In a significant move to boost regional defence cooperation, Pakistan hosted the Central & South Asia Chiefs of Defence Conference in Islamabad on Saturday. The high-profile summit brought together senior military leaders from the United States, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan, fostering dialogue under the theme “Strengthening Bonds, Securing Peace.”

Organized in the capital city, the event marked a pivotal moment in regional military diplomacy. It offered a platform for strategic discussions on emerging security threats, military collaboration, and efforts to promote collective stability across Central and South Asia.

Pakistan Reaffirms Commitment to Regional Peace

Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir welcomed the participating delegations, emphasizing Pakistan’s steadfast commitment to promoting regional peace, mutual trust, and strategic cooperation. In his address, he highlighted the urgency of enhanced collaboration amid evolving hybrid and transnational threats, such as cyber warfare, terrorism, and humanitarian crises.

According to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), Munir underscored the value of joint initiatives in counterterrorism, crisis response, and security preparedness, stating that only a united regional approach can effectively counter modern challenges.

Military Cooperation Takes Center Stage

The conference featured in-depth discussions on:

• Collaborative training programs
• Counter-extremism strategies
• Cybersecurity and resilience
• Interoperability among regional forces

These dialogues were seen as vital steps toward building a cohesive security framework, improving communication, and enabling quicker joint responses to shared threats.

A key highlight of the event was the reaffirmation of Pakistan-Tajikistan defence ties, as both countries committed to strengthening military cooperation during bilateral talks on the sidelines of the summit.

Delegates Praise Pakistan’s Leadership

Participants commended Pakistan for its leadership, hospitality, and proactive stance in promoting inclusive regional defence dialogue. Several military officials acknowledged the country’s central role in shaping a forward-looking security vision that balances sovereignty, peace, and readiness for transnational threats.

A Step Toward Unified Regional Security

The conference concluded with a joint resolve to deepen military-to-military relationships, foster trust, and ensure the long-term stability of Central and South Asia. By bringing together diverse defence stakeholders, Pakistan positioned itself as a critical player in shaping a cooperative and secure regional environment.

As strategic challenges continue to evolve, forums like this signal a growing recognition that multilateral defence diplomacy will be essential for peace, deterrence, and sustainable security in the broader Asian region.