ISLAMABAD: Afghan President Mohammad Ashraf Ghani made a phone call to Prime Minister Sha
hid Khaqan Abbasi on Wednesday to condole on behalf of the government and people of Afghanista
n the killing of Nayyer Iqbal Rana, a
Pakistan diplomatic official serving at the
Pakistan’s Consulate General in Jalalabad.
According to a statement, Abbasi conveyed to the Afgh
an president that people of
Pakistan were deeply saddened at the killing of the diplomatic official in Jalalabad. While thanking the Afgh
an president for condolences o
n the tragic incident, the prime minister said that
Pakistan expected that urgent steps would be taken by the Afghan government to apprehend culprits of the heinous crime and bring them to the justice at the earliest.
The prime minister underlined the need for thorough investigation by the Afghan government to expose the forces behind the abhorrent act.
Abbasi emphasised the need to promote harmony and cooperation among the two countries through sustained engagement. He said that the two governments should collectively work to bolster bilateral ties.
The premier requested the Afgh
an president to strengthe
n the security of
Pakistanis, including diplomats, and diplomatic premises in Afghanistan.
The Afgh
an president assured that the Afghanistan would undertake thorough investigation into the incident to bring the perpetrators to justice. He said that all possible measures for security of
Pakistani diplomats and nationals working in Afghanistan would be ensured.
Meanwhile, PM Abbasi has reposed complete trust and confidence i
n the professional capabilities of
Pakistan Navy with regard to defence of the country’s maritime frontiers.
During his visit to the Naval Headquarters on Wednesday, the prime minister said, “I fully realie the importance of maritime sector, its great economic potential and the fact that
Pakistan’s progress is dependent o
n the development of the maritime sector.
“It is most reassuring to learn that our navy is fully prepared and geared up to safeguard our maritime interests, defend our sea frontiers and provide security to Gwadar Port and the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). The government will provide full support and is committed to realising the development plans of the
Pakistan Navy to ensure that it remains a balanced and effective force capable of meeting the future challenges,” he said.
On his arrival at the Naval Headquarters, the prime minister was received by Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Zafar Mahmood Abbasi and was presented a guard of honour by a smartly turned out contingent of the
Pakistan Navy.
Later, he was introduced to principal staff officers serving at the Naval Headquarters. Separately, Dr Joseph Baumert, member Volkswagen Board of Management, Wednesday called o
n the premier at the Prime Minister’s Office.
The prime minister welcomed the decision of Volkswagen to invest and undertake business venture in
Pakistan and assured all possible facilitation and support to the company.
Highlighting the strengths of
Pakistan economy, Abbasi observed that investor-friendly policies of the incumbent government, the economic turnaround achieved i
n the the last four years and improved security situation, offered the international business co
mmunity huge incentives to invest and reap the benefits from a fast growing economy.
Published in Daily Times, November 9th 2017.