By The South Asia Times

ISLAMABAD -  Libya’s senior-most military and political leadership arrived in Pakistan on Monday for a high-level visit focused on defence cooperation and regional security, signalling a sharp acceleration in strategic ties between the two countries.

Field Marshal Khalifa Abu al-Qasim Haftar, Commander-in-Chief of the Libyan Arab Armed Forces, is leading the delegation alongside Dr. Osama Saad Hammad, Prime Minister of Libya’s Government. The delegation was received at Noor Khan Airbase in Rawalpindi by Pakistan’s Chief of Army Staff and Chief of Defense Forces, Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, according to a military statement.

The Libyan leaders later visited the General Headquarters in Rawalpindi, where they held talks with Field Marshal Munir. The meeting was described in an official release as “cordial and constructive,” focusing on shared security concerns and avenues for professional military cooperation.

Field Marshal Munir reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to supporting Libya’s “peace, stability and institutional development,” the statement said.

Analysts described the joint overseas visit by Libya’s top military commander and prime minister as a rare and powerful signal of unified intent to strengthen ties with Pakistan.

The visit follows Field Marshal Munir’s trip to Libya in December last year, reflecting rapid diplomatic reciprocation and warming relations between the two countries.

Upon arrival, Field Marshal Haftar paid homage at Pakistan’s Martyrs’ Memorial, a ceremonial gesture typically reserved for close defence partners.

- Defence cooperation

The talks come amid growing international interest in Pakistan’s defence industry, particularly the JF-17 Thunder multi-role fighter jet, jointly developed with China.

Multiple diplomatic and industry sources, speaking on condition of anonymity, said a major defence agreement worth several billion dollars is under advanced negotiations between Pakistan and Libya. The potential deal is expected to include JF-17 Block III aircraft, along with artillery systems, small arms and comprehensive training packages.

Libya’s interest reflects its need to modernise its air force and consolidate its armed forces after years of conflict.

Pakistan’s Ministry of Defence has not commented on the reported negotiations. However, the JF-17 programme has gained momentum internationally, with countries including Bangladesh, Saudi Arabia, Indonesia, Sudan and Iraq expressing formal interest in the aircraft, which offers advanced avionics and weapons systems at a competitive cost.

Analysts say a deal with Libya would mark a landmark foreign military sale for Pakistan, validating its long-term push to emerge as a credible defence exporter.

The visit also underscores Pakistan’s broader foreign policy shift toward expanding economic and security partnerships across the Middle East and Africa, beyond its traditional alliances.

While no formal agreement has been signed so far, officials from both sides indicated that working groups would continue discussions in the coming weeks. Analysts say the outcome of the talks could reshape defence dynamics in North Africa and open a new chapter in Pakistan’s role as a regional security partner