Daily Times

Chief of the Army Staff (COAS) General Qamar Javed Bajwa said on Thursday that Pakistan was committed to efforts for peace in Afghanistan.

He was talking to Commander Resolute Support Mission in Afghanistan General Austin Scott Mille, who called on him in Rawalpindi.

During the meeting, the two military men discussed matters of mutual interest pertaining to regional security and ongoing Afghan reconciliation process.

Both agreed that political resolution of Afghan situation was imperative, and underlined that only an Afghan-owned and Afghan-led inclusive process could lead to peace in the region.

They also reaffirmed the need for continuing harmonised efforts against terrorists and for effective border management.

Separately, Russian Ambassador to Pakistan, Alexey Yurevish Dedov also called on the COAS on Thursday. Both leaders discussed matters related to regional security and bilateral cooperation, according to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR).

The visiting dignitary conferred Order of Friendship, Medal for Courage in Salvation and Medal for the Common Wealth in Rescue to 10 officers and two soldiers of Pakistan Army in recognition of their cooperation, commitment and audacity during a search and rescue operation at Latok-1 to rescue Russian mountaineer Alexander Gukov, the ISPR statement said.

The Russian mountaineer Alexander Gukov was rescued by Pakistan Army from 20,650 feet on Latok I peak in the Biafo glacier region in July 2018. The rescue mission, which spanned over six days, was carried out by the Army Aviation under the most hostile and challenging conditions.

Pak Army successfully rescues Russian climber from Karakoram peak in death-defying mission

The Russian Ambassador also presented Medal for the Common Wealth in Rescue and Letter of Commendation of Russian Mountaineering Federation to COAS.

Published in Daily Times, December 28^th 2018.