CIA chief discusses Afghanistan with COAS, ISI chief

William Joseph Burns also reviews matters of mutual interest and regional security, says ISPR

RAWALPINDI:

American CIA chief William Burns called on Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Gen Qamar Javed Bajwa and Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) Director-General Lt-Gen Faiz Hamid and discussed the current developments in Afghanistan and the regional security situation.

This was the second visit to the region by Burns in weeks. Previously, he travelled to Afghanistan after the fall of the Afghan capital to Taliban. In Kabul, Burns reportedly held talks with Taliban co-founder Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar.

During the high-level meeting in Pakistan on Thursday, according to the ISPR, the media wing of the military, matters of mutual interest, regional security and current situation in Afghanistan came under discussion.

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“It was reiterated that Pakistan remains committed to cooperating with its international partners for peace in the region and ensuring a stable and prosperous future for Afghan people,” the ISPR said in a statement issued here.

During the meeting, the US official also pledged to play role to further improve diplomatic cooperation with Pakistan at all levels. The CIA chief appreciated Pakistan’s role in the Afghan matter, including the successful evacuation operations and efforts for regional stability, the statement added.