The army chief made this claim on Tuesday during a luncheon at the Pakistani Embassy in Washington. During his address, he also reiterated his intention to not seek an extension, and to leave once his term ends.
Bajwa spoke about rebuilding the economy and noted that strengthening the economy should be the first priority of all elements of Pakistani society, saying, "There could be no diplomacy either without a strong economy." The COAS addressed the attendees —among whom were diplomats and officials— before the lunch, during which he also made many informal remarks and comments.
After the lunch, Gen. Bajwa met with the US Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin at the Pentagon, where the two discussed many matters of mutual interest, including the regional security situation as well as bilateral cooperation.
As per a statement by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), during the visit to the Pentagon, the army chief met with retired General Lloyd James Austin III, Secretary of Defence; Jacob Jeremiah Sullivan, National Security Adviser; and Wendy Ruth Sherman, Deputy Secretary of State.