ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and Libya have agreed to strengthen their defence cooperation during a high-level visit by Libyan Armed Forces’ Commander in Chief, Lt Gen Saddam Khalifa Haftar. He met Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Friday at the Prime Minister House in Islamabad. PM Shehbaz welcomed the Libyan commander and expressed hope for closer ties in the future. In return, Lt Gen Haftar thanked Pakistan for its warm hospitality and support.
The meeting was attended by top government officials, including Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar and Defence Minister Khawaja Asif. They discussed mutual interests and ways to deepen cooperation in various areas, especially defence. The talks also touched on regional security, military collaboration, and future partnerships in defence production. Both sides showed willingness to work together to improve peace and stability.
Commander-in-Chief of Libyan Armed Forces Lt. General Saddam Khalifa Abu Qasim Haftar calls on Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, on 18 July , 2025 in Islamabad.@CMShehbaz pic.twitter.com/2NWNriDABQ
— PTV News (@PTVNewsOfficial) July 18, 2025
Later the same day, Lt Gen Haftar met with Pakistan’s Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Field Marshal Asim Munir at General Headquarters in Rawalpindi. The Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said both leaders agreed to work closely in defence industries. They also planned to share military expertise and technical knowledge to meet modern-day security challenges.
During his visit to GHQ, the Libyan commander laid a floral wreath at the Yadgar-i-Shuhada to honour fallen Pakistani soldiers. A smartly dressed Pakistan Army contingent gave him a guard of honour. The gesture reflected the deep respect and friendship between the two countries’ armed forces. It also highlighted the importance of military traditions and shared values.
This visit comes at a time of growing unrest in Libya, especially in Tripoli. In May, the city saw intense fighting after the death of a militia leader. Though calm was restored after a ceasefire, tensions remain high. Against this backdrop, the Pakistan-Libya defence partnership is seen as a step towards mutual strength and regional cooperation.