Kabul, Islamabad talk security cooperation

PESHAWAR (Pajhwok): Kabul and Islamabad must explore ways of bringing peace and stability to the region, Pakistan’s Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Gen. Qamar Javed Bajwa says.

At a meeting with a high-level Afghan delegation led by National Security Adviser Hanif Atmar, Gen. Bajwa said both nations had suffered heavily due to prolonged conflict.

By working together to defeating their common enemy, the neighbours would be able to usher in peace, the general told the visiting team, according to the army’s media wing.

Atmar said Afghanistan had positive expectations from Pakistan.”With mutual help, we can allay each other’s concerns and apply our energies to bring about enduring peace.”

The two sides chalked out plans for operationalising APAPPS and shared ideas on the Afghan reconciliation process as the roadmap for lasting peace. 

The delegation included Afghan spymaster Masoom Stanikzai, Interior Minister Wais Ahmad Barmak, Ambassador Omar Zakhilwal and other Afghan officials.

The Pakistani side was also joined by Foreign Secretary Tehmina Janjua, said a statement from the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) after the meeting.

“The Afghan side was appreciative of Pakistan’s initiative in preparation of the framework document to improve cooperation and coordination on confidence-building measures,” said the statement.

The two sides agreed to fast-track the formulation of working groups, especially on bilateral security cooperation, and to undertake measures to combat terrorists and control violence.

“We must begin with the trust that neither covets an inch of the other's territory nor is letting its land being used against the other. Suspicions will only fuel negativity and facilitate detractors,” Bajwa remarked.

The COAS accepted an invitation delivered by the delegation on behalf of President Ashraf Ghani to visit Kabul.

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