RAWALPINDI: There is a need for a bilateral security mechanism for the Pakistan-Afghanistan border for which the Resolute Support Mission (RSM) can play an important role, said Chief of the Army Staff Gen Qamar Javed Bajwa.

According to a statement issued by the Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR), he said this during a meeting with the Com­mander of the Resolute Support Mission and US Forces in Afghanistan, Gen John W. Nicholson.

Gen Nicholson arrived in Pakistan on Monday and met Gen Bajwa soon after his arrival.

The COAS appreciated the role of the former International Security Assistance Force and the current RSM force for peace and stability in Afghanistan.

He acknowledged the continuous support of the RSM to enable the Afghan National Security Forces to enhance its capacity and capability to independently tackle security challenges in Afghanistan.

After the meeting, Gen Nicholson and Gen Bajwa visited Miramshah in North Waziristan.

Gen Nicholson was briefed by the General Officer Commanding on Operation Zarb-i-Azb and the progress on socio-economic activities, including the return of the temporarily displaced persons.

The visitors were taken to the Miramshah bazaar where they observed development work being undertaken by the Pakistan Army.

Gen Nicholson appreciated the successful operations conducted by the Pakistan Army and acknowledged the requirement of a bilateral border security coordination.

Published in Dawn, January 10th, 2017