UK defence secretary praises Pakistan’s role for regional peace

Stephen Lovegrove discusses regional security situation with General Qamar Javed Bajwa at GHQ

Stephen Lovegrove, permanent secretary at the ministry of defence in United Kingdom, called on Chief of Army Staff General Qamar Javed Bajwa at the General Headquarters in Rawalpindi on Tuesday.

Matters of mutual interest including bilateral cooperation and overall regional security situation were discussed during the meeting, said a statement issued by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR).

The visiting dignitary appreciated Pakistan’s positive role for regional peace and stability, the military's media wing said.



The development comes in the aftermath of Pakistan-India standoff which intensified after the February 14 Pulwama attack followed by Pakistan Air Force shooting down two Indian fighter jets and capturing one of its pilot.

Stephen Lovegrove, who was visiting the country for the first time, also met his Pakistani counterpart Lt-Gen (retd) Ikramul Haq at UK-Pakistan Defence Co-operation forum.

At the latest UK-Pakistan Defence Co-operation Forum, being hosted by Secretary of Defence Lt Gen Ikram-ul-Haq. My first trip to the country and some significant steps taken in strengthening our Defence relationship. pic.twitter.com/bayxdeQgh5

— David Williams (@PermSecMOD) March 12, 2019

On March 1, Gen Qamar informed military chiefs and ambassadors of major world powers that Pakistan reserves the right to respond to any aggression displayed against it in “self-defence”.