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Prime Minister Imran Khan visited the General Headquarters, Rawalpindi on Thursday morning for a security briefing, the army's media wing, Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), said in a tweet.
"Prime Minister Imran Khan arrived to visit GHQ. Received on arrival by COAS [Chief of Army Staff Gen Qamar Javed Bajwa]. PM being briefed on defence, internal security and other professional matters," the ISPR said.
"Ministers of Defence, Foreign Affairs, Finance, Information and Minister of State for Interior are accompanying the PM," it added.
Upon arrival, a guard of honour was given to PM Khan, who then laid a floral wreath at the at the Yadgar-i-Shuhada (Monument to Martyrs).
The PM and his ministers, the ISPR said, were given "detailed briefings on the security environment, threat spectrum and response, the Army’s campaign against terrorism, Operation Radd-ul-Fasaad, Karachi situation as well as the Khushal Balochistan program".
Information Minister Fawad Chaudhry said that PM Imran Khan and the ministers spent nearly eight hours at the GHQ.
The minister added that during the meeting Gen Bajwa said, "There is perception army interferes in the civilian affairs, but please be rest assured, the army will function like any other government institution".
PM Khan, according to the ISPR, "greatly appreciated the professionalism, operational readiness, and contributions and sacrifices of Pakistan Army in the war against terrorism".
"Pakistan is facing external and internal challenges but with the support of the nation and through a cohesive national approach, we shall successfully overcome these," the prime minister was quoted as saying.
Moreover, PM Khan also reportedly assured General Bajwa that his government shall provide all resources required to maintain the capability and capacity of the armed forces.
The COAS thanked the PM for his visit and his confidence in the Army, and assured him that the armed forces shall, God willing, "continue to deliver on nation’s expectations of defending the motherland at all costs and sacrifices".
The Thursday meeting follows PM Khan and Gen Bajwa's first-ever official interaction as chief executive and army chief on Monday this week at the Prime Minister's Office.
A statement following their meeting had stated that the two had pledged to work closely for establishmentpeace in the country and the region.
They “expressed resolve to bring enduring peace and stability in the country while also continuing efforts for regional peace”, the Prime Minister Office had said in a statement.
Although the Monday meeting was supposed to be a courtesy call, the focus of discussion, it is said, had quickly shifted to security in the country and the neighbourhood.
Comments (126) Closed
Now Pakistan military will happily brief about security situation of the country to Pakistan PM Imran khan unlike the previous government where sensitive Information used to be leaked to the press
Should it not be the other way in Naya Pakistan ?
Finally we have a civilian and military leadership want to work betterment of Pakistan previously it was lone effort and desire of military only
great, security is important for economic growth of any country
PM must shed a non-democratic tradition set by a non democratic PM ZA Bhutto. Elected PMs don't have Military Secretary and ADCs.
Security of the country is already in good hands, the thing that matters is economy and healthier the economy healthier the security.Let us plug all types of leakage and recover back the looted national wealth by fastest means.
Prime Minister visits GHQ.... Tells itself about democracy...
that is good to see, the war against corruption inshaAllah will be won and that will result in ending terrorism almost completely as these corrupt ppl somehow indirectly fund these terror related activities as they say it in west money laundering= terrorism as portion of money made out of money laundering is always going to fund the terror activities
Great to see the civilian government and defence being on the same page. This is important for the future of Pakistan.
This meeting says it all. Name any country there prime minister visiting GHQ rather it should be other way around.
Excellent. We love IK and the Army.
Now shall be revealed the position of Pakistan internally, in the region and globally from a security point of view. And now shall the pressure begin to be felt by the new Prime Minister.
The PLACE to go.
First time in the history of Pakistan that the civilian elected government are on one page. Great news for the country
Isn’t it surprising that the PM with senior members of his cabinet had to go to GHQ to get a security briefing? Is it a reflection of the balance of power?
Have you heard of the US president visiting Pentagon or the Indian PM visiting Army HQ for a security briefing?
Pakistan needs to sort out its hierarchy!
Is this Democracy? This should have been the other way. Army chief reporting to PM !
PM goes to Army HQ? Should be the other way unless he is invited for a ceremony etc...
Only country in the world where the head of govt has to go to defence hq for meetings. In all other democracies, it is the other way round
Noticed something, the PM has to visit GHQ and not other way around, don't you think this should change as well in Naya Pakistan
The normal is that anybody meeting PM goes to his office.Anyways hope it improves coordination between boys and civil government.
PM Imran khan and General bajwa will work together when it comes to foreign and security policies
Democraticaly elected PM, has to visit GHQ, & brief COAS. Generally, army head to visit PM office for briefing in democratic country.
I think it should be other way round security briefing should have been given to PM in PM house?
@j Exactly...
in our country india, army generals come to the pm office( the representative of people) to brief about defence, security or anything. it's like that in almost every democratic country.
ISI and defence should give daily or atleast weekly updates to the Prime Minister. This was not possible before as the Prime Ministers were corrupt and had deep business interests with Indians.
PM paying a visit to the Army Chief? Is this supposed to be a democracy?
Havent He should called general bajwa instead
khan just go to handle TLP
This shows who is calling the shot....
so much better than Indian agent Nawaz Shareef
Great news!! military and civilians are on same page
@Ghalib well said.
Great to see two Gentlemen sitting together...unlike corrupt sharifs who were the security Risk in themselves
@Ghalib American presidents visit pentagon on a regular basis my friend. Frankly we do not care what indians do in their country.
But the picture is of PM House in Islamabad
@Pblr The US president usually visits Pentagon and even CIA headquarters and claims to be the leading democracy.
So to get Security Briefings each time Imran Khan has to travel from Islamabad to Rawalpindi
To all the Indians so much interested in democracy should read about US presidents regularly visiting Pentagon and CIA’s headquarters. The US state secretary will be accompanied by US COAS, so please give us a break and focus on yourselves.
@BhaRAT. How can you make such claims, does anyone come to you to let you know the goings on?..or you’re the latter part of your pen name?
Integrity and sovereignty of the country, mutual respect, security, internal and regional peace along with continuity of the democratic process are the common interests and goals for both PM Imran Khan and CHO.
Together, the army and civilian govt. are now expected to work with coordination to bring peace and security to the country. Once the internal security problem is resolved, the country can march on the path of economic growth and political stability.
Well in our country the Army chief comes to meet PM, not the other way round. Guess, there is nothing Naya...just old wine in new bottle.
Who is the boss!!
The army chief should meet the civilian head to brief him or her rather than the other way round, right?
In India it was the military chiefs who comes to PM office for the discussion. Here in Pakistan it was opposite. Agony.
@Raj singh On the invitation of COAS. Read before you comment.
@Raj singh previous week COAS visited PM to invite him.
Discussing pompeo visit.
As a matter of fact Army chief should come and meet Imran Khan.
Dear friends please be positive, don't write just for the sake of writing. Please say the glass is half full NOT half empty. Let IK do what ever is good for the country under the present circumstances Thanks
Prime Minister do not visit army headquarters to get briefing it's other way round, the chiefs of all forces come to brief PM at PMO. Its how civilian supremacy is maintained.
It does not mentioned in ISPR tweet that PM visited for security briefing. Rather PM visited GHQ along with the ministers. They were briefed on various matters. It is just like a delegation visiting a place e.g Parliament and get briefing on Parliamentary working.
In any other democracy it would have been other way round .
@Ghalib Do not compare Pakistan with USA. By the, US president does visit Pentagon.
For all those who are against PM visiting GHQ... its the right thing to do as GHQ is better equipped to thwart any eavesdropping from the hostile agencies... PM house cannot be trusted just now because of previous Govts anti state activities
PM goes to GHQ? It should be the other way around.
I see lots of comments about PM going to GHQ, rather than Gen. Bajwa going to PM.
It doesn't really matter. I have seen American president visiting Pentagon. PM can go to GHQ for a tour of GHQ. I don't think it is going to be the norm. Let us give the PM freedom to operate the way he wants, instead of being crazy about every little thing.
Respected Ladies & Gents - please read carefully, this was initially supposed to be a courtesy call. Similarly, Honorable PM Khan visited Foreign Office as well; does that mean he's being dictating by The Foreign Minister?
Please don't make a mountain out of a molehill. Thanks & have a Great Day.
Workable relations between the PM and the Army Chief will be in the best interest of the country.
@Balaji if you are not aware the COAS and other armed forces Chiefs have already visited the Prime Minister. briefings are easier to give where information is easily accessible especially on classified matters e.e. the PM attends ministry briefings at the respective ministries.
@Balaji - It may not happen in India but American presidents visits Pentagon too!
It's seems people just want to find faults, what does it matter who went to who, what is important is the substance of the discussion, it can argued that it is a mark of respect for PM to go to GHQ. After all nothing is more important than our military, it is they thst will give thief lives to protect not only the PM but all of us.
Modi will never visit GHQ.
Why would the executive of the state visits GHQ for security?? GHQ should send professionals at PM house to advise him. Change the status quo Sir.
The two have pledged, says the statement. Do they not represent one?
Everybody knows what the reality is, delusion and denial do no good to anyone.
@Gopal Very sad indeed. Is GHQ not in India?
@M1 Jamal security yes but not foreign policy.
@Ghalib
Donald Trump did visit Pentagon soon after his inauguration.
The talented and patriotic duo will take Pakistan to a new height as both are honest to the core. I wish them great success. Pakistan Zindabad
One week in office, time to get serious about the real job.
Integrity and sovereignty of the country, mutual respect, security, internal and regional peace along with continuity of the democratic process are the common interests and goals for both PM Imran Khan and CHO.
@Ghalib - it doesn't matter, who visit where or goes where, as long as the main security issues are discussed for the interest of the country. I don't know why people like you are worry and make silly comments - grow up and make sensible comments or otherwise, just keep quiet!
COAS should be visiting the PM and the team headed by the defence minister. COAS is a public servant under the democratically elected PM Imran Khan.
@Raj singh we don’t care what you think about democracy. We are happy with our PM and the army being on one page. We are not bothered with what the world is thinking.
Not the other way around?
For all those ignorant fools raising voices about pm khan visit to GHQ as non democratic act, he also visited foreign ministry for briefing was that too a non democratic...?? Raise your self above this negativity and think of pakistan please.
@Balaji : Yes, it should be the other way round. However, in Pakistan, it happens like this.
Isn’t IK PM commander of all Armed forces ??
@Raj singh : There is no democracy in Pakistan.
This is sham, 'guided' and 'controlled' democracy.
Nice photo op.
@Raj singh you troll.
@Balaji.And which way is that ?
All of you who do not understand a simple process of a new PM visiting the GHQ after he has been elected the leader of the country should really do some googling to get educated. First, the COAS visited the PM, now it was the PM visiting the GHQ, this is how it works,
@Ghalib - You are right but it is better to compare an apple with an apple and a bitter gourd with a bitter gourd.
This is how it should be... Proud of PTI
Now don't call him puppet PM
My heart is happy after seeing my Pakistani Armed Forces Command. Pakistan Armed Forces makes me happy. Love you so much Pakistan Armed forces. I don't know why my heart feels so happy to see our Armed Forces be it Army, Navy and Air Force.
Since Musharraf days it's the second time I feel so happy to see our beloved civilian leadership, they all are very competent people led by an honest Pakistani Imran Khan.
Pakistan Zindabad!
IndoPakBangla Blood Brothers 4 Life!
Why it is a news???? All countries have these meetings but in Pakistan it is a headline.
@knighted_lord. Let me explain something to you, every country has their own way of conducting business. Just because India does it one way does not mean Pakistan has to too. Our PM will always visit the GHQ when needed, its nothing new. The Army also falls under the PM, regardless of what the perception is. Save us the what India does.
Maybe PM wanted to visit the GHQ, ever think about that.
This is a good move. Going forward the briefing should be done at PM house.
In ALL countries in the world the COAS visits the PM/President's office to give security briefing. Only in Pakistan things happen the other way around.
@Chinpaksaddique Move, from meaningless discussion, who should visit who. The PM has the right to visit any institurion at his will. He is the PM and see the respect shown by Military .
@Chinpaksaddique For your info, PM is also a public servant.
Well imagine Trump going to pentagon or Putin visiting Arbatskaya Square for a briefing.
@Aleem No, they don't unless it's the founding day of pentagon.
Why indians are worried abt pakistan.
It is a common practice that when a president or PM assume duties, the service chiefs call on them. The return call is then made by these dignitaries in the respective service headquarters. Since most of our politicians are unaware or have little knowledge of security and defense requirements, they are given detailed briefing on situation and service requirements. The US president is given detailed briefing on every aspect of government specially the military and its worldwide commitments. The US presidents have been regularly visiting Afghanistan to meet the troops and get a first hand briefing on the situation on the ground. Detailed briefing cannot be given in PM office as operations room and all facilities are located in service headquarters. The reason the briefing lasted 8 hours is probably for the first time PM asked questions and participated in discussions.
@Raj singh What is wrong with PM visiting GHQ? PM has the right to visit any state institution. Only the enemies of Pakistan dont like what they see: an honest democratic elected PM and his military working hand in hand.
Eight hours of briefing should constitute a world record by GHQ of any country of the World. Also PM's house would have been a better venue for it!
@Aleem that is not correct. Check your facts.
Excellent
Excellent progress and much desired coordination between civil and military, finally.
@Chinpaksaddique Everything in its own time. Imran Khan is wise enough not to step on egos and toes in a hurry.
Exchanging ideas, united front, how to engage visit by the US military and civil representatives. Well done!
@Balaji He is PM of whole country he can visit wherever he wants to. Btw PM Khan presided this meeting.
The pain expressed by Indian trolls in comment section is very enjoyable. Wake up guys, COAS has already paid the courtesy call to the PM in his office few days ago and also, if you lot have not noticed, PM Imran Khan headed the security meeting in the GHQ, first time ever in Pakistan history!
Wrong way around!
wow . what a beautiful change to see the army actually respecting a civilian leader and all because this one is HONEST ... if Nawaz was honest and helped the poor than he would have received the same honors !!
@Ghalib I can feel your pain, don't worry bro!
@Raj singh interesting. Perhaps you did not read the entire article. CAOS visit to PM at PM office happened already followed by detail brief.
@Anti-Corruption_Pakistani agree what folks are missing is that COAS already visited PM at his office earlier in the week.
Naya Pakistan is not your local football club. We are not only a sovreign nation but a nuclear power, who is responsible and follows norms like other progressive and sincere nations/countries around the world. Our Armed Forces are responsible and dedicated to the nation, in which collabration with the prime minister is of parmount importance. In this case, Hon. Imran Khan is a confident citizen elected to run the country. His nara of Naya Pakistan is not to be taken lightly and not a joke over a cup of chai, but in principle that state of affairs, which under this current adminstration will bring Pakistan to new heights.
In india this never happens. It’s the way around.
Why should Prime Minister Imran Khan visit the GHQ. The Chiefs of the Pak Army,Airforce and Navy should visit Imran Khan and brief them
The briefing should have been at PMO and not GHQ. however a see a good change that your army chief saluted your PM upon his arrival,that sent a very clear message down the line. All the best to people of Pakistan.
Normally GHQ chief should visit the PM at his office and not other way round. It gives a message of who is calling the shots.
Finally all institutions on same page. Now we can be secure and progress. All decisions for betterment of pakistsn and its people, not taking dictates from foreign governments.
@rs So if IK wants to review the Hospitals or education deptt or Police Headquarters, they should all turn up at the PM office since visiting any of them would mean, Education deptt or Hospitals or police are calling the shots.
@hem pant "Why should Prime Minister Imran Khan visit the GHQ. " FYI, GHQ is under the PM. The PM can visit any state owned entity any time, and get a briefing about its functioning. It doesn't mean he can interfere in its functioning, though.
@Lahori kid "Maybe PM wanted to visit the GHQ, ever think about that." They talk, that doesn't necessarily requires thinking!!!
@raj kumar "The briefing should have been at PMO and not GHQ. " I own a factory. Can I visit it or not?
Why didn't the PM called General to his office. What is 8 hour briefing?
@Balaji Well the chief saluted the P.M