KARACHI: Chief of the Army Staff Gen Qamar Javed Bajwa has asked the business community to play their role in the country’s economic stability and take advantage of the improved security situation.

Talking to a delegation of the business community that called on him on Friday, the COAS asked the businessmen to capitalise on the improved environment and assist in the economic stability of the country.

The army chief apprised the business community about the improved security situation across the country, especially Karachi, according to a statement issued by the Inter-Services Public Relations.

The business community acknowledged the army’s efforts in bringing about a secure environment for increased business opportunities and pledged to contribute in strengthening the country’s economic capacity.

The army has always attached significant importance to the economy since it believes that a weak economy can adversely affect the country’s safety and security.

Not very long ago, Gen Bajwa had made it clear that the army was keenly watching the country’s economy. He had told a gathering organised by the Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce `and Industry (FPCCI) and the ISPR in Karachi in October 2017 that growth had picked up but the debts were sky high. He also had highlighted the need for widening the tax base, bringing in fiscal discipline and ensuring continuity of economic policies. “We have done our part on the security front, now it’s up to you to take initiative and turn the economy around,” he had asked the business community.

And at a recent visit to the headquarters of the Pakistan Rangers, Sindh, the COAS had said that Karachi was the engine of national economy and its security environment must be further improved so that positive business trajectory was maintained.

Published in Dawn, January 12th, 2019