Pakistan, Türkiye vow stronger defence alliance amid regional security challenges

• Commander Turkish Land Forces calls on COAS Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, Naval and Air Chiefs

• High-level talks focus on regional security and strategic cooperation as military leaders discuss expanding defence, defence-industrial collaboration

• Gen Tokel praises Pakistan armed forces' role in regional stability

• Kh Asif, Turkish general reaffirm longstanding brotherly relations between Pakistan and Türkiye

 RAWALPINDI/ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and Türkiye on Thursday reaffirmed their commitment to further strengthening bilateral defence cooperation, expanding military-to-military collaboration and promoting regional peace and stability as Commander of the Turkish Land Forces General Metin Tokel held a series of high-level meetings with Pakistan’s top military leadership and Defence Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif during his visit to the country.

General Metin Tokel called on Chief of Army Staff (COAS) and Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, NI (M), HJ, at the General Headquarters (GHQ) in Rawalpindi.

Upon his arrival at GHQ, the visiting dignitary was presented a smartly turned-out Guard of Honour by a Pakistan Army contingent, according to a news release issued by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR).

During the meeting, the two sides discussed matters of mutual professional interest, evolving regional security dynamics and avenues for enhanced bilateral defence cooperation.

Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir highlighted the deep-rooted historical, cultural and strategic bonds between Pakistan and Türkiye and appreciated the robust defence partnership between the armed forces of the two countries.

As part of his engagements, General Tokel also visited Naval Headquarters (NHQ) in Islamabad, where he called on Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Naveed Ashraf, NI, NI (M), T Bt.

The meeting focused on matters of professional interest and the prevailing regional maritime security environment.

The Turkish commander separately called on Chief of Air Staff Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu, NI (M), HJ, at Air Headquarters (AHQ), Islamabad.

During the meeting, both sides discussed bilateral military cooperation and other issues of professional interest.

Commander of the Turkish Land Forces, General Metin Tokel, called on Chief of Army Staff and Chief of Defense Forces, Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir at General Headquarters, Rawalpindi today. During the meeting, Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir appreciated the strong defence… pic.twitter.com/CidIBvSEb3

— Radio Pakistan (@RadioPakistan) June 11, 2026

General Tokel lauded the professionalism of Pakistan’s armed forces and acknowledged their contributions toward regional peace and stability. He also expressed his commitment to further enhancing defence cooperation and institutional linkages between the armed forces of the two brotherly nations.

Gen Tokel, Kh Asif reaffirm longstanding brotherly relations between Pakistan and Turkiye

Meanwhile, General Tokel also met Defence Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif in Islamabad, where both sides reaffirmed the longstanding brotherly relations between Pakistan and Türkiye, founded on shared history, mutual trust, strong people-to-people contacts and close cooperation across multiple sectors.

During the meeting, the Turkish commander appreciated Pakistan’s efforts to promote regional peace and stability and underscored the importance of the Pakistan-Türkiye High-Level Military Dialogue Group as an effective platform for advancing defence, military and defence-industrial cooperation.

He reiterated Türkiye’s commitment to regional peace and stability and emphasized the need for continued cooperation between the two countries.

Defence Minister Khawaja Asif expressed appreciation for the steadfast support extended by the leadership and people of Türkiye, particularly during challenging times.

Both sides exchanged views on matters of mutual interest, including regional developments and prospects for further expanding defence collaboration.

Commander of the Turkish Land Forces, General Metin Tokel, called on Defence Minister @KhawajaMAsif in Islamabad today. During the meeting, both sides reaffirmed the longstanding brotherly relations between Pakistan and Turkiye, rooted in shared history, mutual trust, strong… pic.twitter.com/Awh97CUtao

— Radio Pakistan (@RadioPakistan) June 11, 2026

The meetings concluded with a shared resolve to further strengthen the strategic defence partnership between Pakistan and Türkiye and deepen cooperation across defence and security domains.

Flurry Of High-Level Military Engagements

The Turkish commander’s visit comes amid a flurry of high-level military engagements involving Pakistan’s top military leadership, underscoring Islamabad’s growing defence diplomacy and efforts to deepen strategic partnerships across the region and beyond. Earlier this week, Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir hosted Bahrain National Guard Commander General Shaikh Mohammad bin Isa bin Salman Al Khalifa and Commander-in-Chief of the Lebanese Armed Forces General Rodolphe Haykal, with discussions focusing on regional security, defence cooperation and avenues for expanding bilateral military ties.