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In farewell meeting, PM Shehbaz thanks COAS Bajwa for tackling Pakistan’s ‘crises’

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  • Outgoing COAS holds farewell meetings with PM, president.
  • COAS Qamar Bajwa set to retire on November 29 (tomorrow).
  • PM Shehbaz commends his services in strengthening country.

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif Monday praised outgoing Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Qamar Javed Bajwa for efficiently dealing with the ‘crises’ in the country during his six-year-long tenure.

COAS Bajwa is set to retire on November 29 (tomorrow) and will hand over the “baton of command” to Gen Asim Munir, who was appointed to succeed him last week.

As he gets ready to bid farewell to arms after serving as COAS from 2016-2022, General Bajwa met PM Shehbaz and President Arif Alvi today.

During the meeting, PM Shehbaz lauded the outgoing chief’s services for the Pakistan Army, national defence, and national interests, a statement from the PM’s Office read.

“The army, under the leadership of Gen Bajwa, has rendered exemplary services during various crises — including the removal of Pakistan from the FATF’s (Financial Action Task Force) grey list, coronavirus pandemic, and floods,” the prime minister said.

The armed forces crushed the menace of terrorism with valour and bravery under Gen Bajwa’s leadership, the premier said as he noted that he took charge as the army chief during “one of history’s toughest moments”.

“Gen Bajwa also played a key role in making Pakistan’s defence impregnable. [His] leadership in a complex regional situation set the direction for dealing with security challenges.”

The prime minister also appreciated the army chief’s services in terms of geo-economics as he noted that all political forces would have to sign on a “charter of the economy” to ensure that Pakistan becomes a strong economic force.

“You got the honour of leading the world’s best army,” 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. 

Before meeting the prime minister, the army chief paid a farewell call on President Dr Arif Alvi at the Aiwan-e-Sadar, a statement from the President’s Secretariat said.

President Arif Alvi (left) meets Chief of Army Staff General Qamar Javed Bajwa at the Aiwan-e-Sadar in Islamabad on November 28, 2022. — Presidents Secretariat
President Arif Alvi (left) meets Chief of Army Staff General Qamar Javed Bajwa at the Aiwan-e-Sadar in Islamabad on November 28, 2022. — President’s Secretariat

In the meeting, the president commended Gen Bajwa’s services in the field of defence and also appreciated his services to the country and the Pakistan Army.

The president expressed best wishes for Gen Bajwa in his future endeavours.

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There will be no rally in Islamabad on May 9, as police warn of stern action.

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On Tuesday, police announced the federal government had implemented Section 144 in the Capital, which prohibited anyone from holding a gathering without permission.

The Capital police have warned that individuals who attempt to hold a gathering on May 9 will face severe consequences. Those who organize a protest procession without previous permission will face legal consequences. The Capital Police Department stated that such an attempt would not be permitted.

It should be noted that the PTI has organized a ‘peaceful’ demonstration in Islamabad on May 9, and has sought a judicial commission to investigate the May 9 incident.

Meanwhile, speaking to the media on Tuesday, PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan, along with the party’s top leaders, including Shoaib Shaheen, stated that peaceful protest was a fundamental right of any political party. They also inquired about the location of CCTV footage from the May 9 occurrences.

The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has called for the establishment of a judicial committee to probe the events of May 9. Barrister Gohar reiterated the party’s position on the Public Accounts Committee chairman, noting that it was an internal matter that will be settled upon notification.

In response to the DG ISPR’s recent press conference, Barrister Gohar stated, “I will read the DG ISPR’s statement and then comment.”

Shoaib Shaheen emphasized claimed acts of state terrorism, such as the kidnapping of the PTI’s founder and cases like Zille Shah. He also expressed concern about CCTV camera breakdowns in critical situations.

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Hajj 2024: Pakistan’s inaugural flight, carrying 180 pilgrims, departs tomorrow

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The first Hajj flight will depart from Karachi International Airport on Thursday (tomorrow) with 180 pilgrims, Ministry of Religious Affairs officials announced on Tuesday.

According to the officials, the first flight would depart at 1:45 a.m. on Thursday. According to them, up to 180 pilgrims will fly from Karachi to Medina, while a second aircraft of 150 pilgrims would depart for the holy region at 2 a.m.

In a month-long pre-Hajj flying operation, more than 68,000 prospective pilgrims under the government’s regular Hajj scheme would be ferried to Saudi Arabia on 259 flights by multiple airlines.

Most planes would arrive in Jeddah between May 24 and June 9, with the post-Hajj flight service from Saudi Arabia to Pakistan beginning on June 20.

On the first day (Thursday), 11 aircraft carrying 2,160 pilgrims would leave Pakistani airports for Medina.

Three aircraft from Islamabad would transport up to 680 pilgrims to Medina, two flights from Karachi would carry 330 pilgrims, and three flights from Lahore would transport 670 pilgrims.

The first Hajj flights from Quetta and Sukkur are scheduled for May 11 and 27, respectively.

Pre-HAJJ Arrangements

Earlier, the Ministry of Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony had finalized plans for the incoming pilgrims. As a result, the pilgrims were vaccinated on April 30 because travelers must obtain the mandated immunization 10 days before their Hajj flights begin.

Pilgrims must carry smartphones with them so that they can use applications for assistance throughout their Hajj journey.

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Pakistan’s lunar mission ‘ICUBE-Q’ reaches the moon orbit.

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Pakistan’s lunar mission (ICUBE-Q) entered orbit around the moon on Wednesday.

Pakistan’s historic lunar mission (ICUBE-Q) launched from Hainan, China, on Friday aboard China’s Chang’E6 spacecraft.

According to the IST, the satellite ICUBE-Q was planned and developed in partnership with China’s Shanghai University SJTU and Pakistan’s national space agency SUPARCO.

The ICUBE-Q orbiter is equipped with two optical cameras to image the lunar surface. ICUBE-Q has now been integrated into the Chang’e6 mission after successfully qualifying and testing it.

Chang’e6 is the sixth lunar exploration mission launched by China.

The launch event was streamed live on the IST website and social media platforms. Chang’6, China’s Lunar Mission, will land on the Moon’s far side to collect surface samples before returning to Earth for further research.

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