ISLAMABAD: In a significant diplomatic and military development, Chief of the Air Staff, Pakistan Air Force (PAF), Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu concluded a landmark official visit to the United States — the first by a serving PAF chief in more than a decade. The visit has been hailed as a key milestone in revitalising Pakistan-US defence ties, according to a statement issued by Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR).
The high-level engagements during the visit served to deepen bilateral institutional cooperation, while also addressing shared concerns on regional and global security. The air chief’s extensive agenda included meetings with top US defence, political, and congressional leaders, signaling a mutual intent to reinvigorate strategic ties between the two countries.
At the Pentagon, Air Chief Marshal Sidhu met with key figures including the US Air Force Chief of Staff General David W. Allvin and Secretary of the Air Force (International Affairs) Kelli L. Seybolt. The discussions focused on enhancing interoperability, expanding joint training initiatives, and exploring defence technology collaboration.
During the engagements, Air Chief Marshal Sidhu highlighted the enduring and multifaceted nature of Pakistan-US military cooperation, underlining the need for continued dialogue and shared learning. Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to institutional engagement through joint exercises, training exchanges, and sustained senior-level contact.
The air chief also visited the US Department of State, where he met with officials from the Bureau of Political-Military Affairs and the Bureau of South and Central Asian Affairs. These discussions emphasized Pakistan’s strategic importance in South Asia, its steadfast role in counterterrorism operations, and its vision for regional peace and stability amid shifting geopolitical dynamics.
Furthering diplomatic outreach, the PAF chief held substantive discussions on Capitol Hill with members of the US Congress, including Representatives Mike Turner, Rich McCormick, and Bill Huizenga. These dialogues offered a platform to articulate Pakistan’s perspectives on emerging defence challenges, the regional security environment, and the evolving impact of advanced technologies on military partnerships.
Throughout his visit, Air Chief Marshal Sidhu projected Pakistan’s narrative as a peace-oriented nation, reaffirming its significant sacrifices in the global fight against terrorism and its contribution to regional stability. He also highlighted Pakistan’s changing security needs in response to the evolving strategic environment, reiterating its dedication to constructive international engagement and peacekeeping.
The ISPR statement concluded that the air chief’s visit has laid a strong foundation for future collaboration, institutional dialogue, and enhanced operational compatibility between the Pakistan Air Force and the United States Air Force.
