ISLAMABAD (Kashmir English): Pakistan and Libya have agreed to strengthen their defence ties following the official visit of Libyan Armed Forces Commander-in-Chief Lt Gen Saddam Khalifa Haftar to the Prime Minister house on Friday. During his trip, he met with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and top military leadership to discuss cooperation in defence, military training, and technical collaboration.
During the meeting, PM Shehbaz welcomed the Libyan Commander-in-Chief and his delegation to Pakistan.
“We are pleased to host you and look forward to strengthening our bilateral relations,” the prime minister said.
The Libyan commander thanked the prime minister for the warm welcome and hospitality.
The meeting between Lt Gen Haftar and PM Shehbaz Sharif focused on expanding defence and industrial cooperation between the two countries. The Prime Minister expressed Pakistan’s interest in sharing its military expertise and production capabilities with Libya, especially in light of the changing regional security dynamics.
The meeting was attended by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Federal Minister for Defence Khawaja Asif, Federal Minister for Defence Production Raza Hayat Hiraj, Advisor to the Prime Minister Dr. Tauqir Shah, Special Assistant to the PM Tariq Fatemi, and other senior government officials.
Libyan Armed Forces Commander-in-Chief calls on Field Marshal Asim Munir
Also on Friday, Lt Gen Haftar called on Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Field Marshal Asim Munir at General Headquarters, Inter-Services Public Relations said.
“Both leaders agreed to undertake defence industrial collaboration and exchange of technical expertise to address contemporary security challenges,” the ISPR added.
The meeting also encompassed discussions on matters of mutual interest, evolving regional dynamics, security challenges, and issues pertaining to defence cooperation.
Upon his arrival at the GHQ, the Libyan armed forces’ chief laid a floral wreath at the Yadgar-i-Shuhada (martyrs’ monument) to pay homage to the martyrs of the Pakistan Army.
As part of the ceremonial proceedings, the Libyan military leader laid a wreath at the Martyrs’ Monument and was presented with a guard of honour. He was also briefed on Pakistan’s defence infrastructure and operational capabilities.
The visit comes amid recent unrest in Libya, where Tripoli witnessed the worst clashes in years in May after the killing of a major militia leader.
The fighting subsided two days later after the government announced a ceasefire.
Pakistan’s leadership reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Libya in areas such as counter-terrorism, border management, and technical military training. The discussions marked a new chapter in defence diplomacy between the two countries.
