On 17 December, Pakistan’s Chief of Defense Forces Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir arrived in Benghazi on an official visit, heading a high-level military delegation. He was welcomed by Libyan National Army (LNA) Commander Field Marshal Khalifa Haftar, his sons Saddam Haftar, LNA Deputy Commander, and Khaled Haftar, LNA Chief of Staff, and the rest of the senior leadership of the LNA at the airport with military honours.
The initial discussions between the two senior leaders centred on regional security dynamics, including the situation in Sudan, strategies to strengthen military cooperation, especially on counterterrorism, and bilateral relations, underscoring the profound historical bonds between Libya and Pakistan and the importance of fostering them for mutual benefit.
Munir voiced strong confidence in Libya’s future, praising the leadership of Khalifa Haftar and his son Saddam. He praised the LNA for combating terrorism and restoring order. Munir highlighted Libya’s historic resilience against foreign domination, urged national unity behind the military institution, and described Libya–Pakistan ties as those of ‘brotherly nations’ with significant potential for deeper cooperation. Pakistan’s Chief of Defense Forces emphasized his country’s readiness to expand structured military collaboration with the LNA, offering expertise, training, and defense technologies to support the LNA’s professionalism and long‑term stability. He reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to strengthening defense ties with Libya, based on shared interests.
Haftar said he appreciated the professionalism of the Pakistan Armed Forces and expressed his desire to further expand defense cooperation.
On 18 December, Munir met with Saddam Haftar at the General Command Headquarters for talks about concrete cooperation projects. At the end of the meeting a joint cooperation agreement between the LNA and the Pakistan Armed Forces was signed.
The agreement was reportedly about army aviation. There is information about a signed USD 4.6 billion defense procurement deal, potentially including 16 JF-17 Thunder Block III fighter jets, 12 Super Mushshak trainers, 44 Haider Main Battle Tanks, mortar systems, and a naval vessel (probably an offshore patrol vessel of a corvette), including logistic and training support.