ISLAMABAD: Afghan President Mohammad Ashraf Ghani made a phone call to Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi on Wednesday to condole on behalf of the government and people of Afghanistan 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 Afghan president that people of Pakistan were deeply saddened at the killing of the diplomatic official in Jalalabad. While thanking the Afghan president for condolences on 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 Afghan president to strengthen the security of Pakistanis, including diplomats, and diplomatic premises in Afghanistan.
The Afghan 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 in 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 on 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 on 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 in the the last four years and improved security situation, offered the international business community huge incentives to invest and reap the benefits from a fast growing economy.
Published in Daily Times, November 9th 2017.