Islamabad, February 3, 2026 – The Europe Today: A high-level defence delegation led by Lieutenant General Saddam Khalifa Haftar, Deputy Commander-in-Chief of the Libyan Arab Armed Forces, called on Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu, Chief of the Air Staff, Pakistan Air Force (PAF), at Air Headquarters in Islamabad. The meeting featured wide-ranging discussions on matters of mutual interest, the evolving regional security environment, and prospects for strengthening bilateral military cooperation.
During the interaction, the Air Chief underscored the deep-rooted religious and historical ties between Pakistan and Libya, while highlighting the Pakistan Air Force’s high state of operational readiness, ongoing modernization efforts, and multi-domain capability development. Emphasizing PAF’s focus on indigenization, technological innovation, and human resource development, he reaffirmed the Force’s commitment to sharing its professional expertise and operational experience with friendly air forces.
The visiting delegation was also briefed on PAF’s indigenization initiatives being advanced through the National Aerospace Science and Technology Park, envisioned as a hub for innovation, public–private collaboration, and the development of a robust and self-reliant aerospace ecosystem in Pakistan.
Lieutenant General Haftar thanked the Air Chief for the warm reception and lauded the professionalism of PAF personnel. He expressed keen interest in leveraging the operational experience of PAF’s air and ground crews and conveyed his desire to expand bilateral defence cooperation through enhanced joint training, military exercises, and professional exchange programs.
The visit was described as a positive step toward further strengthening defence ties, marking a renewed chapter of collaboration, mutual trust, and partnership between the two nations.
