Libyan military chief calls on PM Shehbaz to discuss defence ties

ISLAMABAD (Dunya News) – Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif received Commander-in-Chief of the Libyan Armed Forces, Lieutenant General Saddam Khalifa Abu Qasim Haftar, at the Prime Minister’s House in the federal capital on Friday.

The high-level meeting was also attended by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Federal Defence Minister Khawaja Asif, Minister for Defence Production Rana Tanveer Hussain, Adviser to the Prime Minister Dr Tauqir Shah, and Special Assistant to the Prime Minister Tariq Fatemi, among other senior officials.

PM Shehbaz welcomed the Libyan delegation and reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to bolstering ties with Libya. Discussions centred on advancing cooperation across multiple sectors, particularly in defence and security.

Lieutenant General Haftar conveyed appreciation for the hospitality and warm reception provided by the Pakistani leadership.

Both sides exchanged views on strategic collaboration and expanding engagement in mutually beneficial areas.

Also read: Libyan army chief calls on Field Marshal Asim Munir

Earlier today, Lt-Gen Saddam Khalifa Haftar called on Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, Chief of Army Staff, at the General Headquarters.

The meeting encompassed discussion on matters of mutual interest, evolving regional dynamics, security challenges and matters pertaining to defence cooperation, the Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR) said in a statement.

Both leaders agreed to undertake defense industrial collaboration and exchange of technical expertise to address contemporary security challenges.

Upon his arrival at GHQ, the Libyan military chief laid a floral wreath at the Yadgar-e-Shuhada to pay homage to the martyrs of Pakistan Army. He was offered a warm welcome, followed by guard of honour by a smartly turned-out contingent of the Pakistan Army.