Pakistan and Lebanon army chiefs meet amid Middle East tensions

Pakistan and Lebanon have agreed to strengthen military cooperation following talks between their armed forces chiefs, held as diplomatic efforts continue to secure a broader peace agreement linked to the conflict in the Middle East, reports Asharq Al-Awsat via AFP on June 9th.

Lebanese Army Commander Rodolphe Haykal met Pakistan’s Chief of Army Staff General Asim Munir in Rawalpindi on June 9th, where the two leaders discussed regional security challenges, defence cooperation and opportunities to expand military relations between their countries.

According to a statement from Pakistan’s military media wing, the meeting focused on issues of mutual interest and the evolving security situation in the region. Munir reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to increasing defence collaboration with the Lebanese Armed Forces. Haykal was also welcomed with a ceremonial guard of honour before the talks.

The meeting comes against the backdrop of ongoing efforts to end months of conflict involving Iran, Israel and Tehran-backed groups across the region. Pakistan has reportedly played a mediating role between the United States and Iran, while a source familiar with the matter suggested Haykal’s visit was connected to wider peace negotiations.

Lebanon has emerged as a key issue in discussions aimed at bringing the conflict to a formal close. Despite diplomatic progress, hostilities have continued in recent weeks, although both Iran and Israel indicated earlier this week that fighting had paused.

Speaking on June 9th, US President Donald Trump said negotiators were in the “final throes” of reaching an agreement, signalling optimism despite repeated setbacks.

The conflict expanded into Lebanon in March when Hezbollah launched rockets towards Israel. Israel responded with a large-scale military campaign that included airstrikes and a ground offensive. According to reports, nearly 3,600 people have been killed during the fighting, while exchanges of fire between Israeli forces and Hezbollah have persisted despite ceasefire efforts.

Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif recently said a US-Iran agreement to end the conflict appeared close before renewed violence disrupted progress. Tensions also remain high along parts of southern Lebanon, where Israeli troops and Hezbollah fighters continue to face off despite ongoing truce arrangements.

Asharq Al-Awsat via AFP, Maghrebi.org