Media, people should identify and defeat spoilers of peace: COAS

RAWALPINDI: Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Qamar Javed Bajwa has reiterated that peace in Afghanistan is Pakistan’s earnest desire and no spoilers will be allowed to derail peace process.

“Peace in Afghanistan is Pakistan’s earnest desire because peace of the two countries is interlinked. The spoilers will not be allowed to derail peace process,” the COAS said while talking to a 15-member Afghan media delegation which visited the GHQ here on Friday.

Alluding to the benefits of regional connectivity of the two countries, General Bajwa highlighted the importance of restoration of peace in Afghanistan for sustainable development in the region. He said media could act as a bridge to create an environment conducive for promoting cultural and social engagements between the two countries. “It is the responsibility of media and people to identify and defeat the spoilers of peace,” he said.

Referring to Pakistan’s comprehensive border management regime, the COAS said the security of borders is in the best interest of the two countries. Appreciating the Pak-Afghan Youth Forum’s initiative for organising journalists’ visit, he hoped for more visits in the future. Pak-Afghan youths are the hope for future peace and progress of the region, the COAS concluded.

Afghan journalists thanked the COAS for the opportunity for a candid interaction and appreciated Pakistan’s sincerity and efforts for Afghan people including hosting of refugees and facilitative role in Afghan peace process.