Pakistan not to slow fence-erecting, forts establishment pace along Afghan border: DG ISPR

“Since we have started fencing the border, we faced 71 cross border fire or physical attacks in March, as many as 60 in April and 55 in May. Due to which, the fencing and forts construction parties’ seven personnel were martyred and 39 injured. But even at that cost, Pakistan was not slowing its efforts of fencing and forts’ construction because a secure border was in the interest of not only Pakistan but Afghanistan also,” he said while addressing a news conference here.

Recently, he said, the Afghan National Security Adviser, heading a delegation, had arrived in Pakistan and held a meeting with the Chief of Army Staff.

He said the visiting delegation was informed about Pakistan’s efforts of fencing and forts construction along Pak-Afghan border to stop illegal cross border movements.

The DG ISPR said the two sides held a candid discussion that Pakistan and Afghanistan were indispensable for each other geographically, and collective efforts were must to fight terrorism, which is the common enemy.

“We understand that Afghan Security Forces have the capacity issue and it has ungoverned spaces. According to a report more than 50 percent Afghan territory is not under control of Afghan forces," he added.

He said no one had much desire for peaceful Afghanistan than Pakistan, adding “We want that foreign forces should come out of Afghanistan with notion of victory and success, and not to leave it in turmoil as they did in the '80s.”

Maj Gen Asif said the two sides also held detailed discussion on Afghanistan- Pakistan Action Plan for Peace and Stability (APAPPAS) under which five forums including military working group, politico-diplomatic group, Intelligence, Afghan Refugees and Economy groups would be set up for peace and stability in the area.

He expressed confidence that through these forums both the countries would be able to get required results of peace and prosperity in the region.