PAF Chief Babar Sidhu meets top American officials at Pentagon in historic US visit

Pakis­tan Air Force (PAF) Chief Air Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu undertook an official visit to the United States the first such visit by a Pakistani air chief in more than ten years, according to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR).

During his visit, Air Chief Marshal Sidhu held a series of high-level engagements with senior US military and political leaders, where discussions focused on key regional and global security issues.

At the Pentagon, the Air Chief met with the US Secretary of the Air Force (International Affairs) as well as the US Air Force Chief of Staff. The meetings emphasised strengthening bilateral military cooperation, exploring avenues for joint training programs, and expanding technology exchange initiatives.

The Air Chief also underscored the deep-rooted and multidimensional ties between Pakistan and the United States, reaffirming Pakistan Air Force's commitment to enhancing collaboration, especially in training and professional exchanges between the two air forces.

According to ISPR, both sides agreed to continue strategic-level defence engagements, operational exercises, and joint training initiatives in the future.

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Air Chief Marshal Sidhu also visited the US State Department, where he met with Eric Meyer, Director of the Bureau of Political-Military Affairs, and officials from the Bureau of South and Central Asian Affairs.

During these meetings, he highlighted Pakistan’s vital role in promoting regional stability, its unwavering commitment to combating terrorism, and the country’s position on evolving geopolitical developments across South and Central Asia.

On Capitol Hill, the Air Chief held discussions with key members of the US Congress. He stressed the importance of sustained diplomatic and defense engagement to deepen Pakistan-US ties.

“The discussions centred around advancing bilateral military cooperation, enhancing interoperability and exploring avenues of joint training and technology exchange. Chief of the air staff highlighted the historic and multifaceted relationship between Pakistan and US, particularly in the domains of defence and security cooperation.

“He reiterated his resolve to further enhance the existing ties in the realms of military-to-military cooperation and training between the air forces of the two countries. The two sides also agreed upon the continuation of high-level military engagements in future through senior-level interactions,” the DGPR said.

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He also shared Pakistan’s perspective on strategic security dynamics, regional defense cooperation, and the growing influence of emerging technologies in modern warfare.

Furthermore, the Air Chief reflected on Pakistan’s notable contributions and sacrifices in the global fight against terrorism, outlining the country’s evolving security vision in light of shifting regional and global challenges.

According to ISPR, this landmark visit reflects Pakistan Air Force’s ongoing commitment to fostering peace and stability at both regional and global levels, while opening new pathways for institutional collaboration between the air forces of Pakistan and the United States.