Blame game detrimental to enduring peace & stability: COAS

RAWALPINDI (92 News) – General Joseph L Votel, Commander US Central Command, called on Chief of Army Staff General Qamar Javed Bajwa at GHQ on Monday. Matters of mutual professional interests with special focus on security situation in Afghanistan were discussed. The COAS highlighted the importance Pakistan accords to its relations with the US, especially cooperation counter terrorism and regional stability. He said that Pakistan supports and looks forward to an Afghan-led and Afghan-owned peace process. With reference to recent terrorist incidents in Afghanistan and follow up rhetoric from certain factions implicating Pakistan, the COAS said that blame game is detrimental to enduring peace and stability. The COAS highlighted that Pakistan has undertaken indiscriminate operations against terrorists and there are no safe havens inside Pakistan to be used against Afghanistan. He expressed his commitment to work in close coordination with Afghanistan and the US led Resolute Support Mission for improved security environment Pak-Afghan border security and intelligence security sharing mechanisms. The visiting dignitary acknowledged and appreciated Pakistan Army’s successes in fight against terrorism and continued efforts for bringing peace and stability in the region. General Joseph Votel emphasized the need for continued and meaningful engagement between all stakeholders involved in peace and stability of Afghanistan. Earlier on his arrival at GHQ, a smartly-turned out contingent of Pakistan Army presented the Guard of Honor to the visiting dignitary. General Joseph L Votel also laid a floral wreath at Yadgar-e-Shuhda to pay homage to martyrs.