RAWALPINDI: Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Qamar Javed Bajwa on Thursday reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to efforts for peace in Afghanistan.
The army chief said this during a meeting with Commander Resolute Support Mission in Afghanistan General Austin Scott Miller.
The two military leaders unanimously agreed on the importance of a political solution to the Afghan conflict – now in its 18th year.
Gen Miller agreed with Gen Bajwa that only an Afghan-owned and Afghan-led inclusive process can lead to peace in the war-torn country, said a statement by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR).
The two also reaffirmed continuing counter-terror operations and efforts against terrorist elements and to ensure effective border management.
Gen Bajwa also stated that the country is committed to efforts for peace in Afghanistan as it is important for peace in Pakistan, added ISPR.
Miller assumed command of NATO forces in Afghanistan in September, arriving as Washington faces growing questions over its strategy to force the Taliban into talks to end the 17-year conflict.
The US is now a year into its strategy of stepping up pressure on the Taliban by increasing airstrikes and sending thousands of more troops to train and advise Afghan forces, but clear signs of success have so far proved elusive.
Washington has now accepted that a purely military victory is not possible and has focused on forcing the Taliban to the negotiating table.