- Visiting general briefed on military operations, border security mechanism
- PM Abbasi points out IS presence in Afghanistan, HR violation in Kashmir
A US delegation headed by United States Central Command (US CENTCOM) Commander General Joseph Votel visited North Waziristan Agency (NWA), according to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR).
A statement issued here on Saturday by the military wing said that the delegation was briefed about the Pakistan Army’s operations in the tribal region and the Pak-Afghan border security mechanism through enhanced surveillance measures.
The delegation was also briefed about progress on the socio-economic developments in the area, including return of the temporarily displaced persons (TDPs). The delegation appreciated efforts and sacrifices of the Pakistan Army and local tribes for re-establishing peace and order in the area.
The delegation also realised the importance of the Pak-Afghan bilateral border security coordination. Later, the delegation visited the Army Public School (APS) in Miranshah and interacted with the students.
Upon arrival at North Waziristan Agency, the delegation was received by Peshawar Corps Commander Lieutenant General Nazir Ahmad Butt. Chief of General Staff Lt Gen Bilal Akbar accompanied the delegation.
In Islamabad, General Votel called on Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi and underscored the importance that the US attached to Pakistan and Pakistan’s importance for achieving the objective of peace and security in Afghanistan.
He greatly appreciated the efforts being undertaken by Pakistan in fighting terrorism. Prime Minister Abbasi said that Pakistan had an important stake in peace and stability in Afghanistan as Pakistan had suffered the most due to the conflict in that country.
He said that Pakistan was committed to its support for the Afghan people and this has been evident over decades including through the presence of more than five million refugees for over three decades.
Pakistan continued to support the Afghan government and society in many ways including scholarships to Afghan students and infrastructural development, he said and expressed concern about the presence of the Islamic State in Afghanistan which could threaten all its neighbours.
The prime minister also referred to the unacceptable situation of human rights in Indian-held Kashmir where a very large Indian military presence was used for the oppression of the innocent Kashmiri people, who only sought the realisation of their right to self-determination.
Prime Minister Abbasi agreed with General Votel on the importance of working closely to address issues of regional concerns. He also underscored that the South Asian review undertaken by the US would take into account Pakistan’s efforts in fighting terrorism and its commitment to peace and security in Afghanistan.
Minister for Foreign Affairs Khawaja Muhammad Asif, Minister for Defence Khurram Dastgir Khan, National Security Adviser Nasser Khan Janjua and Foreign Affairs Secretary Tehmina Janjua were also present during the meeting.
General Votel along with his delegation also called on Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Qamar Javed Bajwa. Matters of professional interest with a special focus on the security situation in Afghanistan were discussed, the ISPR statement said.
General Bajwa highlighted the importance Pakistan accords to its relations with US, particularly security cooperation and efforts towards regional stability and said that Pakistan has undertaken operations against terrorists of all hue and colour.
He reiterated his commitment to work in close coordination with the Afghan security forces and US-led Resolute Support Mission (RSM) for improved security environment in Pakistan-Afghanistan border region. US Ambassador to Pakistan David Hale was also present.
Referring to Afghanistan and Pakistan-US relations, the army chief said that no other country has more interest for peace in Afghanistan than Pakistan. He said that more than financial or material assistance, Pakistan seeks acknowledgement of decades-long contributions towards regional peace and stability.
