Khalifa Haftar Visits Pakistan: Libya-Pakistan Military Cooperation Deepens

 

Libya’s Eastern Army Commander, Gen. Khalifa Haftar, embarked on his first official visit to Pakistan yesterday. During his trip, Haftar met with Pakistan’s Chief of Army Staff, Field Marshal Asim Munir, at the Rawalpindi Airbase. The discussions focused on multifaceted military cooperation and regional security concerns.

According to the official statement, both leaders exchanged views on mutual interests, with a particular emphasis on security in their respective regions and enhancing professional military collaboration.

Why Pakistan Hosted Haftar

Reliable sources indicate that Haftar is set to purchase military equipment from Pakistan valued at $4 billion, including:

16 JF-17 fighter jets

12 trainer aircraft

These purchases aim to modernize and train Libya’s Eastern forces, reflecting a significant upgrade in their capabilities.

Strategic Context

Haftar’s visit comes amid shifts in his position regarding Sudan, following clear pressure from Egypt. Additionally:

The Kufra airport, previously a hub for arms shipments to Sudan’s RSF and Hemetti forces, has been closed.

Arms trafficking to Sudan has reportedly been paused.

The Libya-Pakistan deal has been in the works for some time, and is not a spontaneous development.

Global Implications

Most notably, Haftar, who effectively controls parts of Libya, is now being allowed to acquire military power surpassing that of the internationally recognized Libyan government. This highlights a global shift, where entities with sufficient financial resources, defense links, and diplomatic support can gain both political and military legitimacy.

Field Marshal Munir’s strong ties with the United States, and his personal connections with Donald Trump, reportedly facilitated this deal. This has enabled Pakistan to export weapons to parties that other countries may not sell to easily.

Despite the international system being in flux, the U.S. retains key leverage over sanctions and political pressure, suggesting that Haftar’s acquisitions would likely require tacit approval from influential global actors.

Pakistan’s Expanding Arms Market

The deal underscores Pakistan’s growing influence in Africa’s defense market, particularly with the JF-17 fourth-generation fighter jets, jointly developed with China. These aircraft have earned credibility in recent conflicts involving Pakistan and India, and Libya may soon join the list of nations operating them. Sudan’s military is also reported as a potential future customer, signaling Pakistan’s gradual expansion of its arms exports in Africa.

Conclusion

Haftar’s Pakistan visit marks a significant milestone in Libya-Pakistan military relations, demonstrating the intersection of regional politics, global arms trade, and strategic partnerships. The deal also signals broader geopolitical shifts, where wealth, military capability, and international alliances increasingly determine legitimacy and influence