WASHINGTON: Army Chief Gen. Qamar Javed Bajwa has reaffirmed his plan to retire as per his promise, i.e. November this year. He was speaking at a luncheon hosted in his honor at the Pakistan Embassy in Washington.
Gen. Bajwa said no nation could achieve its goal without stronger economy, and that restoring the economy of Pakistan should be the top most priority of every stake holder in the country.
The Army Chief assured the nation that the armed forces had distanced themselves from politics and wanted to remain so in future.
Meanwhile, a readout issued by the US Defense Department said Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III hosted General Qamar Javed Bajwa, Pakistan’s Chief of Army Staff, at the Pentagon during the 75th anniversary of relations between the United States and Pakistan. This long-standing partnership continues today with discussions focused on opportunities to address key mutual defense interests.
In Pakistan, the PR wing of the armed forces issued a statement narrating details of the meeting between Gen Bajwa and US officials including Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin, National Security Adviser Jacob Sullivan, and Deputy Secretary of State Wendy Sherman.
The ISPR said Chief of the Army Staff (COAS) General Qamar Javed Bajwa asserted that the assistance from Pakistan’s “global partners would be vital for the rescue and rehabilitation” of flood victims. He thanked the US officials for their support extended during the hard times of flash flood in Pakistan.
On this occasion, General Bajwa also offered heartfelt condolence on the deaths and devastation in the US state of Florida due to Hurricane Ian. He said “Pakistan comprehends the loss and pain of families as the country itself is facing drastic effects of climate change.”
ISPR statement said both sides had convergence on major international issues including Afghanistan and need for cooperation to avoid humanitarian crisis and improving peace and stability in the region.
