The army’s top brass has vowed to “fully support” the strategic initiatives planned by the government for the revival of the economy by providing all possible technical and management support for the “overall good” of the people of Pakistan.
The resolve was expressed at the 258th Corps Commanders Conference held at the General Headquarters in Rawalpindi, according to a statement from the Inter-Services Public Relations issued on Monday. It was presided over by Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Asim Munir.
On June 20, the ruling coalition unveiled the ‘Economic Revival Plan’ that is aimed at capitalising on Pakistan’s untapped potential in key sectors, fast-track development projects, and facilitating investment. For this, the government has established the Special Investment Facilitation Council to act as a ‘single window’ interface for potential investors as well as to adopt a unified approach.
It merits here to mention that the council has been split into three tiers called the Apex Committee, the Executive Committee and the Implementation Committee. The highest committee also includes the army chief and the national coordinator of the army.
Read: Pakistan, Iran vow to eradicate terrorism as COAS Munir concludes Iran visit
While speaking about the centre in his televised address on July 13, PM Shehbaz said that paths for investment from Gulf countries in agriculture, industry, mineral, energy, IT and defence production were being paved.
Last week, COAS Gen Asim Munir assured the government of the army’s full support for all the initiatives being initiated under the ambit of SIFC, including the Green Pakistan Initiative.
At the Corps Commanders Conference on Monday, the participants also deliberated upon the operational preparedness and training aspects of the army.
“Objective training remains the hallmark of our professionalism and we must always remain prepared to guard against any threat to our national security,” the army chief was quoted as saying in the statement.
The participants were briefed in detail about the prevailing internal security environment.
“The sanctuaries and liberty of action available to the terrorists of proscribed TTP and other groups of that ilk in a neighbouring country and the availability of the latest weapons to the terrorists were noted as major reasons impacting the security of Pakistan,” said the statement.
Pakistan and the United States have time after time demanded of the Afghan Taliban to not allow its soil used as a launch pad for attacks against countries.
Last week, the armed forces expressed concerns about the “safe havens and liberty of action” available to the outlawed terrorist group TTP in neighbouring Afghanistan. The military warned of an “effective response” as many Afghan nationals were found involved in acts of terrorism in Pakistan.
Similar concerns were raised by Defence Minister Khawaja Asif. He demanded the Afghan Taliban to abide by the Doha agreement and play the role of neighbour.
The forum paid “rich tribute” to the sacrifices offered by the soldiers in the defence of their motherland against the threat of terrorism.
