In a significant move to bolster military and strategic relations, the Chief of Air Staff of the Bangladesh Air Force, Air Chief Marshal Hasan Mahmood Khan, held high-level meetings with Pakistan's top military leadership in Rawalpindi and Islamabad on Thursday.
Strengthening Bonds at GHQ Rawalpindi
The visiting dignitary first called on Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS) and Chief of Defence Forces (CDF), at the General Headquarters (GHQ). According to a detailed press release from the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the meeting covered a wide range of critical topics.
Matters of mutual interest, the evolving regional security environment, and potential avenues for deepening bilateral defence and military cooperation were at the heart of the discussions. Both sides emphasized the critical need to strengthen professional collaboration and increase training exchanges between the armed forces of the two nations.
Air Chief Marshal Hasan Mahmood Khan praised the high level of professionalism demonstrated by the Pakistan Armed Forces and acknowledged their significant role in promoting peace and stability in the region. In response, COAS Syed Asim Munir reaffirmed Pakistan's steadfast commitment to building durable and long-term defence relations with Bangladesh.
Maritime Collaboration at Naval Headquarters
Later, the Bangladesh Air Chief also met with Admiral Naveed Ashraf, the Chief of the Naval Staff, at the Naval Headquarters in Islamabad. The Admiral received the distinguished guest upon his arrival.
This meeting similarly focused on professional matters of shared interest, the changing regional security landscape, and ways to further enhance defence cooperation between the two countries. Admiral Naveed Ashraf outlined the Pakistan Navy's ongoing initiatives and commitment to ensuring maritime peace and stability in the region.
Air Chief Marshal Khan commended the Pakistan Navy for maintaining high professional standards and expressed a strong desire to expand collaboration between the armed forces of these brotherly nations. The leaders concurred on the importance of more frequent high-level dialogues and joint training exercises to build greater synergy and understanding.
A Signal of Deepening Ties
This high-profile visit by the Bangladesh Air Force Chief is a clear indicator of the growing defence partnership between Pakistan and Bangladesh. It follows the important visit of Admiral Naveed Ashraf to Dhaka in late 2025, marking a consistent pattern of high-level military engagement.
The series of meetings concluded on a positive note, reflecting the strong and historical bonds that exist between Pakistan and Bangladesh. The discussions have paved the way for a more structured and cooperative defence relationship, focusing on shared security challenges and mutual professional growth.
