Gen Qamar Bajwa, Chief of Army Staff (COAS), said on Saturday that Russia’s invasion of Ukraine must be “stopped immediately,” calling it a “great tragedy.”
At the Islamabad Security Dialogue, Gen Bajwa expressed Pakistan’s grave concern about the conflict, adding that “despite Russia’s legitimate security concerns, its aggression against a smaller country cannot be condoned.”
“Pakistan has repeatedly demanded an immediate cease-fire and cessation of hostilities. We advocate for immediate dialogue between all parties in order to find a long-term solution to the conflict “He continued.
He lamented the Russian invasion of Ukraine, saying it had resulted in the deaths of thousands of people, the displacement of millions, and the destruction of “half of Ukraine.”
The army chief stated that the conflict gave smaller countries hope that they could still defend their territory with smaller but agile forces against aggression by a larger country by selectively modernizing equipment.
He noted that while Pakistan has had excellent defense and economic relations with Ukraine since its independence, relations with Russia have been “cold” for a long time for a variety of reasons. However, some encouraging developments in this area had occurred recently, he added.
He warned that the conflict’s continuation or expansion would not serve the interests of any side, least of all developing countries, which would continue to bear the socioeconomic costs of the conflict, which he said could “easily get out of hand.”
‘Long and strategic relationship with US’
The army chief also discussed Pakistan’s relations with other countries, including the US.
In the midst of concerns about a power struggle, Pakistan was positioning itself as a melting pot for international economic interests by emphasizing connectivity and friendship, he added.
“We do not believe in camp politics, and our bilateral relations with our partners do not come at the expense of our relationships with other countries.”
Pakistan has a close strategic relationship with China, as evidenced by the country’s commitment to the China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), he said, adding, “equally, we have a long and excellent strategic relationship with the United States, which remains our largest export market.”
The army chief also debated Pakistan’s relations with other countries, including the US.
In the midst of concerns about a power struggle, Pakistan was positioning itself as a melting pot for international economic interests by emphasizing connectivity and friendship, he added.
“We do not believe in camp politics, and our bilateral relations with our partners do not come at the expense of our relationships with other countries.”
Pakistan has a close strategic relationship with China, as evidenced by the country’s commitment to the China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), he said, adding, “equally, we have a long and excellent strategic relationship with the United States, which remains our largest export market.”
Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi also spoke at the event, stating that Pakistan is willing to consider “east-west” connectivity to help address South Asia’s poverty and underdevelopment challenges.
He stated that a “willing partner” was required for this endeavor. “Unfortunately, we are dealing with a toxic mix in India.” Qureshi added, “an extremist ideological regime that thrives on anti-Muslim hatred and hostility toward Pakistan.”
According to FM Qureshi, the missile incident exemplifies India’s disregard for aviation safety as well as regional peace and stability.
“This incident is consistent with India’s reckless behavior.” The international community, including the UN Security Council, must address it.
“Despite [Indian] provocations, Pakistan continues to act with maximum restraint and responsibility,” the foreign minister said.