Pakistan army chief Raheel Sharif renews offer to train Afghan troops

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan army chief General Raheel Sharif has renewed the offer to train Afghan military during his meeting with the new President Ashraf Ghani in Kabul and promised weapons for an infantry brigade.

Raheel paid a day-long visit to Kabul yesterday and met Afghan President, Chief Executive Officer Abdullah Abdullah and senior military leaders.

The military chief offered the training courses and facilities in Pakistan's training institutions to Afghan security forces.

"The COAS also offered the capacity enhancement of an infantry brigade, including provision of equipment," military spokesman said.

He discussed a host of issues with Afghan leaders including the Pak-Afghan relations post-2014.

Pakistan has made the offer to train the military earlier but former Afghan president Hamid Karzai refused it saying that they do not want to get training form neighbouring countries.

Pakistan is keen to train the Afghanistan military to counter India who is already training them.

Raheel also briefed about operations against Taliban militants.

Defence sources said that the meetings were successful as the new leadership in Kabul is keen to improve ties with Pakistan.