Gen Qamar: Pakistan firmly embraces the Afghan peace process.

According to a statement released by the Inter-Services Public Relations, Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Qamar Javed Bajwa said that Pakistan firmly embraces the Afghan peace process and that a secure, healthy, and peaceful Afghanistan is in the best interests of the country in general and Pakistan in particular (ISPR).

As per the media wing of the army, the chief made these remarks during a meeting with US Charge d’Affaires to Pakistan Angela Aggeler. During the huddle, issues of common concern, the overall regional security situation, bilateral cooperation in various fields, the war against Covid-19, and recent developments in the Afghan peace process were discussed.

“Pakistan has sincerely supported the peace process and a prosperous, stable, and peaceful Afghanistan is in the best interest of the region in general and Pakistan in particular,” the ISPR quoted General Qamar as saying.

…for their ultimate transition to civil administration in an earlier timeframe. Forum expressed satisfaction over positive developments in Afghan Peace Process and efforts made thus far. Forum also apprised about military engagements with friendly countries. (4/5)

— DG ISPR (@OfficialDGISPR) April 8, 2021

He hoped for greater Pak-US bilateral cooperation in all areas in the future, according to the statement.

US dignitary recognized and appreciated Pakistan’s ongoing efforts and support for regional peace and stability. They also pledged to strengthen bilateral ties between the two countries.

The meeting took place a day after General Qamar returned from a daylong visit to Kabul. He met Afghan President Ashraf Ghani and Dr. Abdullah Abdullah, Chairman of Afghanistan’s High Council for National Reconciliation.

H.E Mr Sergey Lavrov, Foreign Minister of Russia called on General Qamar Javed Bajwa, COAS at GHQ, today. During the meeting, matters of mutual interest including enhanced defence & security cooperation, regional security, particularly Afghan Peace Process were discussed. (1/4) pic.twitter.com/uQeyFzAJz5

— DG ISPR (@OfficialDGISPR) April 7, 2021

He joined by UK Chief of Defence Sir Nicholas Patrick Carter and ISI Director General Lt Gen Faiz Hameed.

As per the Army Chief supports an “inclusive power-sharing arrangement” and “elections as an Afghans’ right to self-determination.”

The visit came just days after the United States and other multinational powers began to withdraw from Afghanistan.

There has been a significant rise in violence in Afghanistan since the start of the troop withdrawal. It is scheduled to be finished by September 11.

With the Afghan Taliban refusing to participate in the peace process. The escalation of violence has increased the risk of further instability in Afghanistan. It could have consequences for its neighbors, including Pakistan. In this context, the visit of the army chief is seen as important.

The participation of the United Kingdom’s chief of defense in talks with Afghan President Ashraf Ghani indicated that the United Kingdom was acting as a guarantor between Pakistan and Afghanistan.

In March, the army chief met with Afghan civil and military leaders in Bahrain. The UK’s minister of defense was also present at the conference.

The army chief emphasized during his meeting with President Ghani that a peaceful Afghanistan means a peaceful country in general and a peaceful Pakistan in particular. “We will always promote an Afghan-led and Afghan-owned peace mechanism focused on the shared consent of all stakeholders,” said the military’s media arm in a tweet.

The Afghan president thanked the army chief for a “meaningful dialogue” and praised Pakistan for its “sincere and constructive position in the Afghan peace process.”

The army chief also met with Dr. Abdullah Abdullah, Chairman of High Council for National Reconciliation of Afghanistan, and raised issues concerning the Afghan peace process.

“Gen Bajwa told that Pakistan supports an equitable power-sharing agreement and elections as an Afghans’ right to self-determination,” Abdullah said in a series of tweets welcoming the army chief.

According to him, the dialogue centered on the present condition of the Afghan peace process as well. As ways to develop for a reduction in the violence leading to a lasting truce and continued inter-Afghan talks.

The Afghan Taliban has announced a three-day ceasefire in celebration of Eidul Fitr, which Pakistan has welcomed, but the Afghan government insists on the truce lasting longer.

The head of the Afghan High Peace Council admitted that there was no military response to the Afghan crisis.

We stressed the restart of meaningful talks between the Afghan government and the Taliban by aiming for an inclusive and comprehensive political settlement.” Abdullah said.

“We emphasized the importance of resuming substantive talks between the Afghan government and the Taliban to reach an effective and detailed political settlement,” Abdullah added.

He welcomed the constructive role of Pakistan. He also encouraged both to strive for feasible move toward a long-term, just, and reasonable diplomatic solution.”

As part of the Doha, US forces will leave Afghanistan by May 1. However, after taking office, President Biden reviewed the agreement and decided to prolong the deadline.

The Istanbul Conference has rescheduled for after Eid, with Pakistan and other participants. It is trying to persuade the Taliban to attend.

Pakistan is calling for a diplomatic solution because it believes a resumption of the civil war would jeopardize its stability.