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Pakistan
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Pakistan to broaden ties with US and China, Russian aggression against Ukraine cannot be condoned: army chief

  • General Qamar Javed Bajwa’s comments came days after PM Imran Khan accused the US of trying to oust his government by backing a no-confidence vote against him
  • Bajwa also called Russia’s invasion of Ukraine ‘very unfortunate’

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Pakistan’s army chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa. Photo: AP
Tribune News Service
Pakistan is seeking to expand its relations with both the United States and China, the chief of the country’s powerful army said, two days after Prime Minister Imran Khan accused the Biden administration of planning to oust his government by backing a no-confidence vote against him in parliament.

“We have a history of long and excellent strategic relationship with the US, which remains our largest export market,” General Qamar Javed Bajwa said in a speech at a forum in Islamabad.

“Pakistan enjoys a close strategic relationship with China demonstrated by our commitment towards Pakistan China Economic Corridor. We seek to broaden and expand our ties with both the countries without impacting our relationship with the other.”
Former cricket star Khan has been hyping up an issue of secret threats by the US to topple his government by aiding the country’s opposition groups, who have moved a no-confidence motion against him.

State Department spokesman Ned Price has said there was “no truth” to the allegations. The army chief’s comments are seen as significant because the military has ruled Pakistan for about half of the nation’s existence, and enjoys an outsize role in its foreign and security policies.

Voting in the 342-seat National Assembly will be held on Sunday. Local media reported that Khan’s opponents have garnered the support of about 200 lawmakers, 28 more than what’s required to vote him out. The premier’s allies and many dissidents in his party have said they plan to vote against him. If Khan loses, he will be Pakistan’s first elected PM to be voted out in parliament.

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