ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Monday praised outgoing Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Qamar Javed Bajwa for effectively handling the country’s ‘crises’ during his 6-year-long tenure. .
COAS Bajwa is set to retire on November 29 (tomorrow) and hand over the “command baton” to General Asim Munir, who was appointed in his place last week.
As he prepares to bid farewell to arms after serving as COAS from 2016-2022, General Bajwa today called on Prime Minister Shehbaz and President Arif Alvi.
According to the statement issued by the Prime Minister’s Office, during the meeting, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif appreciated the services of the outgoing chief for the Pakistan Army, national defense and national interests.
The Prime Minister said, “The Army under the leadership of General Bajwa has rendered exemplary service during various crises – including the removal of Pakistan’s name from the FATF (Financial Action Task Force) greylist, the coronavirus pandemic and floods.” “
The armed forces crushed the menace of terrorism with bravery and valor under the leadership of General Bajwa, the prime minister said, as he took over as army chief during “one of the most difficult moments in history”.
“General Bajwa also played a key role in making Pakistan’s defenses impregnable. In a complex regional situation [his] leadership set the direction to address security challenges.”
The Prime Minister also appreciated the Army Chief’s services regarding geo-economics.
“You have the honor of leading the best army in the world,” the Prime Minister told COAS Bajwa.
In response, the outgoing chief thanked the Prime Minister for his full cooperation in the execution of national affairs.
A statement from the President’s Secretariat said that before meeting the Prime Minister, the Army Chief had a farewell meeting with the President Dr. Arif Alvi at the President’s House.
In the meeting, the President appreciated the services of General Bajwa in the field of defense and also appreciated his services for the country and Pakistan Army.
The President wished General Bajwa all the best in his future endeavours.
