COAS urges Afghan media to defeat spoilers of peace

Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Gen Qamar Javed Bajwa has urged the Afghan media to play its vital role in identifying and defeating the spoilers of Afghan peace process, saying that peace in Afghanistan is Pakistan’s earnest desire, according to a statement issued by the Inter-Services Public Relations.

“Media can act as a bridge to create a conducive environment for promoting cultural/social and people-to-people engagement between the two countries,” the army chief said while addressing a 15-member Afghan media delegation at the General Headquarters on Friday.

 “It is the responsibility of media and people to identify and defeat the spoilers of peace,” Gen Qamar said.

“Peace in Afghanistan is Pakistan’s earnest desire because peace of the two countries is interlinked,” COAS said, adding that the spoilers will not be allowed to derail the peace process.

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Referring to Pakistan’s comprehensive border management regime, the COAS said security of borders is in the best interest of the two countries. Alluding to the benefits of regional connectivity for the two countries, the COAS highlighted the importance of restoration of peace in Afghanistan for sustainable development of the region.

Appreciating the Pak-Afghan Youth Forum’s initiative for organising the journalists’ visit, the COAS hoped for more frequent exchange of visits in the future. “Pak- Afghan youth is the hope for future peace and progress of the region,” COAS concluded.

The Afghan journalists thanked the COAS for the opportunity for candid interaction and appreciated Pakistan’s sincerity and efforts for Afghan people including hosting of refugees and facilitative role in the Afghan peace process.