Islamabad (Staff Report): US Secretary of Defence James Mattis held a meeting with Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Qamar Javed Bajwa on Monday, wherein the latter highlighted Pakistan’s concerns emanating from Indian use of Afghan soil, said a statement issued by Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the military’s public relations wing.
Army Chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa says Pakistan has done much more than its due share in the war against terrorism despite capacity constraints.
COAS Bajwa said that however, Pakistan will remain committed for peace as a responsible member of international community.
The Army Chief reiterated Pakistan's support to peace and stability in the region.
He also highlighted Pakistan's concerns emanating from Indian use of Afghan soil, the necessity and right of Afghan refugees for a respectable and early repatriation and the existence of terrorists' safe havens across the border in Afghanistan.
General Qamar Javed Bajwa said Pakistan does not require anything from the United States but understanding.
He said we have eliminated safe havens from Pakistan's soil but are prepared to look into the possibility of miscreants exploiting Pakistan's hospitality to the Afghan refugees to the detriment of our Afghan brothers.
The US Secretary of Defense expressed his respect for Pakistan armed forces and the effective operations undertaken against terrorists.
He assured that the United States is ready to play its role in addressing Pakistan's legitimate concerns. He said his aim was not to make demands but find common grounds to work together.
The Army Chief and US Defence Secretary agreed to work towards specific and sustained actions on each other's concerns.
