RAWALPINDI: United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) Filippo Grandi called on Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Qamar Javed Bajwa at General Headquarter (GHQ) in Rawalpindi on Thursday.
According to Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), matters of mutual interest, regional security, the current situation in Afghanistan and collaboration in humanitarian assistance were discussed during the meeting.
On the occasion, the Army Chief reiterated the need for convergence of global efforts to avert humanitarian and refugee crisis in Afghanistan. He also appreciated the role of UNHCR in promoting the UN core values and their response during crises.
The military’s media wing said that the visiting dignitary acknowledged Pakistan’s effort for hosting 4 million Afghan refugees for over four decades.
“Grandi also appreciated Pakistan’s role in the Afghan situation including the provision of humanitarian aid/assistance and pledged to play their role for further improvement in cooperation with Pakistan at all levels”, the statement added.
Last week, the army chief had reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to peace in Afghanistan, stressing constructive engagement and humanitarian support in the neighbouring country.
In a statement, the military’s media wing reported that, “The participants took comprehensive review of global, regional and domestic security environment. The forum was apprised on prevalent situation in Afghanistan, especially security along Pak-Afghan Border and effective safeguards in place against various threats.”
The ISPR added that the army chief expressed satisfaction over the efficacy of the comprehensive border management regime due to which Pakistan’s borders and internal security remained intact amid a crisis-like situation in the region.
“The COAS concluded that the designs of external and internal forces inimical to peace and stability in Pakistan shall be thwarted at all costs,” the communiqué said.
