ISLAMABAD (Dunya News) – Commander of the Libyan National Army, Lieutenant General Saddam Khalifa Haftar, called on Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Naveed Ashraf at the Naval Headquarters in Islamabad on Friday.
The meeting focused on matters of mutual security interest, the regional maritime security environment, and prospects for enhanced cooperation in defence and training.
Admiral Naveed Ashraf briefed the visiting dignitary on Pakistan Navy’s ongoing initiatives to promote peace and maritime security in the region through the Regional Maritime Security Patrols (RMSP). Lieutenant General Haftar lauded the Pakistan Navy’s contributions towards collaborative maritime security efforts and expressed keen interest in expanding bilateral defence relations. Both sides agreed to strengthen the scope of future cooperation.
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Premier-level engagement
Later, Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif received Lieutenant General Haftar at the Prime Minister’s House in Islamabad. Also present were Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Defence Minister Khawaja Asif, Minister for Defence Production Rana Tanveer Hussain, Adviser to the PM Dr Tauqir Shah, Special Assistant to the PM Tariq Fatemi, and other senior officials.
The prime minister welcomed the Libyan delegation and reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to enhancing bilateral ties with Libya. Discussions focused on boosting cooperation across various sectors, with a particular emphasis on defence and security collaboration. The Libyan commander appreciated the warm reception and hospitality extended by Pakistan’s leadership.
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Meeting at GHQ
Earlier in the day, Lieutenant General Haftar held a meeting with Chief of Army Staff, Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, at General Headquarters (GHQ). According to the Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR), both leaders discussed evolving regional dynamics, security challenges, and potential defence collaboration.
The two sides agreed to deepen defence industrial ties and exchange technical expertise to tackle emerging security issues. Upon arrival at GHQ, Lieutenant General Haftar laid a floral wreath at the Yadgar-e-Shuhada, paying tribute to the martyrs of the Pakistan Army. He was given a warm welcome and presented with a guard of honour by a smartly turned-out contingent.