ISLAMABAD: Pakistan's Army Chief General Asim Munir on Saturday urged all stake-holders for a "national consensus" to meet challenges like economic slowdown and "terrorism," the Pakistani military said.
Pakistan has been witnessing a spike in militant attacks as some outlawed militant groups, including the Pakistani Taliban, ramped up attacks in remote parts of the country's Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa provinces.
The South Asian country has also been grappling with a current account deficit and currency depreciation, with its foreign exchange reserves dropping below $6 billion — barely enough for a month of imports.
The army chief called for a consensus to deal with these challenges as he addressed attendees at the commissioning parade of 118th Midshipmen and 26th Short Service Commission at the Pakistan Naval Academy in Karachi.
"Pakistan is passing through one of her most critical junctures and this requires development of national consensus by all stakeholders to sail through the confronted challenges of economy and terrorism," Gen Munir was quoted as saying by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the Pakistani military's media wing.
The army chief appreciated the Pakistan Naval Academy for imparting quality education not only to Pakistani cadets, but to the cadets of friendly countries, according to the ISPR.
Gen Munir advised young officers to lead by their conduct, character, professional acumen and foresight as future leaders.
On Friday, Pakistan's National Security Committee (NSC) also vowed to respond to militants challenging the writ of the state with "full force," describing them as the "enemies of Pakistan."
“The entire nation is united on one narrative against terrorism and terrorists,” a statement issued by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif's office said after an NSC meeting.
"Those who challenge Pakistan will get a full force response," it added.
