Pakistan army chief arrives in Maldives
The rare visit comes amid frayed India-Maldives ties after public disputes over the exercise of emergency powers, prompting speculation in Indian media that it is a “political signal” from the regional rival.
31 Mar 2018, 9:00 AM
Pakistan army chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa arrived in the Maldives on Friday for a three-day official visit on the invitation of his Maldivian counterpart.
Bajwa will meet with Defence Minister Adam Shareef Umar and other officials during his first visit to the country since taking up the top military post in November 2016, according to the Maldives National Defence Force.
The Pakistan chief of army staff is the highest-ranking foreign dignitary to visit the country since a widely criticised state of emergency was lifted after 45 days.
The rare trip comes amid frayed India-Maldives ties after public disputes over the exercise of emergency powers, prompting speculation in Indian media that it is a “political signal” from the regional rival.
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