ISLAMABAD: The Army on Monday reaffirmed its commitment to ensure security of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).

The assurance was extend­ed by Army Chief Gen Qamar Bajwa during a meeting with Commander of China’s People’s Liberation Army Gen Han Weiguo at the General Headquarters (GHQ). The two led their respective delegations during the talks.

“COAS reaffirmed Pakistan Army’s unwavering support for CPEC security,” the ISPR said in a statement on the meeting.

Lately there has been a surge in terrorist activity in Balochistan. Security officials believe the sudden intensification of attacks was linked to the launch of second phase of CPEC, the progress on border fencing, and the fluid situation in Afghanistan. Last month’s attack on a hotel in Gwadar accentuated concerns about the security of CPEC.

Prime Minister Imran Khan had after the hotel attack said the attack was “an effort to sabotage our economic projects and prosperity”.

A source said China wanted greater vigilance against security threats and increased intelligence sharing with Pakistan.

Issues pertaining to regional security and military cooperation also came under discussion, the ISPR said in its statement.

Meanwhile, outgoing Austra­lian High Commissioner Mar­garet Anne Adamson also paid a farewell call on Gen Bajwa.

Matters of mutual interest were discussed during the meeting, the ISPR said.

Published in Dawn, June 18th, 2019