Pakistan, Afghanistan, US to act against Daesh

RAWALPINDI: Pakistan, Afghanistan and the United States on Friday agreed to act against the Daesh militant group through joint efforts in their respective areas of operations.

The trilateral meeting of top military officials was held at the General Headquarters (GHQ) here, according to a statement issued by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR).

Seen as crucial following the Friday’s suicide attack in Mastung claimed by Daesh and escalating border tension between Pakistan and Afghanistan, the meeting emphasised the need to defeat Daesh through complementary efforts in respective areas of operations.

Afghan Director General Military Operations (DGMO) Major General Habib Hesari, Pakistan’s DGMO Major General Sahir Shamshad Mirza and the US Resolute Support Mission's Deputy Chief of Staff Major General Christopher Haas attended the meeting.

The trilateral meeting was followed by a bilateral meeting between Pakistan and Afghanistan to discuss the ongoing border tensions in addition to finding measures for improving military-to-military coordination and cooperation, the statement added.

Pakistan last week closed down its southwestern Chaman border crossing with Afghanistan following a deadly border clash.

“Both sides agreed to enhance the frequency of bilateral interaction at multiple tiers through different command and staff channels to foster an environment of mutual respect, trust, cordiality and cooperation," it added.