COAS Munir Reaffirms Commitment to Deepening Pakistan–Jordan Defence Ties During King Abdullah II’s Visit

Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Field Marshal Asim Munir on Sunday reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to strengthening military-to-military cooperation with Jordan, affirming Islamabad’s desire to work jointly with Amman toward a stable and peaceful region. His remarks came during the visit of Jordan’s King Abdullah II ibn Al Hussein to the Tilla Field Firing Ranges near Jhelum, according to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR).

The Jordanian monarch — on a two-day official trip to Pakistan — was accompanied by Princess Salma bint Abdullah II and a high-level civil and military delegation. He was received by Field Marshal Munir, senior military officials and later joined by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.

Earlier in the day, King Abdullah visited Global Industrial and Defence Solutions (GIDS), Pakistan’s state-owned defence conglomerate. He was briefed on its structure, capabilities and indigenous product line, with demonstrations showcasing Pakistan’s progress in defence manufacturing and technological innovation. The ISPR said the presentation also highlighted potential avenues for expanded bilateral defence collaboration.

At the Tilla Firing Ranges, the visiting dignitary observed a joint fire and manoeuvre exercise featuring multi-domain operations, conventional and air firepower, coordinated manoeuvres, spectrum warfare capabilities and the use of multi-purpose drones. King Abdullah praised the “high standards of training, professionalism and operational preparedness” of the participating troops.

Prime Minister Shehbaz expressed Pakistan’s “deep respect and affection” for the Jordanian king, describing the visit as a reaffirmation of the countries’ “enduring friendship, mutual trust and shared desire for peace and development”.

During the visit, King Abdullah conferred the Order of the Military Merit of First Degree upon COAS Munir in recognition of his contributions to strengthening Pakistan–Jordan military cooperation. The ISPR said the king’s trip marked a significant milestone in reinforcing the “historic bonds of fraternity and brotherhood” between the two nations.

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Separately, Pakistan conferred its highest civilian honour, the Nishan-i-Pakistan, on King Abdullah at an investiture ceremony hosted by President Asif Ali Zardari in Islamabad. In return, the Jordanian monarch bestowed the Order of the Bejewelled Grand Cordon of Al-Nahda — one of Jordan’s highest honours — upon President Zardari.

The citation accompanying the award lauded King Abdullah II as a “visionary leader” who has championed moderation, justice and dialogue, and praised his personal role in strengthening Pakistan–Jordan relations across political, economic and defence sectors. Both sides also reiterated opposition to the displacement of Palestinians from Gaza and reaffirmed collaboration in humanitarian efforts.

The visit concluded with the signing of memorandums of understanding in media, culture and education, further expanding cooperation between the two nations.

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