Gen Sir Nicholas Patrick Carter, Chief of General Staff (CGS) of the UK Army, on Friday visited Balochistan's Girdi Jungle and Brabchah areas during a two-day official visit to Pakistan, the army's media wing said in a statement.

On the first day of his visit, Gen Carter met Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Gen Qamar Javed Bajwa and discussed bilateral issues and the security situation of the region.

Gen Bajwa and Gen Carter then visited Balochistan's Girdi Jungle, a town recently cleared of terrorist groups.

Girdi Jungle, a small village before 1979, has swelled into a town of around 60,000 inhabitants, a majority of whom are Afghan refugees. Over the years, the town had turned into a hub of criminal activity, the ISPR said.

According to the army, the area is now free of criminal influence.

During their visit, the two generals were also given a detailed briefing on the security operations carried out in support of the 'Khushal Balochistan' program.

The visitors also flew over the border town of Brabchah and were briefed on the peculiar environment of the area and steps taken to secure the Pak-Afghan border in Balochistan.

The British high commissioner, defence attaché in Pakistan and Pakistan's commander southern command were also present for the tour.

Gen Carter acknowledged Pakistan’s efforts against terrorism and recent Pak-Afghan border fencing for improved border control, a press release from Inter-Services Public Relations stated.

The visiting dignitary also welcomed the 'Paigham-e-Pakistan' fatwa and was briefed about the need for collective action to help encourage peace and stability in the region.