News Analysis |
Prime Minister Imran Khan on Thursday visited the General Headquarters (GHQ) in Rawalpindi along with his core team of ministers. The prime minister was accompanied by Minister for Defence Pervaiz Khattak, Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi, Finance Minister Asad Umar, Information Minister Fawad Chaudhry, Minister of State for Interior Shaharyar Afridi and secretary defence.
According to Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), Pakistan Army’s media wing, the premier was received on arrival by Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Qamar Javed Bajwa.
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.— DG ISPR (@OfficialDGISPR) August 30, 2018
While, Information and Broadcasting Minister Fawad Chaudhry said that Prime Minister Imran Khan and members of his cabinet were proud to meet command of the world’s best army. In a Twitter statement on Thursday, Chaudhry said the detailed briefing given to the prime minister and his cabinet at general headquarters (GHQ) was of great value.
A wonderful Visit of GHQ today. PM and members of the Cabinet are Proud to meet Command of World’s best Army.A detailed briefing in GHQ was of great value. With close coordination n cooperation amongst all institutions we shall overcome all challenges confronting Pakistan.
— Ch Fawad Hussain (@fawadchaudhry) August 30, 2018
“With close coordination and cooperation amongst all institutions we shall overcome all challenges confronting Pakistan,” he said. The prime minister was introduced to all Principal Staff Officers (PSOs) of the GHQ. Imran Khan also had a meeting with the COAS.
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The PM was briefed on defense, internal security and other professional matters in an 8 hour session. Khan’s visit follows a first-ever official interaction between the both the leaders as chief executive and army chief on Monday this week at the Prime Minister s Office.
The visit was momentous for many reasons. This was the first ever visit of Imran Khan to the GHQ in the capacity of Prime Minister. Also many analysts listed the moment as the first ever in the country’s history.
The two had expressed the resolve to continue efforts for enduring peace in the country. They reiterated their determination for lasting peace and stability in the country. Both the leaders also exchanged views on overall security situation in the region.
Prime Minister Imran Khan assured that the government would provide all resources required to maintain capability and capacity of the army. The prime minister said that Pakistan is facing external and internal challenges but with the support of the nation and through a cohesive national approach, the same challenges would be overcome.
“Pakistan is destined to rise and Inshallah we shall rise staying positively relevant in the comity of nations,” said Imran Khan. According to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the prime minister and the ministers were given detailed briefings on security environment, threat spectrum and response. Updates on Pakistan Army’s campaign against terrorism, ongoing Operation Raddul Fassad, the Karachi situation and Khushal Balochistan programme were also given.
The prime minister appreciated professionalism, operational readiness and contributions and sacrifices of the Pakistan Army in the war against terrorism.
The two had expressed the resolve to continue efforts for enduring peace in the country. They reiterated their determination for lasting peace and stability in the country.
The Chief of the Army Staff (COAS) General Qamar Javed Bajwa thanked the Prime Minister for his visit and posing confidence in the army. The army chief assured that the Pakistan Army “shall Inshallah continue to deliver on nation’s expectations of defending the motherland at all costs and sacrifices.” Upon arrival, the prime minister was presented a guard of honour by a contingent. Imran Khan laid a floral wreath at the Shuhada monument to pay tribute to the martyrs.
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The visit was momentous for many reasons. This was the first ever visit of Imran Khan to the GHQ in the capacity of Prime Minister. Also many analysts listed the moment as the first ever in the country’s history.
Truly historic beginning in civil military relationship PM Imran Khan his key ministers arrived GHQ for thorough briefings on strategic and security issues by the COAS and other military leaders, I don’t remember when this sort of meeting was last held at GHQ, NOW ALL ON ONE PAGE
— Kamran Khan (@AajKamranKhan) August 30, 2018
Imran Khan becomes the first Prime Minister to solely chair the meeting in GHQ. In past, all such meetings in GHQ were jointly chaired by the PM & COAS.
This is a huge step towards the civilian supremacy to ensure the stability and peace in the country! #PrimeMinisterImranKhan pic.twitter.com/r5yu2PDJJK— Siasat.pk (@siasatpk) August 30, 2018
https://twitter.com/ameerabbas84/status/1035206405198893056
The visit also put paid to any many rumors that circulated around frictions between the new democratic government and the military. The overall visit gave a vibe of a harmony between institutions. Another significant reason was the briefing of the Prime Minister before the visit of several foreign delegates. Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif arrived here on Thursday, marking the first official visit of a country’s diplomat since the new government’s formation.
High-level Pakistani officials received the Iranian dignitary and gave him a warm welcome. The Foreign Office said that the Iranian FM will meet his Pakistani counterpart Shah Mehmood Qureshi in a one-on-one meeting. FM Zarif will hold official talks with FM Qureshi, the FO said in a statement.
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The Iranian minister is also expected to meet Prime Minister Imran Khan and Chief of Army Staff General Qamar Javed Bajwa. Moreover, Japanese state minister Kazuyuki Nakane will also arrive in Islamabad today for a two-day visit where he will meet with Qureshi and other government officials.
On Wednesday, US Defence Secretary James Mattis confirmed Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee General Joseph Dunford will visit Pakistan next week to meet PM Imran.