Key Points
- Libya joins expanding defence cooperation framework
- Training focused on capacity-building and special operations
- Move strengthens Pakistan’s defence diplomacy outreach
RAWALPINDI: Pakistan’s Chief of Army Staff, Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, has held high-level meetings with Libya’s military leadership during an official visit aimed at strengthening bilateral defence cooperation, with a focus on training, capacity building and counter-terrorism, the military said.
Pakistan’s military media wing, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), said Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir — who also holds the post of Chief of Defence Forces — called on Field Marshal Khalifa Belqasim Haftar, Commander-in-Chief of the Libyan Arab Armed Forces, and Lieutenant General Saddam Khalifa Haftar, the Deputy Commander-in-Chief. Upon his arrival, he was accorded a guard of honour by a contingent of the Libyan Armed Forces.
During the meetings, both sides discussed matters of mutual interest, evolving regional security dynamics, and prospects for enhancing defence and military-to-military cooperation. Particular emphasis was placed on collaboration in training, capacity building, and counter-terrorism.
Field Marshal Munir reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to expanding defence ties with Libya, anchored in shared security interests and professional cooperation.
Field Marshal Khalifa Haftar praised the professionalism of the Pakistan Armed Forces and expressed Libya’s desire to further broaden defence cooperation between the two countries. The visit reflects Pakistan’s continued engagement with regional partners to promote security cooperation beyond South Asia.
Pakistan Expands Counter-Terrorism Training Footprint beyond South Asia
Pakistan has steadily emerged as a key provider of counter-terrorism training and military capacity-building for friendly countries across the Middle East, Central Asia, Africa, and East Asia, drawing on its extensive operational experience against militant networks.
In addition to Libya, Pakistan has conducted counter-terrorism training programmes and joint exercises with Iraq, where Iraqi Special Forces have been trained at Pakistan’s National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC) in Pabbi. Similar engagements have been held with Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, Morocco, and Türkiye, focusing on special operations, urban warfare, and counter-insurgency tactics.
Pakistan also maintains long-standing counter-terrorism cooperation with China through annual “Warrior” exercises, aimed at improving interoperability and joint response capabilities. These initiatives form part of Islamabad’s broader defence diplomacy, positioning Pakistan as a professional training partner for countries seeking to strengthen their internal security and counter-terror capacities.
