Scapegoating must be avoided to counter spoilers of Afghan peace: COAS

Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Qamar Javed Bajwa has said that misperceptions and scapegoating must be avoided to counter designs of Afghan peace spoilers, a statement issued by the military's media wing said.

The army chief said this while chairing a two-day-long 242nd Corps Commanders’ Conference (CCC) held at the General Headquarters in Rawalpindi on Wednesday, a statement issued by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said.

The participants took a comprehensive review of the global, regional and domestic security environment.

The forum was given a detailed briefing on the evolving situation along the Pak-Afghan International Border, its implications on Pakistan’s internal security – particularly in the western zone as well as measures being taken to tackle emerging challenges.

“We have made every possible effort to facilitate the Afghan peace process leading towards a negotiated settlement with utmost sincerity and will continue to do so,” the army chief was cited by the military’s media wing as saying.

Reinforcing Pakistan’s vision for peace, connectivity and shared prosperity, he added: “Being a collective responsibility, all stakeholders have to play their part positively for enduring peace in Afghanistan which is pivotal for stability in the region.”

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According to the ISPR, the COAS expressed satisfaction over stringent measures being taken for ensuring effective border control as part of the comprehensive Border Management Regime and asked for high level of vigil along the western border.

Taking a holistic view of the multifarious security challenges faced by Pakistan in various domains in the evolving milieu, the forum also underscored the need for adopting a whole nation approach.

The COAS, the ISPR said, commended formations for maintaining high standards of operational readiness and providing sustained support to civil administration during the ongoing national efforts against Covid-19, monsoons and nationwide polio drive.