On 02 February 2026 a high level Libyan defence delegation led by Lieutenant General Saddam Khalifa Haftar visited Air Headquarters Islamabad and met Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu. The discussions covered a broad agenda focused on regional security, operational collaboration and pathways to deepen military ties between the two countries.
The meeting addressed practical steps to strengthen Libya Pakistan defence cooperation, with both sides exploring enhanced joint training, military exercises and professional exchange programmes aimed at bolstering operational readiness and interoperability.
The Air Chief highlighted Pakistan Air Force high state of operational readiness as well as ongoing modernization and Multi Domain capability development. Emphasising indigenization and technological innovation, he reaffirmed PAF commitment to share professional expertise and operational experience with friendly air forces while supporting capability development efforts for the Libyan Air Force.
The visiting delegation received a briefing on indigenization initiatives being advanced through the National Aerospace Science and Technology Park, presented as a hub for innovation, public private collaboration and the development of a resilient aerospace ecosystem in Pakistan. Such initiatives were noted as practical avenues for sustained Libya Pakistan defence collaboration in aerospace research and technology transfer.
Lieutenant General Haftar expressed appreciation for the warm reception and lauded the professionalism of PAF personnel, signalling keen interest in leveraging Pakistan Air Force operational experience across both air and ground crews. He conveyed a clear desire to expand bilateral defence cooperation through structured training linkages and exchange programmes.
The visit is seen as a constructive step toward deeper defence engagement, reinforcing mutual trust and a shared commitment to capacity building and regional stability under the wider framework of Libya Pakistan defence partnership.
