ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s Army Chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa has said the South Asian country seeks to “broaden and expand” its relations with the United States (US), days after Prime Minister Imran Khan accused Washington of meddling in the country’s affairs.
At a rally on Sunday, Khan spoke of a purported letter that contained “threats” to his government, but did not name a country that sent it. Pakistani officials have since said the letter was a cable written by a former Pakistani ambassador to the US, who conveyed threats by a “senior foreign official.”
On Thursday, Khan named the US in his televised address to the nation, accusing it of backing a political campaign aimed at ousting him. He said the move was aimed at hindering his efforts to pursue an independent foreign policy for Pakistan. Washington has denied the allegations.
Gen Bajwa said while Pakistan enjoyed a close strategic relationship with China, it equally shared a long history of excellent strategic relationship with the US, which remained the largest export market for the South Asian nation.
“We seek to broaden and expand our ties with both countries without impacting our relationship with the other,” the army chief said, while addressing attendees at the two-day Islamabad Security Dialogue 2022.
“Similarly, the European Union, United Kingdom, Gulf, South East Asia and Japan are also vital for our national development and progress.”
Gen Bajwa’s comments were in contrast with what was recently said by PM Khan, who faces a no-trust vote in parliament, along with defections by over a dozen of his party’s lawmakers.
The Pakistani army chief expressed alarm over the Russian invasion of Ukraine, describing it as “unfortunate.”
“Sadly, the Russian invasion against Ukraine is very unfortunate as thousands of people have been killed, millions made refugees and a half of Ukraine destroyed.”
“This is a huge tragedy which must be stopped immediately. Despite legitimate security concerns of Russia, its aggression against a smaller country cannot be condoned.”
Pakistan supported a dialogue between all sides to find a lasting solution to the conflict, he said, calling for immediate cessation of hostilities.
After failing to take a major Ukrainian city since it launched the invasion on Feb. 24, Russia has shifted its focus to Ukraine’s southeast, where it has backed separatists since 2014.
Both countries recently agreed to humanitarian corridors during the war to facilitate the evacuation of civilians from cities, but have often traded blame when the evacuations have not been successful.
The conflict has killed thousands, uprooted a quarter of Ukraine’s population and devastated cities such as Mariupol.
Russia denies targeting civilians in what President Vladimir Putin calls a “special military operation” aimed at demilitarizing Ukraine.
Ukraine calls it an unprovoked war of aggression and Western countries have imposed sweeping sanctions in an effort to squeeze Russia’s economy.
Pakistan army chief says Islamabad seeks to ‘broaden and expand’ ties with US
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Pakistan army chief says Islamabad seeks to ‘broaden and expand’ ties with US
- Gen Qamar Bajwa’s comments contrast with PM Imran Khan’s accusations against Washington
- On Thursday, Khan said Washington was backing a political campaign aimed at ousting him
Customs seize narcotics, smuggled goods, vehicles worth $4.9 million in southwest Pakistan
- Customs seize 22.14 kg narcotics, consignments of smuggled betel nuts, Hino trucks, auto parts, says FBR
- Smuggled goods enter Pakistan’s Balochistan province from neighboring countries Iran and Afghanistan
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Customs seized narcotics, smuggled goods and vehicles worth a total of Rs1.38 billion [$4.92 million] in the southwestern Balochistan province on Tuesday, the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) said in a statement.
Customs Enforcement Quetta seized and recovered 22.14 kilograms of narcotics and consignments of smuggled goods comprising betel nuts, Indian medicines, Chinese salt, auto parts, a ROCO vehicle and three Hino trucks in two separate operations, the FBR said. All items cost an estimated Rs1.38 billion, it added.
Smuggled items make their way into Pakistan through southwestern Balochistan province, which borders Iran and Afghanistan.
“These operations are part of the collectorate’s intensified enforcement drive aimed at curbing smuggling and dismantling illegal trade networks,” the FBR said.
“All the seized narcotics, goods and vehicles have been taken into custody, and legal proceedings under the Customs Act 1969 have been formally initiated.”
In the first operation, customs officials intercepted three containers during routine checking at FEU Zariat Cross (ZC) area. The containers were being transported from Quetta to Pakistan’s Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa provinces, the FBR said.
The vehicles intercepted included three Hino trucks. Their detailed examination led to the recovery of the smuggled goods which were concealed in the containers.
In the second operation, the staff of the Collectorate of Enforcement Customs, Quetta, intercepted a ROCO vehicle at Zariat Cross area with the local police’s assistance.
The driver was interrogated while the vehicle was searched, the FBR said.
“During interrogation, it was disclosed that drugs were concealed inside the spare wheel at the bottom side of the vehicle,” it said.
“Upon thorough checking, suspected narcotics believed to be heroin was recovered which was packed in 41 packets, each weighing 0.54 kilograms.”
The narcotics weighed a total of 22.14 kilograms, with an estimated value of Rs1.23 billion in the international market, the FBR concluded.
“The Federal Board of Revenue has commended the Customs Enforcement Quetta team for their effective action and reiterated its firm resolve to combat smuggling, illicit trade and illegal economic activities across the country,” it said.
