RAWALPINDI – Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Field Marshal Asim Munir met with the Commander-in-Chief of the Libyan Armed Forces, Lieutenant General Saddam Khalifa Haftar, at General Headquarters (GHQ) on Friday, where the two sides agreed to initiate collaboration in the defence industry and share technical expertise to address modern security challenges.

According to a statement issued by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the high-level meeting focused on key areas of mutual interest including evolving regional dynamics, security issues, and enhanced defence cooperation between Pakistan and Libya.

“Both leaders agreed to undertake defence industrial collaboration and exchange of technical expertise to address contemporary security challenges,” the ISPR noted.

Upon arrival at GHQ, Lt Gen Saddam Khalifa Haftar was received with full military honours. He laid a floral wreath at the Yadgar-i-Shuhada (Martyrs’ Monument), paying tribute to the sacrifices of the Pakistan Army, followed by a guard of honour presented by a smartly turned-out contingent.

The visit comes at a significant time as Libya continues to navigate internal security developments. In May this year, Tripoli witnessed intense clashes — the worst in years — which later subsided following a government-brokered ceasefire.

This meeting marks a renewed engagement between Pakistan and Libya in the defence sector. The two nations share a history of diplomatic ties, with former President Asif Ali Zardari visiting Tripoli in 2009, where he held talks with then-Libyan leader Muammar Qadhafi to promote economic and bilateral cooperation.

The recent engagement between senior military leadership signifies a shared commitment to strengthening strategic ties and exploring new avenues of collaboration in defence and security.