Pakistan convened the Regional Chiefs of Defence Staff Conference on Saturday in Islamabad, drawing senior military leaders from the United States, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan. The event marked a significant effort to enhance defence cooperation and regional security dialogue.
Held under the theme “Strengthening Bonds, Securing Peace,” the conference focused on fostering deeper collaboration in military training, counterterrorism strategies, and crisis response mechanisms. According to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the gathering served as a platform to share best practices and strengthen strategic ties among participating countries.
Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir officially welcomed the visiting delegations. In his address, he emphasized the importance of trust and coordinated action in tackling today’s complex security challenges, including transnational threats and hybrid warfare. He reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to promoting peace and regional stability through sustained military diplomacy.
The military chiefs held detailed discussions on regional security developments, particularly in Central and South Asia. Key topics included terrorism, cyber threats, violent extremism, and the need for joint humanitarian responses. The participants expressed a shared resolve to protect national sovereignty while promoting peace and cooperative defence efforts.
Delegates commended Pakistan for its leadership role and hospitality, viewing the conference as a critical step toward inclusive and constructive defence engagement. Observers noted the event as part of Pakistan’s broader diplomatic push to strengthen its international standing and regional influence.
The conference comes amid a series of high-level engagements by Pakistani leaders. Earlier this week, Field Marshal Munir visited China for talks with its top civil and military officials. Meanwhile, Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar met with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio in Washington. Secretary Rubio acknowledged Pakistan’s contributions to regional peace and its efforts to mediate between the US and Iran.
Speaking at the Atlantic Council, Dar reiterated Pakistan’s desire to serve as a bridge between Washington and Beijing, recalling Islamabad’s historical role in bringing the two powers closer. These diplomatic moves reflect Pakistan’s strategic positioning as a regional connector in an increasingly multipolar world.
