British general lauds Pakistan’s efforts for Afghan, regional peace

Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) UK, General Sir Nicholas Patrick Carter called on COAS General Qamar Javed Bajwa at military's headquarters in Rawalpindi and lauded Pakistan’s efforts for Afghan peace.

“Matters of mutual interest including strengthening of bilateral security and defence cooperation between the two armies were discussed during the meeting,” Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said in a statement on Monday.

The military’s media wing said General Nicholas acknowledged Pakistan Army's continued efforts for regional peace and stability.

He also appreciated Pakistan’s efforts for Afghanistan peace process and achievements in fight against terrorism, it added.

The meeting coincides with Hezb-e-Islami Afghanistan Chief Gulbuddin Hekmatyar’s three-day visit to Pakistan which began on Monday.

Gulbuddin, along with a delegation, arrived in Islamabad earlier in the day as part of ongoing efforts, seeking an end to the lingering unrest in Afghanistan.

Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi welcomed the delegation and underscored the historic ties of amity and brotherhood between the two countries. He reaffirmed Pakistan’s desire to further strengthen the close fraternal relations with Afghanistan.

The foreign minister emphasised that Pakistan has always supported a peaceful, stable, united, democratic, sovereign and prosperous Afghanistan. "Prime Minister Imran Khan has consistently underlined that there is no military solution to the conflict in Afghanistan," he added.