Historic Visit by PAF Chief to U.S. Boosts Bilateral Defence Ties

Rawalpindi: In a landmark move to enhance bilateral defence cooperation, Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu, Chief of the Air Staff, Pakistan Air Force (PAF), undertook an official visit to the United States — marking the first visit by a serving PAF Air Chief to the U.S. in over a decade. The high-level visit is being hailed as a major step forward in advancing mutual strategic interests and strengthening institutional ties between the two nations.

During his visit, the Air Chief engaged in a series of high-level meetings with top U.S. military and political leadership. At the Pentagon, he held talks with Ms. Kelli L. Seybolt, Secretary of the Air Force (International Affairs), and General David W. Allvin, Chief of Staff of the United States Air Force. Discussions focused on expanding military-to-military cooperation, enhancing interoperability, and exploring avenues for joint training and technology exchange.

Air Chief Marshal Sidhu highlighted the historical significance and depth of Pakistan-U.S. defence relations, particularly in the context of security and training. He reiterated PAF’s commitment to further strengthening this partnership through sustained engagement and collaboration in operational exercises and exchange programs. Both sides agreed to continue high-level interactions to maintain the momentum in bilateral defence cooperation.

In meetings at the U.S. State Department, the Air Chief met with senior officials including Mr. Brown L. Stanley from the Bureau of Political-Military Affairs and Mr. Eric Meyer from the Bureau of South & Central Asian Affairs. These engagements provided a platform to emphasize Pakistan’s constructive regional role, its commitment to counterterrorism, and its evolving perspective on the dynamic geopolitical landscape of South and Central Asia.

The Air Chief also visited Capitol Hill, where he held detailed discussions with prominent U.S. lawmakers including Mr. Mike Turner, Mr. Rich McCormick, and Mr. Bill Huizenga. These sessions reinforced the importance of strong legislative engagement in further deepening bilateral ties and offered an opportunity to share Pakistan’s stance on strategic and regional security issues, as well as the impact of emerging technologies on defence cooperation.

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Reaffirming Pakistan’s position as a peace-loving nation, the Air Chief underscored the country’s substantial contributions and sacrifices in the global fight against terrorism. He also addressed Pakistan’s current security priorities in light of shifting regional dynamics.

The visit is being seen as a pivotal development in PAF’s ongoing efforts to build enduring international partnerships. It sets the stage for enhanced strategic dialogue, increased interoperability, and future collaboration between the Pakistan Air Force and the United States Air Force.