comity of nations.

General Bajwa thanked the PM for his visiting and posing in the army. He assured that the army shall continue to deliver on the nation’s expectations of defending the motherland at all costs.

Prime Minister Imran Khan arrived to visit GHQ. Received on arrival by COAS. PM being briefed on defence, internal security and other professional matters.
Ministers of Defence, Foreign Affairs, Finance, Information and Minister of State for Interior are accompanying the PM.

— Maj Gen Asif Ghafoor (@OfficialDGISPR) August 30, 2018

According to Director General Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), Maj Gen Asif Ghafoor, “PM being briefed on defence, internal security and other professional matters. Ministers of Defence, Foreign Affairs, Finance, Information and Minister of State for Interior are accompanying the PM.”

On August 27, Army Chief Bajwa had called on Imran Khan at the PM House. The two dignitaries had expressed resolve to continue efforts for enduring peace and stability in the country.

They also exchanged views on the overall security situation in the region. Army Chief General Bajwa also felicitated Imran Khan on assuming office of the prime minister.

Imran’s visit to the GHQ comes ahead of US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo’s expected arrival to Pakistan in the first week of September. US Defense Secretary Jim Mattis has also confirmed Mr. Pompeo’s visit.

During his visit to Pakistan, Secretary Pompeo will focus on major issue of terrorism, seeking Pakistan’s support to take bilateral action against the common enemies and terrorists.

Pompeo will be the first foreign dignitary to meet the newly elected Prime Minister, who took oath of his office on August 18.

In a statement, The US State Department had welcomed the new Pakistani prime minister, dispelling the impression that Washington was not happy with Imran Khan’s election.