General Sir Richard Dannatt, Chief of General Staff UK Armed Forces called on General Tariq Majid, Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee at Joint Staff Headquarters and discussed matters relating to the enhancement of bilateral military cooperation in diverse fields between the two countries. Expressing satisfaction on the ongoing military to military cooperation both sides agreed to further expand the scope of these ties to the mutual benefit of the two countries.

Discussing "War on Terror" in the region, both were of the view that this could only be dealt effectively through collaborative efforts of the comity of nations with full commitment and resolve. The CJCSC highlighted that we have made good progress in our efforts. The recent peaceful elections in the country and transition of power to the elected representatives will create harmony in civil-military relations and facilitate mobilisation of a broad based political consensus to support the efforts for counter terrorism. He added that a comprehensive approach with greater focus on winning "hearts and minds" through political and socio-economic mainstreaming of the troubled areas is the need of the hour.

Earlier on arrival at Joint Staff Headquarters, the distinguished guests were warmly received by Major General Bilal Umar, Director General Operations and Plans of the Joint Staff Headquarters.

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General Sir Richard Dannatt, Chief of General Staff, UK, who is on a scheduled official visit to Pakistan, called on Chief of Army Staff, General Ashfaq Parvez Kayani today at General Headquarters. He remained with him for some time and discussed the matters of professional interest with particular reference to security situation in the region.

Earlier on arrival at General Headquarters, General Sir Richard Dannatt was presented guard of honour. He reviewed the guard of honour and took salute from a smartly turned out contingent of Pakistan Army.

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Lieutenant General Mushtaq Ahmad Baig, Surgeon General Pakistan Army and Director General Medical Services (Inter Services) who embraced Shahadat today in a suicide bombing was a Graduate of King Edwards Medical College, Lahore. He was commissioned in Army Medical Corps in January 1976. He was an Ophthalmologist. He has a wide range of publications to his credit and attended many National / International Workshops on Ophthalmology.

In recognition of his meritorious services the General Officer was awarded with Hilal-e-Imtiaz (Military).

Lieutenant General Mushtaq Ahmad Baig leaves behind his wife, three sons and a daughter.

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Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee (CJCSC), General Tariq Majid has strongly condemned the suicide attack in Rawalpindi today and termed it a heinous crime and "an assault" on the stability of Pakistan. He expressed his heartfelt condolences over the sad demise of Surgeon General, Lieutenant General Mushtaq Ahmed Baig and other shuhada of the suicidal attack.

CJCSC said that services of the Surgeon General to the Medical Corps of the Army in general and his contributions for overall improvement of the medical support to the Armed Forces of Pakistan, in particular, will always be remembered. CJCSC highlighted the need for the nation to rise against the perpetrators of terrorism and added that such sacrifices further strengthen our resolve to fight terrorism.

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Chief of Army Staff, General Ashfaq Parvez Kayani has strongly condemned the suicide bomb attack in Rawalpindi this afternoon. He expressed his heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families of Lieutenant General Mushtaq Ahmed Baig and other Shuhada.

General Ashfaq Parvez Kayani stated that this tragic incident has once again high lighted the critical importance of a united national effort to uproot and defeat extremism. He added, that Army stands united with the nation in this struggle for a peaceful Pakistan.

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