‘Pakistan’s borders are secure’: COAS Bajwa tells parliamentarians

RAWALPINDI: A delegation comprising members of Parliamentary Committee on Kashmir, Senate Standing Committee on Defence and National Assembly Standing Committee on Defence visited the General Headquarters (GHQ) on Monday.

According to a statement issued by Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the delegation was given a detailed briefing on the security environment, including the situation on the borders and Pakistan’s Army efforts for peace and stability.

Besides Afghanistan, the parliamentarians were also briefed on the situation in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJ&K), the military’s media wing added.

It was the first security briefing being given by the military authorities to parliamentarians since the Taliban took over Afghanistan and the deadly terrorist attacks carried out by the so-called Islamic State in Khorasan Pro­vince (ISKP) in the neighbouring country.

Talking to the delegation, Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Qamar Javed Bajwa said that despite challenges, Pakistan’s borders were secure due to Pakistan Army’s timely steps for western zone border management

Alluding to the benefits of regional connectivity, the army chief highlighted the importance of restoration of peace in Afghanistan for sustainable development of the region.

The army chief said Pakistan Armed Forces, with support of the nation, have achieved unprecedented successes in fight against terrorism and bringing normalcy in the country.

COAS Qamar Bajwa reiterated Pakistan Army’s support and commitment to Kashmir cause saying the world must know that without peaceful resolution of Kashmir dispute, peace and stability will remain illusive.

The session concluded with a resolve to continue struggle against violent extremism through a synergetic, whole-of-the-nation approach, the military’s media wing concluded.

A similar briefing was given to parliamentary leaders of political parties at the Parliament House on July 1 during which military and intelligence leaders had called for avoiding divisive politics on issues of national interest.

The previous briefing was reportedly given by Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) Director General Lt Gen Faiz Hameed to parliamentary leaders, including Opposition Leader Shehbaz Sharif, on the spectrum of possible threats and regional environment.