ISLAMABAD: Commending Islamabad for its role in the war against terror, Egypt on Tuesday appreciated the efforts of Pakistan’s army in comments made to its top commander, General Qamar Javed Bajwa who is on an official visit to the country, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said in a statement.
During the meeting with General Mohamed Zaki, Commander in Chief of the Egyptian Armed Forces and the Minister of Defense and Military Production, General Bajwa discussed ways to enhance bilateral cooperation between the two countries in various fields. The meeting was also attended by Lt. Gen. Mohamed Farid Hegazy, Chief of Staff of the Egyptian Armed Forces.
“Both sides agreed to increase bilateral cooperation in multiple fields including joint ventures, defense production, training, and intelligence,” the statement read on Monday, adding that the two “also agreed to improve cooperation for regional peace and stability”.
General Bajwa also met Sheikh Ahmed Al-Tayeb, Grand Sheikh of Al-Azhar who lauded the efforts of Pakistan’s army in eliminating the scourge of terrorism from the country, the statement read.
Al-Tayeb appreciated the issuance of the ‘Paigham-e-Pakistan’ – a fatwa or religious decree issued by religious scholars representing all schools of thoughts in Pakistan and pertaining to matters arising from extremism. In January this year, the fatwa was signed by 1,829 clerics who declared all forms of terrorism as un-Islamic.
“He added that Islam is a religion of moderation and a complete code of conduct, which must not be linked with terrorism/extremism in the global community,” the statement read.
General Bajwa also emphasized “the need to harness Muslim youth toward enlightenment, technological advancement, moderation, and harmony”.
In February this year, at the invitation of Pakistan’s Ministry of Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony, Egypt’s Grand Mufti, Sheikh Shawki Ibrahim Abdel-Karim Allam had visited Islamabad and endorsed the fatwa.
Egypt all praise for Pakistan’s role in war against terror
Egypt all praise for Pakistan’s role in war against terror
- Lauds country’s efforts in combating militancy during Army Chief’s visit
- General Bajwa also met with Grand Sheikh of Al-Azhar
Pakistan assembly speaker warns opposition against anti-state remarks in parliament
- Ayaz Sadiq says criticism of judiciary and armed forces will not be allowed on assembly floor
- He calls violence during protests unacceptable, vows neutrality as National Assembly speaker
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s National Assembly Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq said on Saturday that opposition lawmakers would not be allowed to speak against Pakistan, the judiciary or the armed forces on the floor of parliament, calling such remarks unacceptable.
Speaking to reporters during a visit to the eastern city of Lahore, Sadiq said parliamentary debate must remain within constitutional and legal limits, while reiterating his commitment to act impartially as speaker.
“No one will be allowed to speak against Pakistan, the judiciary or the armed forces on the floor of the National Assembly,” Sadiq said. “Negative or controversial remarks about judges or the armed forces are unacceptable.”
His comments come amid heightened political tensions after opposition groups held protests in the past, criticizing state institutions and targeting government and military properties.
The speaker said peaceful protest was a democratic right but drew a sharp line at violence and vandalism.
“Protest is the right of every citizen in a democratic society, but it must remain peaceful and within the bounds of the constitution and the law,” he continued, adding that arson, damage to property and the use of sticks or weapons in the name of protest were “unacceptable” and posed a threat to the rule of law.
“No opposition lawmaker will be allowed to speak on the National Assembly floor if they speak against Pakistan,” Sadiq said.
The speaker also noted the country’s economic indicators were gradually improving, citing an increase in foreign exchange reserves, and said Pakistan had further strengthened relations with countries including the United States, China, Russia, Türkiye and Saudi Arabia.
