ISLAMABAD: Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) Director, William Burns, called on army chief , Qamar Javed Bajwa, and Inter Services Intelligence (ISI) chief, Lt General, Fayez Hameed, in Rawalpindi on Thursday.
CIA Director is on Pakistan’s visit to discuss Afghan situation with Pakistani authorities. He held meetings with prime minister, Imran Khan, army chief, Qamar Javed Bajwa, and other senior Pakistani authorities during his visit.
An Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR) statement issued here said “During the meeting, matters of mutual interest, the regional security situation and the current situation in Afghanistan were discussed”.
The handout said “ It was reiterated that Pakistan remains committed to cooperating with its international partners for peace in the region and ensuring a stable and prosperous future for Afghan people”.
The visiting dignitary appreciated Pakistan’s role in the Afghan crisis, including successful evacuation of the foreigners from Kabul and tis efforts for regional stability . He also pledged to play a role for further improvement in diplomatic cooperation with Pakistan at all levels, the statement noted.
According to the New York Times, Burns had earlier traveled to Pakistan for meetings with COAs and ISI director general to explore the possibility of counter terrorism cooperation between Pakistan and United States.
Pakistan and US are in regular contact on the Afghan issue. Both countries are urging the Taliban leadership to have an inclusive government in Afghanistan to win acceptance and support of the global community. US, in particular, is concerned over the new developments in Afghanistan. The White House had rejected the new interim Afghan government saying it was neither representative nor inclusive. The White House is also calling upon the Taliban to honour human and women rights to win recognition of the world community for their government.
Afghanistan is central point of William Burns’ talks with Pakistani authorities. Since Pakistan is feeling the heat of the crisis that Afghan people are facing in post Taliban takeover days, its urging US and other international partners to help Afghanistan government to give some relief to the people of that war-ravaged country.
