Carter overviews recovery endeavors in Balochistan

RAWALPINDI: United Kingdom (UK) chief of general staff (CGS) Nicholas Patrick Carter, having arrived in Pakistan on a two days tour, called on chief of army staff (COAS) general Qamar Javed Bajwa on Friday, Carter acknowledged positive results of Pakistan’s efforts against terrorism and the recent measures taken along Pak-Afghan border including the fencing for enhanced border control.

According to an official statement, Carter along with Bajwa visited Girdi jungle in Balochistan which has recently been sanitized, UK CGS was given detailed briefing on security situation and security operations in support of “khushal Balochistan” program.

Carter, along-with his delegation, were highly appreciative of the professionalism and dedication with which the sanitisation operation had been conducted. Girdi jungle, a small village prior to 1979, had swelled to a town of around 60,000 inhabitants with the majority being Afghan refugees.

Over the years it converted into a hub of criminal and narcotic activities, facilitating both smugglers and terrorists in their nefarious agenda, the area is now free from inimical influence.

The visitors flew over the border town of Brabchah and were briefed on the peculiar environment of the area and steps taken to secure Pak Afghan border in Balochistan.

The dignified and ordered resettlement of Afghan refugees and measures to spread dividends of peace in larger region came under discussion.

COAS highlighted the need for collective action within a collaborative framework to help encourage peace and stability in the region, both further discussed bilateral issues and the regional security situation.

Carter also hailed the “paigham-e-Pakistan fatwa” (religious decree) which shall have far reaching effects against the extremist narrative.

He was also accompanied by the British high commissioner, British defence attache in Pakistan and the southern command commander.