Outgoing Chief of Army Staff General Qamar Javed Bajwa paid farewell visits to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and President Arif Alvi on Monday.
In a meeting with Prime Minister Shehbaz, the Prime Minister appreciated the outgoing chief’s services to the Pakistan Army, national defense, and national welfare, a statement from the Prime Minister’s Office said.
The Prime Minister believed, “The Army underneath General Bajwa has rendered exemplary service during several crises – including the removal of Pakistan from the FATF (Financial Action Task Force) gray list, the coronavirus, and floods.
The armed forces crushed the menace of terrorism with courage and bravery under the leadership of General Bajwa, the prime minister said, noting that as the army chief, he took charge of “one of the hardest moments in history.”
“Gen Bajwa also played a major part in making Pakistan’s defenses impregnable. His leadership in complex regional conditions set the path for resolving security clashes.”
The prime minister also appreciated the services of the army chief in terms of geo-economics, noting that all political forces will have to sign the “charter of the economy” to ensure that Pakistan becomes a strong economic power.
“You have the honor of leading the best army in the world,” said Prime Minister COAS Bajwa.
In response, the outgoing boss thanked the Prime Minister for his full cooperation in national affairs.
Before meeting the Prime Minister, the Army Chief bade farewell to the President at Aiwan-e-Sadar. Arif Alvi, said a statement from the President’s Secretariat.
In the meeting, the President appreciated General Bajwa’s services in the defense field and enjoyed his services to the country and the Pakistan Army.
The President wished General Bajwa all the best in his future endeavors.
COAS Bajwa is set to retire on November 29 (tomorrow) and will hand over the ‘baton of command’ to General Asim Munir, who was named his successor last week.