ISLAMABAD - The civil and military leadership’s huddle in the chair of Prime Minister Imran Khan Tuesday discussed the overall security situation in the country and unanimously concluded that the progress and prosperity of the country lies in peace, stability and rule of law.
Imran Khan, who has recently concluded his successful visit of China, also briefed the participations of National Security Committee meeting about the details of his visit and the agreements signed between the two sides, and its expected impact in fortification of relations between two brotherly neighbouring countries in diverse fields.
Before the NSC meeting, Chief of Army Staff General Qamar Javed Bajwa separately called on Prime Minister Imran Khan and President Arif Alvi.
During his one-on-one meeting with Prime Minister he discussed overall security situation of the country.
According to President’s Secretariat COAS Bajwa called on President Dr Arif Alvi at the Aiwan-e-Sadr and discussed overall security situation in the country.
During the meeting, President Alvi commended the unmatched sacrifices rendered by the armed forces in fight against terrorism and extremism.
The overall security situation in the country with specific reference to the recent protests across the country by the activists by politico-religious outfit also figured in the NSC meeting and it was the unanimous view of the participants that no compromise on rule of law would be made and writ of the state would be established at all costs.
It was decided in the meeting that those who had taken law of the land in hands during these protests would be dealt with sternly and no relaxation to miscreants would be given.
It was further decided that maintenance of law and order would be the foremost priority of the government, as for securing the economic benefits of China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) it would be vital.
Sources aware of the deliberations of the meeting informed that military leadership briefed the participants on the progress of ongoing military operation Raddul Fasaad, which had entered in advanced stage where after the smashing down of the militants groups operating in the country now the civil and military law enforcement agencies were out to eliminate their remnants who were already on the run and most of them had fled to the neighbouring Afghanistan.
The border security issues with Afghanistan also came under discussion in the meeting and the participants expressed satisfaction over the overall situation on Pak-Afghan border and the cooperation between the two sides on issue-to-issue basis, a civilian member of the committee informed The Nation.
The ongoing peace process in Afghanistan also figured in the meeting and participants reiterated the country’s position that Pakistan would support the homegrown and indigenous solution to the Afghan imbroglio and Islamabad would extend all possible support remaining within diplomatic limits for bringing lasting peace in Afghanistan because the peace and stability in Pakistan is directly linked to peace in restive Afghanistan.
Briefing about his visit to China (Nov 2 to Nov 5), the prime minister informed the participants that several avenues of mutually beneficial collaboration were identified and a number of Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) were signed between the two sides in the sphere of economic cooperation.
Highlighting some of the areas where both countries would collaborate include socio-economic development, poverty alleviation, agriculture, economic and technical cooperation, forestry, earth sciences, higher education and technology.
The Prime Minister informed that after the successful completion of CPEC first stage which comprised infrastructure and energy sector improvements now they would move on to second stage wherein the main focus would be on industrial expansion, agricultural revitalization and trade integration of the two economies. This phase will help Government of Pakistan in achieving its objectives of job creation and export growth, he explained
The two sides also held discussions on immediate market access for Pakistan’s exports as well as balance of payments support. The top Chinese leadership expressed their strong support and a Task Force was established by both sides to discuss the matters further, he informed the participants.
The meeting was attended by Foreign Minister Makhdoom Shah Mehmood Qureshi, Defence Minister Pervez Khattak, Finance Minister Asad Umar, Information Minister Ch. Fawad Hussain, Minister of State for Interior Shehryar Khan Afridi, Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee General Zubair Mahmood Hayat, Chief of Army Staff General Qamar Javed Bajwa, DG ISI, DG MO, Foreign Secretary and senior officials.
NSC vows no
compromise on rule of law