RAWALPINDI: Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Qamar Javed Bajwa has reiterated that the international community’s constructive engagement and sustained humanitarian support for Afghanistan is imperative for enduring peace and stability in the country.
Gen Bajwa’s remarks came as he chaired the 243rd Corps Commanders Conference (CCC) today (Friday) at the General Headquarters (GHQ) in Rawalpindi, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said in a statement.
According to the military’s media wing, the meeting’s participants took a comprehensive review of the global, regional, and domestic security environment. The forum was apprised of the prevalent situation in Afghanistan, especially the security along Pak-Afghan Border and effective safeguards in place against various threats.
During the meeting, 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 situation in the region.
…against various threats. COAS expressed satisfaction over efficacy of the comprehensive border management regime due to which Pakistan’s Borders and Internal Security remained intact amid a crisis situation in the region. COAS appreciated Army’s support and role towards (2/6)
— DG ISPR (@OfficialDGISPR) September 10, 2021
COAS Bajwa appreciated the army’s support and role in the evacuation of foreigners and Afghan people from Afghanistan to other countries, the military’s media wing added.
The army chief also appreciated the formations for their efforts for conducting Muharram-related events in a peaceful manner and instructed complete readiness to counter conventional and non-conventional threats.
“The designs of external and internal forces inimical to peace and stability in Pakistan shall be thwarted at all costs,” the army chief concluded. Meanwhile, the forum emphasised close cooperation amongst all regional stakeholders is essential for a prosperous and peaceful region, the statement said.
The forum also paid homage to Syed Ali Shah Geelani for his lifelong struggle and sacrifices as leader of the indigenous freedom movement in Indian-occupied Jammu and Kashmir.
The forum also expressed solidarity with Kashmiri people who continue facing Indian state oppression and violence, the military’s media wing added.
A day earlier, Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) Director William Joseph Burns held a meeting with COAS Bajwa and discussed the evolving situation in Afghanistan, a statement from the ISPR had said.
The ISPR had said that Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) Director General Lt Gen Faiz Hameed was also present during the meeting, which focused on the Afghanistan situation and regional security after the US withdrawal and the formation of the Taliban government in Kabul.
“It was reiterated that Pakistan remains committed to cooperating with its international partners for peace in the region and ensuring a stable and prosperous future for [the] Afghan people,” the ISPR said.
