In a significant diplomatic and military engagement, the Commander-in-Chief of the Libyan Armed Forces, Lieutenant General Saddam Khalifa Haftar, visited Pakistan on July 18, 2025, where he met with Pakistan’s Chief of Army Staff (COAS), General Syed Asim Munir, at the General Headquarters (GHQ) in Rawalpindi. The meeting marks a renewed commitment to strengthening bilateral defense ties between Libya and Pakistan amidst evolving regional and global security dynamics.
A Warm Welcome at GHQ
Upon arrival, Lieutenant General Haftar was accorded a ceremonial guard of honor by the Pakistan Army. He also laid a wreath at the Yadgar-e-Shuhada (Monument of Martyrs), paying tribute to Pakistani soldiers who laid down their lives in the line of duty. This symbolic gesture reflected the mutual respect and shared values between the armed forces of both nations.
Strategic Dialogue on Defense Collaboration
The heart of the visit was an extensive meeting between the two military leaders. According to a press release by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the discussions covered a wide range of issues, including defense industrial collaboration, training opportunities, counter-terrorism cooperation, and regional security challenges.
Both sides agreed to enhance defense cooperation, particularly in the fields of military training and defense production. Pakistan, which has a well-established defense manufacturing base, expressed willingness to assist Libya in modernizing its defense capabilities through joint ventures, technical support, and training programs.
General Munir assured Libya of Pakistan’s continued support in enhancing its institutional capacity and professional development of its armed forces. He emphasized Pakistan’s longstanding policy of supporting peaceful conflict resolution and expressed Pakistan’s readiness to partner with Libya in defense modernization efforts that align with international norms and regional stability.
Historical Ties and Contemporary Relevance
Pakistan and Libya share deep-rooted ties dating back to the early 1970s, when former Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi was a vocal supporter of Pakistan during its most critical diplomatic and military phases. Libya, under Gaddafi’s rule, extended financial aid and political support to Pakistan’s nuclear and defense programs. In return, Pakistan helped train Libyan military personnel and supplied limited military equipment.
In the post-Gaddafi era, however, Libya has remained mired in civil conflict and political fragmentation, which affected its diplomatic engagements globally, including with Pakistan. This recent high-level military meeting symbolizes a potential return to structured cooperation between the two nations. It also highlights Pakistan’s active outreach toward countries in North Africa and the Middle East, as part of its broader diplomatic and defense strategy.
Regional Security and Counterterrorism
The timing of this visit is particularly significant as Libya continues to face internal security challenges. Multiple factions, including militia groups and political entities, vie for power in different parts of the country. While the Tripoli-based Government of National Unity (GNU) has international recognition, General Haftar leads the Libyan National Army (LNA) which controls large portions of eastern and southern Libya.
Given Pakistan’s extensive experience in counterinsurgency and counterterrorism, Libya sees value in learning from Pakistan’s military doctrine and operational capabilities. The two countries discussed how military training exchanges could help the Libyan forces in restructuring and professionalizing their ranks, many of whom have been engaged in irregular warfare for years.
Future Prospects and Defense Industrial Collaboration
One of the most promising outcomes of the meeting is the agreement to explore avenues for defense industrial collaboration. Pakistan’s defense industry, under the aegis of institutions such as Pakistan Ordnance Factories (POF) and Heavy Industries Taxila (HIT), has been increasingly open to partnerships and exports. Libya, which needs to rebuild its military infrastructure after years of conflict, is a potential beneficiary of Pakistani technology, expertise, and logistical support.
Both leaders agreed to establish formal channels of communication between their respective defense ministries to facilitate knowledge sharing, procurement discussions, and joint training exercises. It was also proposed that regular high-level visits and joint defense committees could help institutionalize the partnership.
Symbolism and Strategic Outreach
The meeting also aligns with Pakistan’s broader foreign policy strategy of diversifying its international partnerships, particularly with countries that are part of the Muslim world. At a time when global power centers are shifting and traditional alliances are being reassessed, Pakistan’s engagement with Libya sends a message of solidarity and shared interest in the Muslim world’s collective security and development.
For Libya, the visit represents a bid to reestablish its military diplomacy on the global stage and seek support in reconstructing its armed forces in the aftermath of prolonged civil strife.
Conclusion
The meeting between General Asim Munir and Lieutenant General Saddam Haftar marks a renewed chapter in Pakistan-Libya defense relations. With commitments to enhance military cooperation, training exchanges, and industrial collaboration, the two nations are laying the groundwork for a strategic partnership that could benefit not only their militaries but also contribute to greater stability in North Africa and South Asia. As both countries continue to navigate their respective regional challenges, such bilateral engagements serve as vital platforms for mutual learning, support, and development.
