ISLAMABAD: European Union’s ambassador in Islamabad Androulla Kam­inara and Chief of the Army Staff Gen Qamar Javed Bajwa on Wednesday discussed the situation in Afghanistan.

Ambassador Kaminara called on the army chief at the General Headquarters.

The meeting took place against the backdrop of the evolving situation in Afgh­anistan.

Several European leaders have either visited Islamabad or spoken to their counterparts over the past few weeks, seeking Pakistan’s help in evacuation of their citizens and exploring possibilities of delivering humanitarian assistance in the war-ravaged country.

The ISPR said that Amb­assador Kaminara and Gen Bajwa discussed “matters of mutual interest, regional security situation, including current situation of Afg­hanistan and enh­anced bilateral cooperation with Euro­pean Union (EU)”.

The EU has set five benchmarks for engagement with the Taliban regime and provision of humanitarian assistance, which include Afgh­anistan soil not being used for export of terrorism; respect for human rights, women rights, rule of law, and freedom of media; establishment of an inclusive transitional government; free access for humanitarian aid; and permission for foreign nationals and vulnerable Afghans to leave.

In his Defence Day speech, the army chief had pledged to work with the international community for peace in Afg­hanistan and save the cou­ntry from a humanitarian crisis.

Gen Bajwa, during his meeting with the EU envoy, reiterated the importance that Pakistan attached to its relations with EU countries and said: “We earnestly look forward to enhance mutually beneficial multi-domain rela­­tions based on common interests.”

Published in Dawn, September 9th, 2021