Saddam Haftar Meets Pakistani Army Chief to Strengthen Bilateral Defense Cooperation

25 June 2026 — Islamabad, Pakistan. Libyan National Army Commander Field Marshal Khalifa Haftar's senior representative, General Saddam Haftar, held high-level talks with Pakistan's Chief of Army Staff General Asim Munir to discuss expanding the bilateral defense partnership between Libya and Pakistan, marking a significant step in military diplomatic engagement between the two nations.

Key Details of the Islamabad Meeting

The meeting took place at the Pakistani Army General Headquarters in Rawalpindi, where General Saddam Haftar was received by General Asim Munir along with several senior Pakistani military officials. According to a statement released by the Pakistani military's Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the discussions focused on enhancing defense cooperation, exchanging military expertise, and coordinating on regional security matters of mutual interest.

The visit underscores Libya's continued efforts to rebuild international military relationships following years of internal conflict. General Saddam Haftar, who serves as Deputy Commander of the Libyan National Army, has been increasingly active in representing Libya's military establishment on the global stage, signaling a new phase in the country's defense diplomacy.

Defense Partnership Priorities

  • Joint Training Programs: Both sides explored expanding military training exchanges, including specialized counterterrorism and border security courses offered by Pakistan's premier military institutions.
  • Defense Industry Cooperation: Discussions included potential collaboration in defense manufacturing and procurement, leveraging Pakistan's growing military-industrial sector.
  • Regional Security Coordination: The two military leaders exchanged views on security developments across North Africa, the Sahel, and the broader Middle East region.
  • Intelligence Sharing: Both parties discussed frameworks for enhanced intelligence cooperation to address shared security threats, including terrorism and arms trafficking.
  • Military Technical Assistance: Pakistan expressed willingness to support Libya's ongoing military modernization efforts through technical advisory missions and capacity-building initiatives.

Strategic Context and Regional Implications

This engagement comes at a critical time for Libya, where the country continues its fragile political transition following the December 2025 elections. The Libyan National Army, under Field Marshal Haftar's command, has been working to professionalize its forces and expand international partnerships. Pakistan, with its extensive military experience and established defense infrastructure, represents a strategic partner for Libya's long-term security sector reform.

General Saddam Haftar's role in leading these diplomatic engagements highlights his growing prominence within Libya's military hierarchy. As the son of Field Marshal Khalifa Haftar, he has increasingly taken on responsibilities that extend beyond operational command into the realm of international defense relations.

What This Means for Libya

For Libya, deepening defense ties with Pakistan offers multiple strategic advantages. Pakistan's military expertise in counterterrorism operations, border management, and military training could prove invaluable as Libya works to stabilize its vast southern borders and combat persistent extremist threats in the Sahel region. The partnership also diversifies Libya's international military relationships beyond traditional Western and regional allies.

Libya's defense engagement with Pakistan reflects a broader trend of South-South military cooperation, where developing nations leverage shared experiences and complementary capabilities to address common security challenges without dependence on major power blocs.

Next Steps and Future Outlook

Following today's talks, both sides agreed to establish a joint military committee to follow up on the discussed initiatives. A timeline for implementing training exchanges and technical cooperation programs is expected to be finalized within the coming weeks. The Pakistani military statement emphasized that the relationship between the two armed forces is built on mutual respect and shared interests in regional stability.

As Libya continues its path toward lasting stability, partnerships like the one being forged with Pakistan demonstrate the country's commitment to building a professional, capable military institution that contributes to both national and regional security. The outcomes of this visit are expected to yield concrete cooperation agreements in the near future.

— LibyaPress / Security Desk