CIA director discusses Afghanistan with Pakistan army chief

ISLAMABAD

CIA Director William J. Burns met on Thursday Pakistan's army chief Gen. Qamar Bajwa to discuss the latest situation in Afghanistan, Pakistan's military said.

According to the ISPR, army's media wing, the meeting took place in Rawalpindi, a garrison city adjacent to the capital Islamabad. Lt. Gen. Faiz Hamid, the head of Inter-Services Intelligence, Pakistan premier intelligence agency, who recently visited Afghanistan, was also present.

"Matters of mutual interest, regional security situation and current situation in Afghanistan were discussed," a brief statement said.​​​​​​​

"It was reiterated that Pakistan remains committed to cooperate with its international partners for peace in the region and ensuring a stable and prosperous future for Afghan people."

The readout added that the CIA chief praised Pakistan's role in Afghan situation including successful evacuation operations, efforts for regional stability and pledged to play his role for further improvement in diplomatic cooperation with Pakistan at all levels.

The meeting comes in the backdrop of an interim Afghan government announced by the Taliban. The group had taken over the country mid-August as foreign troops were withdrawing after a 20-year involvement.

Pakistan, which is said to have influence over the Taliban, says it is closely following the evolving situation in Afghanistan.​​​​​​​

Last month, the CIA head is said to have met Taliban leader Mullah Ghani Baradar in Kabul.