ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has expressed his resolve to fulfill all resource requirements of Pakistan’s armed forces and sought US support for economic reforms and a new International Monetary Fund (IMF) program.
“Government will provide all the resources required for ensuring operational readiness of the Armed Forces,” Premier Shehbaz Sharif said during his first visit to the General Headquarters after assuming office, the premier was accompanied by some of his key ministers.
Prime Minister Shehbaz was given a security briefing during his visit, which covered the threat spectrum, response to the security threats and ongoing counterterrorism operations.
“During the visit, Prime Minister and Cabinet members engaged in discussions with military leadership on matters of national security, regional stability and military preparedness,” said an official handoit released by the PM Office (PMO).
The premier said that Pakistan was destined to rise and the armed forces had a crucial role in ensuring the peaceful rise of the country.
“PM and cabinet members appreciated the professionalism, operational readiness, and sacrifices of Pakistan Army in war against terrorism and commended the dedication of the Pakistan Army in safeguarding the nation’s territorial integrity and ensuring peace and stability,” the statement said.
According to the statement, Army Chief General Asim Munir affirmed that Pakistan Army will live up to the nation’s expectations and will resolutely support the government in addressing the security challenges facing the country.
Earlier, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif met with the US ambassador to pinpoint areas of cooperation, including Islamabad’s engagement with the International Monetary Fund (IMF).
The US Embassy in Islamabad stated on this visit that the US support for continued economic reforms with and through the IMF, was among the key areas of bilateral cooperation discussed during a meeting between Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and US envoy Donald Blome, the first since Shehbaz Sharif assumed office for the second time.
The meeting occurred a day after the commencement of discussions between Pakistan and the IMF for the second review of the Stand-By Arrangement.
Although a new program is not on the agenda of the ongoing meeting, the new finance minister Muhammad Aurangzeb has already hinted that Pakistan would advocate for a larger, long-term program during the review.
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