COAS stresses need to avert ‘looming Afghan crisis’

Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Qamar Javed Bajwa stressed upon the need for sincere efforts to avert a looming humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan, according to a press release issued by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) on Friday.

The army chief's resolve came during a meeting with Australian High Commissioner Dr Geoffrey Shaw who was paying a farewell call to COAS at the General Headquarters (GHQ) in Rawalpindi.
According to the communique, COAS Bajwa underscored the importance of peace and reconciliation initiatives in Afghanistan.

"During the meeting, matters of mutual interest, regional security situation and bilateral cooperation were discussed," the ISPR stated. The COAS thanked THE visiting dignitary for "his services in Pakistan and acknowledged his contributions for fostering strong ties between the two countries."

The ISPR added that the visiting dignitary appreciated Pakistan’s role in the Afghan situation and regional stability. He also pledged to keep working for better relations between the two countries.

Read ‘World cannot afford unstable Afghanistan’, COAS tells US envoy

On the other hand, Pakistani ambassador to Afghanistan Mansoor Ahmad Khan said it is imperative for institutional coordination to exist between the Pakistan and Afghanistan governments in order to bilaterally tackle any security issues that may arise.

He highlighted that counter-terrorism was one of the most important elements of the resolution passed by the OIC’s Council of Foreign Ministers.

“We think that the Afghan government is taking serious steps against Daesh,” Khan said, adding that the Afghan government had assured that no group would be allowed to use Afghan soil.

Responding to a question about the issue of growing TTP attacks, the ambassador said groups with an anti-Pakistan agenda had established sanctuaries along the border.

“They receive support from intelligence agencies of the former governments and we have also seen an Indian influence there," he disclosed.