Aug 27, 2021: Richard Moore, Chief of the British Intelligence Service (MI6), called on COAS General Qamar Javed Bajwa and discussed issues of mutual interest, particularly the deteriorating situation in Afghanistan.

According to Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), “During the meeting, special emphasis was placed on mutual and professional interests, intelligence / defense cooperation between the two countries and overall regional security, following the US withdrawal from Afghanistan.”

During the meeting, the COAS said that Pakistan was helping to achieve a peaceful, stable and prosperous Afghanistan. The statement quoted General Qamar as saying that Pakistan was ready to extend all possible assistance to Afghanistan to achieve a comprehensive settlement which was essential for regional peace and prosperity.

The head of MI6 appreciated Pakistan’s tireless efforts for regional peace and stability. Addressing faculty and cadets during a visit to the Pakistan Military Academy (PMA) in Kakul last week, the COAS reiterated that Pakistan wants national and regional peace and development and will work for peace and stability in Afghanistan.

The COAS said that peace in Afghanistan is important for the region, especially for the people of Afghanistan. “We will continue to play our part in bringing peace and stability to Afghanistan,” he said.

Pakistan wants national and regional peace and development. Speaking on the latest Afghan situation, the Army Chief said: “We hope that the Taliban will live up to the promises made to the international community on women’s and human rights and that Afghan soil will not be used against any other country.”

The COAS noted that Pakistan has paid a heavy price for the unrest in Afghanistan. He added that despite its economic woes, Pakistan has sheltered more than 3 million Afghan refugees for four decades.