Daily Times

RAWALPINDI: Resolute Support Mission (RSM) and US Forces in Afghanistan Commander, General John W. Nicholson, visited Pakistan on Monday.

The visiting official had a meeting with Chief of Army Staff (COAS), General Qamar Javed Bajwa.

The COAS appreciated the role of the erstwhile International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) and RSM in maintaining peace and stability in Afghanistan. He also acknowledged the continuous support of the RSM in enabling the Afghan National Security Forces (ANSF) and enhancing their capacity and capability to independently tackle security challenges in Afghanistan.

COAS emphasised the requirement of a Pak–Afghan bilateral border security mechanism for which the RSM could play an important role.

Nicholson also joined the COAS in a visit to Miranshah in the North Wazirastan Agency. The general was briefed by a commanding officer on Operation Zarb-e- Azb and the progress made on socio-economic activities including the return of temporarily dislocated persons. The visitors were also taken to the Miranshah bazaar where they saw the development work being undertaken by the army.

General Nicholson appreciated the efforts and successes of Pakistan’s armed forces. He acknowledged the requirement of bilateral border security coordination.