ISLAMABAD, 10 September 2021, (TON): According to a statement issued by the military's media affairs wing “Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) Director William Burns called on Chief of Army Staff General Qamar Javed Bajwa and Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) Director General Lt Gen Faiz Hameed.”

The Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said “during the meeting, matters of mutual interest, the regional security situation and the current situation in Afghanistan were discussed.”

The statement said "it was reiterated that Pakistan remains committed to cooperating with its international partners for peace in the region and ensuring a stable and prosperous future for Afghan people.”

It added “the visiting dignitary appreciated Pakistan's role in the Afghan crisis, including successful evacuation operations, and efforts for regional stability. He also pledged to play a role for further improvement in diplomatic cooperation with Pakistan at all levels.”

This is not the first time the CIA chief has visited Pakistan.

Burns had earlier travelled to Pakistan for meetings with the COAS and ISI director to explore the possibility of counterterrorism cooperation between the two sides.

However, at the time government officials had suggested that he was firmly told that Pakistan would not host the spy agency’s drone bases on its territory.

Meanwhile, the US State Department has urged Pakistan to play a critical role in bringing an inclusive government in Kabul.