NUZHAT NAZAR

ISLAMABAD: Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, Chief of Army Staff (COAS) and Chief of Defence Forces (CDF), has urged the US Afghanistan War Commission to incorporate Pakistan’s experience and the broader regional perspective into its review of Washington’s two-decade engagement in Afghanistan.

According to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), a delegation of the US Afghanistan War Commission, led by its Co-Chairs Shamila N. Chaudhary and Dr Colin F. Jackson, called on the COAS and CDF at the General Headquarters (GHQ), Rawalpindi. The Commission is undertaking a review of the United States’ 20-year engagement in Afghanistan.

The meeting provided an opportunity for the delegation to hear Pakistan’s perspective on the conflict, including the security dynamics that shaped it and the challenges Pakistan faced during the prolonged war.

During the discussions, Field Marshal Munir stressed the importance of incorporating regional perspectives and Pakistan’s experience while assessing the strategic, diplomatic and operational dimensions of the Afghanistan conflict.

The two sides also discussed matters of mutual interest, Pakistan’s support during the conflict, the regional security environment and recent developments in Afghanistan, with particular focus on issues relevant to the Commission’s ongoing work.

The army chief outlined Pakistan’s perspective on the evolving security dynamics surrounding Afghanistan and highlighted the challenges the country confronted during the two decades of conflict.

According to ISPR, the visiting delegation acknowledged Pakistan’s longstanding role and sacrifices during the Afghanistan conflict.

The delegation also appreciated Pakistan’s continued contribution towards regional peace and stability.