COAS in UK to hold talks with leadership

LONDON: Chief of the Army Staff (COAS) General Qamar Bajwa is set to meet the British military leadership to discuss enhancing military relations and the current military situation in South Asia during his three-day official visit to the UK. Sources told this reporter that the COAS will address think tanks in London and present Pakistan’s military viewpoint before the policymakers.

It’s understood that the army chief will discuss Pakistan, Afghanistan, CPEC, South Asia, rise of ISIS in the region, new threats to Pakistan’s peace efforts and the issue of Kashmir.  He is accompanied by his key lieutenants including DG ISPR Major ­General Asif Ghafoor. 

The visit has been arranged by the UK’s Ministry of Defence (MOD) and is managed by the MoD officials.  The army chief will meet leadership of British armed forces and hold talks on further enhancing cooperation.

Sources said the army chief will stay in the UK for around five days. Sources in the Pakistan High Commission have confirmed that the army chief will meet members of the Pakistani community at a dinner and will get to hear their thoughts. 

It’s understood that once the official visit is over, General Bajwa will spend two days on a private visit. DG ISPR tweeted on Sunday afternoon: “COAS arrived in London, UK on three days official visit. Will interact with UK political and military leadership.”