Ready for Afghan-led peace process, but blame game must stop: COAS to U.S. Commander

Islamabad [Pakistan], Jan. 17 (ANI): Pakistan's Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Qamar Javed Bajwa in a meeting with U.S. Commander General Joseph L Votel has reiterated support to an Afghan-led peace process and reconciliation process but insisted that the blame game should be ended. In a meeting with Commander United States Central Command (US CENTCOM), General Joseph L Votel, at the General Headquarters on Monday, the COAS said that Islamabad has played a vital role for peace in region, reports the Daily Times. According to Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR), matters of mutual professional interest with special focus on security situation in Afghanistan were discussed in the meeting. The army chief highlighted the importance Pakistan accords to its relations with U.S., particularly cooperation in counter-terrorism and regional stability. With reference to the recent terrorist attacks in Afghanistan that many blamed on Pakistan, the COAS said that the blame game is detrimental to enduring peace and stability. The COAS also highlighted that Pakistan had undertaken operations against terrorists of all factions and there were no safe havens inside the country to be used against Afghanistan. He expressed his commitment to work in close coordination with Afghanistan and U.S. led Resolute Support Mission (RSM) for an improved security environment in the Pak-Afghan border region. In this regard, he emphasised the requirement of the Pak-Afghan bilateral border security and intelligence sharing mechanisms. On his part, General Votel emphasised the need for continued and meaningful engagement between all stakeholders involved in peace and stability of Afghanistan. General Votel also called on General Zubair Mahmood Hayat, Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee at Joint Staff Headquarters, Rawalpindi. Matters of mutual interest with emphasis on geo-strategic environment were discussed during the meeting. (ANI)