ISLAMABAD, AUG 20 /DNA/ – Foreign Minister, Makhdoom Shah Mahmood Qureshi received a telephone call from the Foreign Minister of the Republic of Korea, Chung Eui-yong.

The two Foreign Ministers discussed the current situation in Afghanistan. While sharing Pakistan’s perspective, the Foreign Minister said that the situation has changed significantly within a short span of time.

The Foreign Minister added that in the prevailing circumstances, it was extremely important to ensure safety and security of the Afghan people and protection of the rights of all Afghans.

He emphasized the importance of inclusive political settlement as the best way forward.

Foreign Minister Qureshi added that it was equally important for the international community to remain engaged in support of the Afghan people. Along with requisite humanitarian assistance, it would be essential to maintain economic engagement.

The Foreign Minister said that Pakistan would remain engaged with the Republic of Korea and other international partners in promoting efforts for peaceful and stable Afghanistan. He also assured that Pakistan will extend every possible assistance to the Korean side in evacuation of their diplomatic staff and other nationals from Afghanistan.

In the bilateral context, the Foreign Minister said that Pakistan highly values its relationship with the Republic of Korea, having several strands of collaboration including political, economic and cultural. He reaffirmed Pakistan’s resolve to take the bilateral relationship to a new level. While expressing satisfaction on the current level of engagement, the two Foreign Ministers agreed upon the need of enhancing the high-level engagements between the two countries. Noting the increasing economic linkages between the two countries, the Korean Foreign Minister welcomed the investment in a manufacturing facility in Pakistan by the Korean cell phone manufacturer, Samsung Group.

Acknowledging Pakistan’s role as one of the largest contributors to the United Nations Peacekeeping Operations, the Korean Foreign Minister invited Foreign Minister Qureshi to chair one of the sessions of the 2021 Peacekeeping Ministerial to be hosted by the Republic of Korea in December.

The two Foreign Ministers agreed to remain in close contact to enhance and promote shared objectives.

RAWALPINDI, AUG 20 /DNA/ – General Qamar Javed Bajwa, Chief of Army Staff (COAS), visited Pakistan Military Academy (PMA) Kakul, today. COAS reviewed the Flag Presentation Parade as Chief Guest. COAS awarded Battalion Standard to 4th Pakistan Battalion which was raised on 10th of October 2016. Later, addressing the faculty and cadets, COAS lauded PMA’s role as the premier training institution of Pakistan Army and commended the faculty and staff for maintaining high standards of training and grooming the young leaders that form back bone of Pakistan Army. Dilating upon future challenges in the view of changing dynamics of warfare, COAS advised the cadets to wholeheartedly focus on training and remain abreast with the latest advancements in technology to prove equal to the task. COAS said Pakistan Army is proud of its young officers who continue to lead their men from the front with courage and devotion to defend the freedom of motherland.

KEY AREAS – COAS SPEECH AT PMA*•   One of most important policy speeches by COAS covering challenges/ opportunities and Pakistan’s response •  COAS covered present status of Pakistan’s in comity of Nations, spoke on struggle and sacrifices with reference to month of independence             ( August) United front to confront challenges, Pak overcome challenges in all fields since independence, overcame recent challenges of terrorism. COVID & Locust. Armed forces as first responders to every challenge, spoke in detail about Afghanistan situation, Pakistan’s efforts, future course of action and role of spoilers. •   Spoke about future challenges and response •   PMA is one of finest institutions in world entrusted with training of future leadership •  The unconquerable resolve of junior leadership of army is what Pak enemies dread the most •  Today’s Pakistan is strong and progressing well despite living in turbulent times •  August is month of freedom and reminds us unprecedented struggle and sacrifices of our forefathers and oath to defend Pakistan’s sovereignty •  Our vibrant and industrious youth is our pride and asset. •  Quaid’s faith, unity and discipline are guiding principles for youth •  Till the time we are united no one can harm us.•  After independence we not only with stood socio- economic and other challenges, but also defeated terrorism and defended the motherland •  Our matchless national harmony discipline and imagination to respond to COVID-19 and locust despite lack of infrastructure and resources is tremendous •  Armed Forces have been first responders in case of war, terrorism, national emergency or disaster; acknowledged by the nation.•  Pakistan desires for peace and progress in the country and the region.•  Pakistan’s sincere efforts to promote and support a Afghan process manifest our vision for a peaceful, economically integrated and prosperous region •  We have unambiguously and repeatedly asked global community to play its part in an inclusive and unbiased Afghan process as well as economic sustenance of Afghanistan •  Pakistan has paid huge price for instability in Afghanistan •  Despite Pakistan’s own economic challenges Pak has hosted over 3 million Afghan refugees for more than 4 decades.•  Pakistan will continue to play its role for peace and stability in Afghanistan direly needed for entire region and in particular our Afghan brethrenWe expect that Taliban will fulfil promises  to global community of women and human rights and Afghan territory won’t be used against any other country •  COAS particularly recalled plight of Kashmiri people of IIOJK due to Indian state repression who are under worst military occupation in human history •  COAS said our hearts beat with Kashmiri people •  COAS said we will continue to stand with them always and ever •  Regional peace will remain elusive without a just and peaceful resolution of Kashmir issue.•  Referring to collective freedom struggle against imperialism by leaders, COAS said people of sub continent must not forget that the ultimate goal was to secure independent, harmonious and prosperous region where in all new created countries could live peacefully •  Unfortunately those goals today have become hostage to increasing polarisation and radicalisation in our neighbourhood•   Inimical forces are trying to weaken our society and state through hybrid war•  Pakistan Army is fully cognisant of these challenges and is prepared to tackle them•  We will ensure country’s defence by focusing on core competencies and technology•  Only strong Armed Forces can guarantee defence of the motherland