General Kayani assures support to Afghan peace process

Army Chief General Ashfaq Pervez Kayani Monday reiterated Pakistan’s stance and desire for a peaceful, stable and united Afghanistan, and the need for a successful Afghan-owned – Afghan-led peace process for the purpose.

He assured the the visiting Afghan Defence Minister of complete support to bring normalcy in the border region which should have a direct and positive effect on stability in Afghanistan so that the situation could become ripe for drawdown of ISAF forces in 2014.

A number of other issues were discussed during the meeting which included, Border control mechanism, which should be converted to bilateral from hitherto trilateral. Coordination between Pakistan’s security forces and Afghan border forces and military training exchanges.

It is worth note that Pakistan has one of the best military training institutions in the region and has been offering Afghanistan to train its officers and soldiers since long.

Pakistan’s support in reconciliation process in Afghanistan: The recent release of some important Taliban prisoners by the Government of Pakistan has been a step in the same direction. Socio-economic development in the border region. Both sides agreed to go ahead with broad based relationship in all human spheres.

Afghan delegation led by the Defence Minister is on a five-day visit to Pakistan wherein they are scheduled to visit a number of military institutions and headquarters, apart from political leadership.

The visit is likely to mark a new page in the history of Pak-Afghan relations. It is of note that General Bismillah Khan Mohammadi is one of the reputed security experts of Afghanistan. Before assuming the office of the Defence Minister, he has been the Afghan Army’s Chief of Staff from 2002 to 2010, and held the portfolio of Interior Minister from 2010-2012.

He is thus aptly suited to lead security exchanges with the neighbouring countries. It is also of note that the General is a non-Pashtun, a Tajik, by origin. This vindicates the fact that Pakistan is moving ahead with the vision of a broad-based relationship with Afghanistan.

General Mohammadi first laid wreath on Yadgaar-e-Shuhda in the General Headquarters, and called on General Kayani in his office. Later the delegation-level talks were in an atmosphere of mutual trust, added confidence and enhanced understanding. General Kayani was supported by all principal staff officers of Pakistan Army.

Both sides showed understanding for the fact that not only the geography, history and culture, but also the destiny of the two countries was shared. This makes it imperative for the two to move forward with a joint approach on important national and regional
issues, and have a joint strategy on security issues affecting either
of two countries, or both.

The Afghan Defence Minister thanked Pakistan on relentless endeavours for peace and stability in Afghanistan. He added that the threats of extremism and terrorism were faced by both countries and could best be combated with a joint approach. He appreciated General Kayani for his vision of a peaceful, stable and united Afghanistan, which was not only in the interest of Pakistan but also of the region at large.

He also thanked Pakistan and its security forces for the sacrifices made for the cause of peace in the region. He extended condolence to the entire nation and prayed for the departed souls and bereaved families, both civil and military. General Bismillah particularly thanked Pakistan on release of some important Taliban prisoners, which is likely to help kicking off a broad-based intra-Afghan dialogue.

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Posted by Tahir Khan on Jan 28 2013. Filed under Latest News, National, Pakistan. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. You can skip to the end and leave a response. Pinging is currently not allowed.