ISLAMABAD: Top military brass said on Tuesday that the army would help achieve peace in Afghanistan and the region at large.

The commitment was expressed at the conclusion of the monthly conference of corps commanders that discussed the situation in Afghanistan in addition to regional peace and internal security.

“The forum concluded to continue efforts towards internal enduring peace while contributing towards peace in Afghanistan and the region,” said a statement issued by the Inter-Services Public Relations at the conclusion of the corps commanders meeting presided over by Army Chief Gen Qamar Bajwa at the General Headquarters.

The meeting took place a day after US Defence Secretary James Mattis visited Pakistan to push the country’s political and military leaders to step up their fight against militants and terrorists allegedly operating from here.

Gen Bajwa briefed the commanders about his interaction with Secretary Mattis and other recent military diplomacy undertakings.

It has long been an American grouse that Pakistan’s counterterrorism effort has largely focused on the terror groups carrying out attacks within the country, whereas externally focused outfits have remained unaffected. Pressure has been ramped up on Pakistan to decisively act against alleged terrorist sanctuaries following the announcement of the Trump administration’s policy for South Asia and Afghanistan.

Gen Bajwa had in a rare show of flexibility told Secretary Mattis that despite having eliminated terrorist safe havens from the country’s soil, he was open to looking into American complaints of “miscreants exploiting Pakistan’s hospitality”. Gen Mattis’ visit had concluded with the understanding to undertake “specific and sustained actions” for addressing each other’s concerns.

The decision to work for peace in Afghanistan in a way reinforced the commitment extended by Gen Bajwa to Secretary Mattis.

“Progress of Operation Raddul Fasaad, enhanced security measures along Pak-Afghan border and recently initiated ‘Khushal Balochistan’ programme aimed at stability of Balochistan through socio-economic development and security was also deliberated upon,” the ISPR said.

Published in Dawn, December 6th, 2017