-Says Security Forces on boarders are prepared to meet any challenge
-Adds peace in Afghanistan crucial for sustainable development of region
-Claims Armed Forces have achieved successes in the fight against terrorism
-Reiterates support, commitment to Kashmir cause, people of Kashmir
-Briefs Parliamentarians in interactive Session on security environment
RAWALPINDI: As the US withdrawal from Afghanistan enters its final stage with concerns of refugee influx into Pakistan following the Taliban’s takeover of Kabul, Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Qamar Javed Bajwa has said that Pakistan’s borders are secured and the army is prepared to meet “any” situation, the military said.
According to Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the army chief expressed these remarks during a visit of a delegation comprising members of the Parliamentary Kashmir Committee, Defence Committees of the Senate and National Assembly at the General Headquarters in Rawalpindi.
The military’s media wing said that the delegation was given a detailed briefing on the security environment including the situation on the borders and the Pakistan Army’s efforts for peace and stability.
The delegation, according to the statement, had an exhaustive interactive session with General Qamar.
The COAS said that Pakistan armed forces, with the support of the nation, have achieved unprecedented successes in the fight against terrorism and bringing normalcy in the country.
“Due to our timely steps for western zone border management, Alhamdolillah today despite challenges Pakistan’s borders are secure and we are prepared to meet any situation,” Gen Qamar was quoted by the ISPR as saying.
Alluding to the benefits of regional conAnectivity, he highlighted the importance of restoration of peace in Afghanistan for sustainable development of the region, it added.
According to the ISPR, the COAS reiterated the army’s support and commitment to Kashmir cause and the people of Kashmir. “The world must know that without peaceful resolution of Kashmir issue, peace and stability will remain illusive.”
The session concluded with a resolve to continue the struggle against violent extremism through a synergetic, whole-of-the-nation approach, the statement further said.
Earlier during the day, Interior Minister Sheikh Rashid Ahmed had said that Pakistan Army is present along the border with Afghanistan to defend every inch of the motherland. “Around 2,690 kilometres of Pak-Afghan frontier has been fenced.” He said that Pakistan is a responsible country and fully capable of taking care of its national security and comes up with international expectations.
On Friday, General Qamar, during a meeting with US Charge d’ Affairs to Pakistan Angela Aggeler, said that Pakistan had no “favourites” in Afghanistan. The military’s media wing said that during the meeting matters of mutual interest, regional security and the recent situation in Afghanistan were discussed in detail.
“Pakistan has no favourites in Afghanistan and our sole aim is helping achieve peaceful, sovereign stable and prosperous Afghanistan,” the COAS was quoted as saying by the ISPR.
Gen Qamar also strongly condemned the terrorist attacks at the Kabul airport and expressed sorrow over the loss of precious lives, it added. The visiting dignitary, according to the ISPR, appreciated Pakistan’s efforts in promoting regional peace and stability and thanked the COAS for the special assistance in the evacuation operations from Kabul.
On Thursday, chief of the UK Secret Intelligence Service (MI6) Richard Moore called on General Qamar and discussed matters of mutual interests particularly evolving situation in Afghanistan, the military said in a statement. During the meeting, the army chief said that Pakistan is helping achieve a peaceful, stable and prosperous Afghanistan.
“Pakistan is willing to do whatever is possible to help Afghanistan achieve an inclusive settlement which is vital for regional peace and prosperity,” the statement quoted Gen Qamar as saying.
