COAS, UK defence chief discuss Afghan humanitarian crisis

Chief of the Army Staff (COAS) Gen Qamar Javed Bajwa and Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) of United Kingdom Admiral Sir Antony David Radakin have discussed military cooperation, regional security and the current security and humanitarian situation in Afghanistan, the military's media wing said.

During the telephonic conversation on Thursday, Gen Qamar congratulated the Admiral on assuming his new appointment and hoped that he would play his role in further strengthening cooperation between the two countries, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said in a statement.

It said that Gen Qamar stressed the urgency for devising an institutional mechanism for channelling humanitarian assistance to Afghanistan to avert a looming humanitarian catastrophe.

Also read: COAS reiterates need for swift mechanism to channelise Afghan aid

"He also reiterated that Pakistan wants cordial ties with all its neighbours in pursuit of regional peace and prosperity," the ISPR added.

Concluding, the statement said that the British dignitary lauded Pakistan's role in the current Afghan situation and its role in regional stability, and pledged to play his part for further improvement in the security cooperation with Pakistan at all levels.

Earlier today, while talking to Ambassador of Japan Wada Mitsuhiro at the General Headquarters, Gen Qamar reiterated the need for devising an institutionalised mechanism for channelling humanitarian assistance to Afghanistan to avert a looming humanitarian catastrophe.

The statement added that the chief of the army staff also underscored the importance of peace and reconciliation initiatives in Afghanistan during the meeting.