ISLAMABAD: Pakistan government has conferred the Nishan-e-Imtiaz (Military), one of the country’s highest military honours, on General Michael E. Kurilla, Commander of the United States Central Command (US CENTCOM), in recognition of his valuable contributions to regional peace and security, and his efforts in enhancing strategic military ties between Pakistan and the US.
The award was presented at a formal investiture ceremony held at Aiwan-e-Sadr on Saturday, Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) stated in a press release.
Pakistan’s President Asif Ali Zardari conferred the decoration on US CENTCOM Chief General Kurilla, acknowledging his outstanding contributions to regional security and his dedicated efforts in strengthening strategic defence ties between the two countries, ISPR stated.
General Kurilla’s visionary leadership has been instrumental in fostering mutual understanding, enhancing defence collaboration, and deepening counterterrorism cooperation between the Pakistan Armed Forces and US CENTCOM. His consistent engagement reflects a profound respect for Pakistan’s central role in promoting peace and stability across the region, ISPR stated.
“The conferment of this distinguished honour reflects Pakistan’s deep appreciation for General Kurilla’s unwavering support and affirms the growing depth of the bilateral military partnership,” the ISPR press release read.
High-level meetings
During his visit to Pakistan, General Kurilla held detailed discussions with senior Pakistani civil and military leadership, including President Zardari and Chief of Army Staff, Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir.
The meetings covered a wide range of issues, including regional security dynamics, military-to-military cooperation, and coordinated responses to transnational threats, ISPR stated.
On arrival at the Presidency, General Kurilla was presented with a Tri-Services Guard of Honour, symbolising Pakistan’s respect for his contributions to bilateral defence relations.
During his visit, General Kurilla held detailed meetings with senior Pakistani civil and military leadership, including the President of Pakistan and Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, Chief of Army Staff. Discussions encompassed regional security, military-to-military engagement,… pic.twitter.com/gptclMpVKy
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The award and high-level engagements highlight the strategic importance of the Pakistan-US military relationship and reaffirm both countries’ shared commitment to promoting peace, stability, and long-term security cooperation in the region, ISPR stated.
Regional defence chiefs conference
The US CENTCOM chief’s visit coincided with the Central and South Asia Chiefs of Defence Conference, hosted by Pakistan.
Delegations from the United States, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan participated in the two-day forum held in Islamabad.
Themed “Strengthening Bonds, Securing Peace,” the conference served as a vital platform for multilateral defence diplomacy. Field Marshal Munir, welcoming the international delegations, reaffirmed Pakistan’s resolve to foster regional stability, mutual trust, and strategic military dialogue.
“In an era defined by transnational threats and complex hybrid challenges, deeper cooperation is paramount,” said Field Marshal Munir, as per an ISPR statement.
Participants engaged in detailed discussions on cyber resilience, interoperability, counter-extremism strategies, and joint training programmes. The conference concluded with a collective commitment to reinforcing defence partnerships and promoting peace, security, and sovereignty in the region.
Pakistan’s leadership was lauded for its hospitality and for shaping a collaborative security vision for Central and South Asia.
