British army chief meets COAS Munir; both discuss enhancing bilateral defence cooperation Azad News HD
British Army Chief Meets Pakistan’s Army Chief to Strengthen Bilateral Defence Cooperation
RAWALPINDI, Thursday:
The Chief of the General Staff (CGS) of the British Army, General Sir Charles Roland Vincent Walker, held an important meeting with Pakistan’s Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Field Marshal Asim Munir, at the General Headquarters (GHQ) in Rawalpindi on Thursday. The two senior military leaders discussed enhancing bilateral defence cooperation, regional security dynamics, and mutual training opportunities between the two armed forces.
The high-level engagement marked another step forward in the long-standing defence partnership between Pakistan and the United Kingdom, reaffirming both nations’ commitment to maintaining regional stability, promoting professional collaboration, and expanding avenues for strategic dialogue.
Warm Welcome at GHQ
Upon his arrival at GHQ, General Walker was received with full military honours. A contingent of the Pakistan Army presented a guard of honour, followed by a ceremonial review of the troops. The British Army Chief laid a floral wreath at the Yadgar-e-Shuhada (Martyrs’ Monument) to pay tribute to the fallen heroes of Pakistan’s armed forces who laid down their lives in the service of the nation.
According to an official statement issued by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the two military chiefs held in-depth discussions on matters of mutual interest, including professional training, counter-terrorism cooperation, intelligence sharing, and the evolving security situation in South Asia and the broader region.
“During the meeting, both sides reaffirmed their commitment to strengthen cooperation in defence, security, and training domains,”
the ISPR statement said.
It added that the visit reflects the deep-rooted military-to-military relationship between Pakistan and the United Kingdom, built on trust, mutual respect, and shared strategic interests.
Discussions Focused on Defence Cooperation
According to sources familiar with the meeting, the agenda included detailed deliberations on expanding existing training programmes, enhancing counter-terrorism collaboration, and exploring opportunities for joint military exercises between the two forces.
Pakistan and the United Kingdom have maintained robust military ties for decades, with regular exchanges between officers, training delegations, and defence institutions. Many senior Pakistani officers have graduated from British military academies such as the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst and the Staff College Camberley, while British defence delegations routinely visit Pakistan for professional engagements.
During Thursday’s meeting, General Walker reportedly expressed admiration for the professionalism, discipline, and operational experience of the Pakistan Army, particularly in the domains of counter-insurgency and peacekeeping operations.
“The Pakistan Army has demonstrated exceptional capability in maintaining internal stability and contributing to global peacekeeping efforts,”
General Walker was quoted as saying during the meeting.
COAS Field Marshal Asim Munir appreciated the UK’s support in capacity building, its continued collaboration in counter-terrorism training, and its partnership in regional peace initiatives.
“Pakistan deeply values its historic relationship with the United Kingdom’s Armed Forces. Our cooperation in training, security, and defence diplomacy remains vital for regional peace and global stability,”
Munir stated.
Regional and Global Security Dialogue
Both leaders also exchanged views on the evolving global security landscape, including developments in Afghanistan, the Middle East, and the Indo-Pacific region.
Field Marshal Munir briefed his British counterpart on Pakistan’s regional security challenges, its counter-terrorism achievements, and its ongoing efforts to promote peace and stability in Afghanistan and the broader region.
He also highlighted Pakistan’s contributions to the United Nations peacekeeping missions, where Pakistani troops have served in conflict zones across Africa and the Middle East, earning international recognition for their professionalism and courage.
General Walker acknowledged Pakistan’s decisive role in combating terrorism and stabilizing the region. He lauded the Pakistan Army’s operational successes against extremist networks and commended the nation’s strategic patience and resilience in maintaining security amid regional volatility.
“The United Kingdom recognizes Pakistan’s sacrifices in the fight against terrorism and its continued commitment to regional stability. Both our nations share a vision for a peaceful and prosperous South Asia,”
Walker said.
Military Education and Training Cooperation
A significant part of the discussion focused on military education, institutional linkages, and professional exchange programmes between the British and Pakistani armies.
The two sides agreed to expand officer-level exchange programmes, particularly between the Pakistan Military Academy (PMA) Kakul and the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst, where Pakistani cadets have historically trained under British mentorship.
Sources said the leaders explored options to introduce new joint training modules focusing on hybrid warfare, cybersecurity, counter-IED (Improvised Explosive Devices) operations, and leadership development.
These programmes are expected to enhance interoperability between the two militaries and enable their officers to share operational insights gained from different theatres of conflict.
“We value our decades-long cooperation with the British Army. Their institutional experience complements Pakistan’s battlefield expertise,”
a senior Pakistani officer told journalists on condition of anonymity.
Expanding Counter-Terrorism Collaboration
The meeting also focused on intensifying collaboration in counter-terrorism strategy, intelligence sharing, and capacity building. Pakistan’s armed forces have spent nearly two decades combating militant insurgencies, particularly along its western border, while the UK continues to face challenges related to international terrorism and transnational threats.
Both sides expressed the view that terrorism remains a shared global concern requiring joint action and multilateral cooperation.
The British delegation was briefed on Pakistan’s Radd-ul-Fasaad and Zarb-e-Azb operations, which successfully dismantled terrorist networks and restored stability to areas once plagued by militancy.
General Walker reportedly praised Pakistan’s comprehensive counter-terrorism approach, combining military action with socioeconomic development under the National Action Plan (NAP).
“Pakistan’s success in reclaiming its territory from extremists serves as a model for other nations confronting similar threats,”
Walker observed during the briefing.
Both chiefs agreed to explore new frameworks for joint counter-terrorism exercises, enhanced intelligence exchange, and strategic dialogue mechanisms between their respective security establishments.
UK-Pakistan Defence Relations: A Historical Overview
The relationship between the British and Pakistani armed forces dates back to Pakistan’s independence in 1947, when many of the new nation’s military institutions were modeled after British structures.
Over the years, this partnership has evolved through institutional cooperation, training programmes, and strategic dialogue forums. The UK remains one of Pakistan’s most active defence partners in Europe, with both nations frequently engaging through platforms such as the Defence Cooperation Forum (DCF) and the UK-Pakistan Strategic Dialogue.
The British Army has also supported Pakistan in capacity-building projects, including technical training, peacekeeping preparation, and counter-IED initiatives. Furthermore, the UK’s Defence Academy regularly hosts Pakistani officers, fostering long-term professional ties and mutual understanding.
Diplomatic observers note that this cooperation serves as a bridge in bilateral relations, complementing political and economic engagement between the two Commonwealth members.
Diplomatic Reception and Courtesy Calls
Following the GHQ meeting, General Walker called on senior Pakistani military leadership and paid courtesy visits to key training institutions, including the National Defence University (NDU) and the Command and Staff College Quetta.
At NDU, he delivered a guest lecture on “Global Security Challenges and the Role of Emerging Powers”, emphasizing the importance of collective security in a multipolar world. His remarks were well received by Pakistani officers, who engaged in a candid question-and-answer session exploring contemporary defence doctrines and the future of military diplomacy.
During his interaction with young officers at NDU, General Walker highlighted the role of professional education in shaping modern armies.
“Training and education remain the strongest links between our two militaries. We learn from each other’s experiences and values,”
he said.
Field Marshal Asim Munir later hosted a formal luncheon in honour of the visiting dignitary, attended by senior generals, defence officials, and representatives from the British High Commission in Islamabad.
The event underscored the cordial atmosphere of the visit, symbolizing shared trust and mutual strategic respect.
Strategic Importance of the Visit
Analysts see the British Army Chief’s visit as a significant diplomatic gesture at a time when Pakistan is navigating complex regional dynamics, including the evolving situation in Afghanistan, India-Pakistan tensions, and broader Middle Eastern security concerns.
Defence expert Lt Gen (R) Talat Masood described the meeting as a reaffirmation of Pakistan’s international relevance as a key security partner in South Asia.
“Despite the shifting geopolitical alignments, Pakistan remains central to Western security frameworks, particularly in counterterrorism and regional stability. This visit underlines that recognition,”
Masood said.
Similarly, British analysts believe the engagement demonstrates the UK’s continued interest in maintaining strong defence relations with traditional partners like Pakistan, even as it recalibrates its foreign policy post-Brexit.
The British High Commission in Islamabad also released a brief statement highlighting the “constructive and forward-looking” nature of the talks, emphasizing that both nations share common security objectives and a commitment to multilateral peacekeeping.
Joint Efforts for Peacekeeping and Humanitarian Cooperation
During their discussions, both sides also highlighted their respective contributions to UN peacekeeping operations. Pakistan is among the largest troop-contributing countries to the United Nations, while the UK has played a vital role in peacekeeping training and logistics.
Field Marshal Munir proposed enhancing joint training modules under UN mandates, suggesting collaboration in disaster response, peace enforcement, and humanitarian assistance missions.
General Walker agreed that both nations could work together to build the capacity of smaller nations participating in global peace operations.
“The world faces complex humanitarian crises, from climate-induced disasters to conflict zones. Collaboration between professional forces like ours can help stabilize vulnerable regions,”
Walker said.
Humanitarian and Disaster Management Cooperation
In addition to defence matters, both chiefs discussed potential cooperation in disaster relief and crisis management — an area where the Pakistan Army has earned international recognition for its swift and effective response to floods, earthquakes, and humanitarian emergencies.
The British side expressed willingness to share technological expertise in disaster prediction, logistics, and rapid response, especially through joint simulation exercises and training modules.
“The Pakistan Army’s efficiency during natural disasters demonstrates an institutional strength that deserves international collaboration,”
General Walker noted.
Pakistan’s Role in Regional Stability
The visit also underscored Pakistan’s central role in regional security and stability, particularly given its proximity to Afghanistan and its influence in regional counterterrorism efforts.
Field Marshal Munir briefed the visiting general on Pakistan’s border management initiatives, anti-smuggling operations, and efforts to secure its western frontier following the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan.
He reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to a peaceful, stable, and economically integrated South Asia, noting that sustainable peace requires collective responsibility.
“Pakistan continues to advocate peaceful coexistence and dialogue. Our commitment to regional stability is unwavering,”
Munir emphasized.
Expanding Defence Diplomacy Beyond the Military
Observers note that such high-level visits have implications beyond military cooperation — serving as tools of defence diplomacy that help strengthen bilateral political and economic relationships.
The United Kingdom remains home to a large Pakistani diaspora, whose contributions to both economies are widely acknowledged. Enhanced military ties are often seen as complementary to the broader diplomatic relationship.
Foreign policy scholar Dr. Maria Sultan commented:
“The UK-Pakistan defence partnership acts as a stabilizing pillar in their bilateral engagement. These visits reaffirm trust and help both nations align their strategic outlooks.”
Joint Press Communiqué and Future Outlook
At the conclusion of the visit, both military leaders expressed satisfaction with the progress of discussions and reaffirmed their commitment to sustained institutional engagement.
A joint communiqué stated that the two sides agreed to:
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Enhance training and professional exchanges between their armed forces.
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Expand intelligence-sharing frameworks for counterterrorism and transnational security.
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Continue dialogue on regional and global security issues through structured annual consultations.
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Foster cooperation in peacekeeping, humanitarian aid, and disaster response.
The communiqué described the meeting as “fruitful, forward-looking, and reflective of the enduring bond of friendship and mutual trust between the armed forces of Pakistan and the United Kingdom.”
Conclusion
The visit of General Sir Charles Walker to Pakistan’s GHQ represents not just a ceremonial exchange but a strategic reaffirmation of the enduring military partnership between Islamabad and London. In an era marked by shifting geopolitical alliances, the continuity of UK-Pakistan defence cooperation demonstrates the resilience of their historic ties and their shared commitment to global peace, stability, and mutual respect.
Field Marshal Asim Munir’s consistent emphasis on regional peace through cooperation and General Walker’s focus on collective security and capacity building illustrate a convergence of strategic outlooks that bodes well for the future of bilateral relations.
