Newly appointed High Commissioner of Canada to Pakistan Ms Heather Cruden called on Secretary Defence Lieutenant General Muhammad Alam Khattak (Retd) here at the Ministry of Defence on Friday. She is taking up her new assignment in Pakistan and wanted to be apprised of the on-going level of military co-operation between Pakistan and Canada. Secretary Defence expressed satisfaction over the existing level of co-operation between the two countries and appreciated the level of assistance extended by Canada in times of need.
He stressed the need to explore future prospects of military collaboration between Pakistan and Canada in training of Armed Forces personnel and exchange of visits. "This exchange program will be held under an umbrella of Canadian Military Training Assistance Program", said Ms Cruden stressing the need for extending co-operation. On the issue of Afghanistan, Secretary Defence highlighted Pakistan's commitment towards a peaceful and stable Afghanistan. He said that Pakistan supports an Afghan-owned and Afghan-led policy, as a solution to Afghan problems.
During the meeting, other issues like finalisation of pending MoUs on Military Training and Co-operation and relaxing clauses for grant of visas was discussed. Ms Cruden inquired about Pakistan's commitment and difficulties in fight against terrorists, upon which the Secretary replied, "Pakistan is fighting as a frontline State against terror. We condemn terrorism in all its forms and manifestations. Over 60,000 deaths and loss of $90 billion is what is our contribution. Still our military is fighting the war as Operation Zarb-e-Azb and Khyber-ii are going on satisfactory. Ms Heather Cruden acknowledged Pakistan's commitment to fight terror and thanked Secretary Defence for a fruitful insight into military matters.-PR