Army chief offers troop training to Afghan security forces, seeks better border management

Gen Raheel seeks closer security ties, intelligence sharing with Afghanistan


Web Desk November 06, 2014

RAWALPINDI: Army Chief General Raheel Sharif, during his one-day visit in Kabul, sought closer security ties including intelligence sharing and provision of training and equipment to Afghan troops in a bid to combat terrorism, according to ISPR.

Enhanced bilateralism between both countries -- with particular emphasis on the Pak-Afghan border coordination mechanism, intelligence sharing and transparency -- were deliberated upon.

Matters to enhance bilateral military-to-military relations were also discussed during the meeting.

General Raheel offered a full range of training courses and facilities in Pakistan’s training institutions to Afghan security forces, as well as an enhancement of an infantry brigade and provision of equipment.

The army chief said treating terrorism as a common enemy would be the only way to ensure regional security.

Further, he congratulated the newly elected Afghan president, and reiterated that a peaceful and stable Afghanistan was in Pakistan’s best interest.

The army chief expressed hope that the new government in Afghanistan would prove to be a historic opportunity to transform Pak-Afghan relations into a ‘warm and mutually beneficial’ relationship.

Later, during his meetings with the Afghan defence minister and chief of general staff, the delegation from Pakistan was briefed on the latest security situation in Afghanistan by Afghan military officials.

During the meeting, the transfer of security responsibility to the Afghan National Security Forces in the wake of the US, ISAF drawdown were also deliberated upon.

Raheel's meeting with Ghani ends on positive note

Army chief General Raheel Sharif met Afghan president Ashraf Ghani on Thursday during his maiden visit to the neighbouring country, according to the Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR).

DG ISPR General Asim Bajwa tweeted that the meeting between the army chief and Ghani ended on a "great deal of good will and positivity.”



General Raheel will now continue his meetings with the Afghan national security adviser and Chief Executive Officer Dr Abdullah Abdullah.

The army chief’s visit marks the first high-profile visit from Islamabad since the formation of unity government in Afghanistan.

During the day-long trip, which comes ahead of President Ghani’s visit to Islamabad, the army chief is expected to assure the Afghan leadership that Pakistan is ready to open a new chapter in its relationship.

An official said, “We are ready to work with the new Afghan government. The two neighbours can bury the past and enter into a new partnership agreement.”

Relations between the two sides have been tense over the past few months and marked by suspicion due to the growing distrust.

COMMENTS (21)

Talking Point | 9 years ago | Reply

@ISmellSmoke: where there is fire , there is smoke . You don't have to look beyond your boundary with envy . The training etc is a page taken out of the book someone else .

Last Word | 9 years ago | Reply

No communique was issued by the Afghan govt after Raheel's visit on reaching of any better understanding on border issues or acceptance of its troops training by Pakistan. India is already training Afghan officers in India and troops training schedule has already been finalised which will commence soon. The trust deficit between two countries shall continue until Pakistan stops aiding Afghan Taliban.

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