ISLAMABAD: Chief of Army Staff General Asim Munir has emphasized the importance of the safety and security of Pakistanis, stating that it cannot be compromised as the deadline for the eviction of illegal refugees in the country approaches.
In a press release shared by Inter-Services Public Relations, General Munir said, “Safety and security of each Pakistani is of paramount importance which cannot be allowed to be compromised at any cost.” His comments were made in the context of repatriation and deportation of illegal foreigners, with Pakistan setting a November 1 deadline for their removal.
Meanwhile, caretaker Interior Minister Sarfraz Bugti announced that the government has established “holding centers,” which are temporary camps, to accommodate any illegal refugees who remain in the country after the deadline.
General Munir made these remarks while addressing participants of the National Security Workshop – 25 at the General Headquarters (GHQ) in Rawalpindi. Officials briefed the 25 participants on regional and internal security dynamics and the national security environment. This annual event at the National Defence University includes representatives from various segments of society, with 98 participants attending, including parliamentarians, senior civil and armed forces officers, and civil society representatives.
The army chief emphasized the role of the intelligentsia and civil society in countering a “hostile propaganda onslaught” being launched against state institutions through soft means. He also discussed various measures taken to curb illegal activities, including smuggling, power theft, drug trafficking, border control efforts, and the repatriation of illegal foreigners. General Munir highlighted the positive economic impact of various steps, particularly the Special Investment Facilitation Cell.
He concluded by emphasizing that the Army is fully engaged in enabling national and provincial responses across different domains, in collaboration with other state institutions, for the collective good of the Pakistani people. He expressed confidence in the resilience of the nation and its ability to achieve peace and stability.
