ISLAMABAD: Presi­d­ent Asif Ali Zardari and Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Gen Syed Asim Munir in their first official meeting on Wednesday expressed concern over “baseless and unsubstantiated” allegations levelled by a specific political party and its few individuals against the army for meeting their political designs.

The meeting took place at the Presidency where the COAS called on Presi­dent Zardari and congratulated him on assuming the charge of his office.

An official press release issued by the Presidency said: “The president noted with grave concern the baseless allegations levelled by a specific political party and its few individuals against the institution and its leadership to accrue narrow political interests and resolved to deal with such disruptive elements with an iron hand.”

Mr Zardari paid tribute to the martyrs who had sacrificed their lives for the nation, emphasising that their blood would “forever symbolise the resilience and strength of the Pakistani nation”. He reiterated the nation’s unwavering commitment to honouring the sacrifices of martyrs and their families.

In meeting with high commissioner, Zardari calls for promoting trade, business linkages with Singapore

“During the meeting, the COAS apprised the president regarding ongoing operations of the army against terrorism and hi­­gh­­lighted the operational preparedness agai­nst conventional threats.

“The COAS also intimated about the contributions of the army towards development initiatives, particularly in the regions of Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa,” the statement said.

The president acknowledged the role of the armed forces, affirming that the army’s contributions had been instrumental in safeguarding the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the country.

Mr Zardari also commended the army’s efforts towards the social uplift of affected areas, underscoring the unwavering commitment of the army to national progress, the statement said.

“The president emphasised Pakistan’s steadfast commitment against terrorism and reaffirmed the nation’s resolve to respond with full force through all elements of national po­­w­er,” the statement added.

“The meeting concluded on a note of solidarity and determination to uphold the values of peace, security and progress in Pakistan,” the president said.

Trade with Singapore

Later, President Zar­d­ari urged Pakistan’s high commissioner to Singa­p­ore to work for the promotion of bilateral trade and business linkages with Singaporean businesses, besides encouraging them to benefit from Pakistan’s investment-friendly policies.

Talking to newly appo­inted High Commissioner Rabia Shafiq, who called on him, the president highlighted the need to explore opportunities for the export of Pakistani food and agricultural products to Singapore.

“Pakistan can become a steady source of food supplies for Singapore by exporting processed food items, such as poultry, meat, seafood, etc,” he added.

He emphasised the need for exploring avenues to export Pakistani manpower to Singapore and work for the enhancement of bilateral cooperation in the areas of information technology and agriculture.

The president congratulated Ms Shafiq on her appointment as Pakistan’s high commissioner and wished her a productive and professional successful tenure in Singapore.

Published in Dawn, April 4th, 2024