CDF Munir discusses regional security dynamics with Libyan deputy military chief

Chief of Defense Forces (CDF) and Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Asim Munir discussed regional security dynamics in a meeting with senior Libyan military officials on Monday, according to military media.

A press release from the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said that CDF Munir met today at the headquarters with Commander-in-Chief of the Libyan Arab Armed Forces, Marshal Khalifa Abu-al-Qasim Haftar and Deputy Commander-in-Chief, Lt. General Saddam Khalifa Haftar.

“Both sides exchanged views on issues of mutual interest, with particular emphasis on security dynamics in the respective regions and professional cooperation. The discussion highlighted the importance of continued engagement and collaboration between the armed forces of Pakistan and Libya,” the statement said.

The ISPR said CDF Munir welcomed the two and reaffirmed the country’s commitment to strengthening bilateral relations with Libya, emphasizing Pakistan’s support for peace, stability and institutional development in Libya.

“The meeting took place in a cordial and constructive atmosphere, reflecting the long-standing friendly relations between Pakistan and Libya,” the ISPR said.

Pakistan and Libya have enjoyed strong diplomatic and military ties since they concluded a multibillion-dollar conventional arms deal last month.

The deal, described as one of Pakistan’s largest ever arms sales, was finalized after a prior meeting between CDF Munir and the deputy commander-in-chief in Benghazi.

A copy of the agreement seen by Reuters before its finalization, it included the purchase of 16 JF-17 Thunder fighter jets, jointly developed by Pakistan and China, and 12 Super Mushak trainer aircraft used for basic pilot training.

A Pakistani official confirmed the list was accurate, while another said all items mentioned were part of the deal, although the exact figures could not be independently verified. Officials cited by Reuters said the agreement covered the equipment of land, sea and air forces and would be implemented over a period of approximately two and a half years.

Libya has technically remained under a UN arms embargo since February 2011, imposed by United Nations Security Council Resolution 1970 (UNSCR) and then strengthened by subsequent resolutions, including UN Security Council Resolution 1973. The embargo prohibits all states from supplying, selling or transferring arms and related materiel to Libya.

Despite this legal framework, arms flows into Libya have continued unabated over the past decade, fueling proxy conflicts and deepening divisions between rival factions.

Sources had said The Express PK Press Club that Pakistani authorities did not expect the UN embargo to pose a practical obstacle to defense cooperation with Libya, arguing that the embargo had long ceased to function as an effective enforcement mechanism.

According to the sources, the arms embargo existed more as a formal or “on paper” restriction rather than a meaningful barrier on the ground. They highlighted persistent violations committed by multiple regional and international actors over the years, which have effectively undermined the credibility of the embargo.

The sources noted that Libya’s fragmented governance structure and deep political divisions within the UN Security Council had significantly undermined enforcement.