Pakistan eschews bloc politics, wants balanced ties with all friendly states: COAS

Chief of the Army Staff General Syed Asim Munir has declared that Pakistan does not believe in “bloc politics” and it wanted to maintained “balanced relations” with all Muslim countries, reported 24NewsHD TV channel on Wednesday.

The Army Chief had a meeting with representatives of US think tanks and media in which a variety of issues ranging from Pakistan-US relations, political and economic situation of the region and the country were discussed.

The COAS, during the interaction, put across Pakistan’s perspective on regional security, transnational terrorism and importance of maintaining strategic stability in South Asia.

General Asim Munir said that Pakistan is a country of consequence both from geo-political and geo-economic perspective and wishes to develop itself as a hub of connectivity and a gateway to Central Asia and beyond; however, eschews Bloc Politics and believes in maintaining balanced relationships with all friendly countries.

The COAS highlighted that Pakistan desires to broaden bilateral engagement with the US through long-term multi-domain partnership.

The Army Chief also highlighted that his interactions during the visit to the US with political and military leadership have been very positive and forward looking for further strengthening the relationship.

The COAS also said that Pakistan has stood as a bulwark against transnational terrorism for decades for ensuring regional stability and global peace and security. It has made unparalleled contributions and sacrifices in its enduring fight against terrorism and will continue to fight till logical end, in line with the aspirations of Pakistani people, he added.

General Asim Munir stressed upon the need for resolution of Kashmir issue as per the aspirations of the people of Kashmir and the UN Security Council resolutions.

He said, “Kashmir is an internationally accepted dispute and no unilateral action can alter the nature of this dispute against the wishes of millions of people of the area.”

The COAS also emphatically highlighted the immediate need for ending the sufferings in Gaza, provision of humanitarian assistance and implementation of two-state solution for enduring peace in the region.

Earlier on arrival, the COAS was received by the Ambassador of Pakistan to the United States.

Earlier, a meeting was held between Army Chief Asim Munir and Commander US Central Command General Michael Eric Kurilla at Tampa Bay in Florida.

According to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), issues of mutual interest were discussed between the Army Chief and Commander US Central Command.

The ISPR statement said that mutual cooperation related to the security situation in the region was also discussed in the meeting.

Reporter Ahmad Mansoor