By Imran Nasir

RAWALPINDI — Pakistan and Bangladesh have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening defence cooperation and military-to-military engagement as Bangladesh Air Force Chief Air Chief Marshal Hasan Mahmood Khan held a series of high-level meetings with Pakistan’s top military leadership.

According to ISPR, the visiting Air Chief called on Field Marshal Syed Asim Muni, Chief of Army Staff and Chief of Defence Force, at General Headquarters (GHQ), Rawalpindi.

The two sides discussed matters of mutual interest, evolving regional security dynamics, and ways to enhance bilateral defence and military cooperation. Emphasis was placed on expanding professional collaboration, training exchanges, and institutional defence ties between the armed forces of both countries.

Air Chief Marshal Khan praised the professionalism of the Pakistan Armed Forces and acknowledged their contributions to regional peace and stability. Field Marshal Asim Munir reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to building enduring defence relations with Bangladesh, describing the two nations as “brotherly countries” with shared strategic interests.

In a parallel engagement, the Bangladesh Air Chief also met Admiral Naveed Ashraf, Chief of the Naval Staff, at Naval Headquarters, Islamabad. Discussions focused on the evolving regional maritime security environment and future avenues for strengthening naval cooperation.

Admiral Naveed highlighted Pakistan Navy’s role in promoting maritime peace and stability through regional initiatives, while the visiting dignitary expressed his desire to enhance collaboration between the two countries’ armed forces. Both sides agreed to increase high-level exchanges and joint training exercises.

The visit further underscored growing defence ties between Islamabad and Dhaka, following Admiral Naveed Ashraf’s visit to Bangladesh in late 2025, which marked a renewed phase of bilateral military engagement.

Air Chief Marshal Hasan Mahmood Khan also visited the National Defence University (NDU), Islamabad, where he met Lieutenant General Babar Iftikhar, President NDU. An alumnus of the National Security and War Course (2010–11), the visiting Air Chief reaffirmed the importance of professional military education, joint training, and institutional linkages in strengthening long-term defence cooperation.

The series of engagements reflects a shared resolve by Pakistan and Bangladesh to deepen strategic, operational, and educational collaboration amid shifting regional security dynamics. Analysts view the growing military partnership as a significant step toward enhanced stability in South Asia and the broader region, highlighting renewed trust and cooperation between the two historically connected nations.