What’s happening between Pakistan and US? Days after Asim Munir’s visit, Pakistan air force chief visits US for…

Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu's US visit marks a significant step in bolstering Pakistan-US defence cooperation, following a similar tour by the army chief.

Days after Pakistan Army Chief Asim Munir paid an official visit to United States, Pakistan Air Force chief Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu also visited the US. Interestingly he came to US after a 10-year hiatus, as military ties between the two countries are seen to be improving in recent weeks following Operation Sindoor. This was the first visit by a serving Pakistan air force (PAF) chief in over a decade

Pakistan’s chief of air staff Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu paid an official visit to the US to further enhance bilateral defence cooperation after army chief Field Marshal Asim Munir recently undertook a similar tour.

What was the purpose of the visit? 

A PAF statement said on Wednesday: “This high-level visit is a strategic milestone in the Pak-US defence partnership. The visit will play a significant role in addressing key regional and global security issues as well as building institutional ties.” It further said Sidhu held several important meetings with the top military and political leadership of the country during the visit to the US.

At the Pentagon, he met US secretary of the air force for international affairs Kelly L Seybolt and air force chief of staff General David W Elon, where the two sides agreed to forge new avenues for bilateral military cooperation, mutual affairs, joint training and technology exchange. The PAF chief highlighted the historical and multi-faceted relations between Pakistan and the US, particularly in the defence sector.

Who all did Sidhu meet?

During his visit to the US state department, Sidhu met Brown L Stanley of the bureau of political and military affairs and Eric Meyer of the bureau of South and Central Asian affairs. The meetings highlighted Pakistan’s constructive role in promoting regional stability, the statement said. During his visit to Capitol Hill, Sidhu held meetings with members of the US Congress, including Mike Turner, Rich McCormick, and Bill Heizenga. The visit comes weeks after President Donald Trump hosted Munir for lunch, followed by a detailed meeting between the two.