RAWALPINDI – US Charge d’ Affairs to Pakistan Angela Ageler called on Chief of Army Staff General Qamar Javed Bajwa in Rawalpindi on Friday.
During the meeting matters of mutual interest, regional security and recent situation in Afghanistan were discussed in detail.
The army chief said that Pakistan has no favourites in Afghanistan and our sole aim is helping achieve peaceful, sovereign stable and prosperous Afghanistan.
Gen Bajwa strongly condemned the terrorist attacks at Kabul airport and expressed sorrow over the loss of precious lives. He also reiterated the combined resolve to fight terrorism and extremism to the core.
The visiting dignitary appreciated Pakistan’s efforts in promoting regional peace and stability and thanked the COAS for the special assistance in the evacuation operations from Kabul.
On Thursday, Gen Bajwa saod that Pakistan is ready to go to any length to assist Afghanistan in reaching an inclusive settlement, which is critical for regional peace and development.
He stated this while speaking with Richard Moore, the UK’s Chief of Secret Intelligence Service, who paid him a visit in Rawalpindi.
During the meeting, matters such as mutual and professional interests, intelligence and defense cooperation between the two nations, and overall regional security, with a focus on the aftermath of the US departure from Afghanistan, were discussed.
Pakistan, according to General Bajwa, is assisting Afghanistan in becoming peaceful, stable, and prosperous.
The visiting dignitary commended Pakistan for its unwavering commitment to regional peace and stability.
‘Hope that Taliban will fulfil promises’
While speaking to professors and cadets at the Pakistan Military Academy (PMA) Kakul last week, General Bajwa discussed the Taliban’s takeover of Afghanistan and expressed his hope that the organization will keep its commitment to the international community to safeguard women’s and human rights in the country.
General Bajwa expressed optimism that the Taliban will not allow Afghan land to be used against any other country.
The army chief had also warned that if Afghanistan continues to make Pakistan a target of criticism, then Pakistan will “not stay silent”.
Pakistan is preparing to welcome almost 4,000 Afghan residents after agreeing to help with evacuations from war-torn Afghanistan as requested by the US and NATO.
The US Embassy had asked Pakistan to allow travelers to cross the country. By August 31, it has been requested that it enable transit travelers in three categories to assist in the evacuation.
Diplomats, citizens, Afghan nationals, and individuals from other nations are among the categories.
The severity of the situation in Kabul, where thousands of civilians await the opportunity to escape Afghanistan under concerns of Taliban reprisal, has been exacerbated by the impending August 31 deadline.
Around 3,000 to 4,000 Afghan civilians who aided US and partner troops in their fight against the Taliban would be granted Pakistani visas and transported to Karachi before returning to the US after a month.
