Daily Times

Chief of Army Staff General Qamar Javed Bajwa held a telephonic conversation with his Iranian counterpart and expressed concerns on the recent terror attack on Pakistani troops in Balochistan, besides discussing other matters of importance.

On Friday, six Pakistani security personnel, including an officer, were martyred when their vehicle struck an improvised explosive device while returning from a routine patrol near Pak-Iran border.

During the high-level conversation, Chief of Staff for Armed Forces of Islamic Republic of Iran Major General Mohammad Hossein Bagheri and General Bajwa resolved to enhance security measures on the Pak-Iran border, according to a statement issued by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR).

The army chief informed the Iranian general that Pakistan has started fencing its side of the border – similar to the military’s initiative on the border with Afghanistan – and urged Maj Gen Bagheri for mutual bilateral cooperation in this regard. “Border security would ensure security and also help in curbing smuggling activity which is also used by terrorists and narco-traffickers for covering their movement,” the ISPR said.

The two generals further discussed the ongoing coronavirus pandemic and the need to improve border terminals on both sides to address such issues. General Bajwa reiterated the country’s desire for regional peace and stability on the basis of mutual respect, non-interference and equality, the ISPR said.

Meanwhile, Chinese Ambassador to Pakistan Yao Jing met Chief of Army Staff General Qamar Javed Bajwa at General Headquarters (GHQ), the ISPR said in a separate statement. COAS Bajwa and Ambassador Yao Jing exchanged views on regional security, coronavirus pandemic and other matters related to mutual interests.

The army chief thanked the Chinese government for the provision of medical equipment to Pakistan on an emergency basis. He also praised Beijing’s cooperation and the arrival of Chinese medical experts in Pakistan. The Chinese envoy assured full support to Pakistan on every forum.