RUSSIA TO SUPPLY ARMS TO PAKISTAN, AGREE TO BOOST DEFENSE AND SECURITY CO-OPERATION, CONCERNS OVER GROWING TERRORISM IN AFGHANISTAN

ISLAMABAD: Russia has announced to provide special military equipment to Pakistan and joint military exercises with Islamabad. The two countries agreed to enhance cooperation in various fields including defense and security. He also reiterated his commitment to expediting work on the North-South gas pipeline. Visiting Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov held separate meetings with Prime Minister Imran Khan, Army Chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa, and Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood. The Pakistani and Russian Foreign Ministers also addressed a joint press conference. Sergei Lavrov expressed concern over the growing terrorism in Afghanistan and said that he would provide assistance to Pakistan against terrorism, while General Qamar Javed Bajwa said that Pakistan has no aggressive intentions against anyone. Welcome peace initiatives. According to details, Prime Minister Imran Khan has said that a political solution to the Afghan conflict is needed. A peaceful answer to the Cashmere issue is crucial for peace and stability in South Asia Enhancing bilateral cooperation in the fields of trade, energy, industrial innovation, railways, and aviation, the two leaders also agreed on a peaceful solution to the Kashmir issue. He reiterated Pakistan's commitment to expedite the legal process required for the (North-South) gas pipeline project and start work as soon as possible. The Prime Minister congratulated Russia on developing the corona vaccine and in this regard, Pakistan Stressed the plans. 

Referring to the situation in Indian Occupied Kashmir (IOJK), the Prime Minister apprised of Pakistan's views on peace and security issues in South Asia, including the need for a peaceful resolution of the Jammu and Kashmir dispute. According to Maj. Gen. Iftikhar Babar, Director General, Pakistan Army Public Relations (ISPR), Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov met with Pakistan Army Chief at GHQ Rawalpindi. General Qamar Javed has called on Bajwa. The distinguished guest praised Pakistan's achievements in the war on terror and regional peace and stability, especially in the Afghan peace process. Acknowledging and appreciating the sincere efforts, Sergei Lavrov said that Pak-Russia relations are moving in a positive direction and will continue to develop in various fields. General Qamar Javed Bajwa said that Pakistan has no aggressive intentions against any country. We believe in peace and coexistence. Pakistan can continue its efforts for peace within the region. We welcome peace initiatives in Afghanistan. And Russia's foreign ministers have made the development of economic, trade and defense ties a top priority, saying trade between the two countries has increased by 46 percent since 2020, and are considering local production of the Sputnik 5 vaccine in partnership with Russia. Many obstacles have been removed in the way of the North-South gas pipeline. Work on this pipeline will move forward soon. Bilateral cooperation in the field of counter-terrorism will be enhanced. After the talks, Foreign Minister Makhdoom Shah Mehmood