PRIME Minister Imran Khan returned home on Thursday morning after completing a three-day successful visit to the United States during which he was also accompanied by military leadership including Chief of Army Staff General Qamar Javed Bajwa. Apart from being part of delegation level talks with the US President Donald Trump, the Army Chief also held separate talks with the US dignitaries: Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, Acting Defence Secretary Richard Spencer and other US officials.
The focus of these talks indeed was security, terrorism and the Afghan peace process during which the US side greatly acknowledged the role being played by Pakistan in the regional security as well as its sacrifices in the war on terrorism. Talking to them, General Qamar Javed Bajwa very explicitly reiterated Pakistan’s stance that it attaches great importance to restoring a robust bilateral relationship based on mutual respect, trust and shared values. Undoubtedly General Qamar Javed Bajwa has made significant moves in defence diplomacy in the last one year or so. In fact everybody knows the role he played for reviving Pakistan’s relations with the Gulf countries such as Saudi Arabia and the UAE besides Iran. During his visit to Washington also, he presented Pakistan’s case very clearly vis-à-vis regional peace and security. This is acknowledgement of Pakistan’s cooperation and sacrifices in war on terrorism, that General Bajwa was accorded warm welcome at the Pentagon where he was presented a guard of honour with 21-gun salute. Indeed it is due to his extra-ordinary steps that every state is getting closer to Pakistan and those dreaming to isolate Pakistan at the international level stands failed in their nefarious designs and appear to be totally baffled. It is also heartening to note that both the civil and military leadership are on the same page and this is very important to take the country forward and to secure both security and economic interests of the country. There are certain political elements who for their vested political interests are trying to malign institutions and unnecessarily try to drag them into controversies. They must shun this course and rather contribute role in a manner that serves the interests of the country.
