ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Imran Khan on Wednesday met the services chiefs to take stock of the security situation.

“Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee and Services Chiefs called on Prime Minister Imran Khan at PM Office. Security situation of the country including professional matters pertaining to armed forces of Pakistan were discussed during the meeting,” a brief statement from Prime Minister’s office read.

The prime minister usually consults the services chiefs collectively either at the National Security Committee or the National Command Authority (NCA) — both of the forums include other members as well. The meeting, therefore, looked to be more of an informal review of the external as well as the internal security threats.

The prime minister’s meeting with services chiefs comes before the March 23 armed forces parade, which is for the first time being participated by such a large number of foreign dignitaries and military delegations.

Malaysian Prime Minis­ter Dr Mahathir bin Mohamad will be the guest of honour on the occasion, whereas Azerbaijan’s defence minister, Bahraini military chief and government officials from Oman are attending the event as special guests.

Military contingents from China, Saudi Arabia, Tur­key, Azerbaijan, Bahrain and Sri Lanka will also take part in the parade.

Published in Dawn, March 21st, 2019