RAWALPINDI, (DNA) – Pakistan’s top military commanders discussed the security situation in Afghanistan on Tuesday – a day after US Defence Secretary James Mattis urged Pakistan to “redouble” its efforts against alleged militant safe havens on its soil.

Mattis had had a daylong visit on Monday where he held meetings with Pakistan’s civil and military leadership. The two sides agreed to find common ground on the Afghan conundrum.

Army chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa, who chaired the 206th corps commanders’ conference, “took the forum on board about his military diplomacy through his recent visits aboard and interaction with foreign dignitaries visiting Pakistan”, the military’s media wing said in a statement.

“The forum also discussed regional and internal security situation with specific reference to Afghanistan,” the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said.

US defence chief urges Pakistan to ‘redouble’ efforts against militants

The military commanders decided to continue efforts towards internal enduring peace while contributing towards peace in Afghanistan and the region.

According to the ISPR statement, the corps commanders also deliberated upon progress on Operation Radd-ul-Fasaad, enhanced security measures along the Pak-Afghan border and recently initiated ‘Khushhal Balochistan’ programme, which is aimed at stabilising Balochistan through socio-economic development and security.