CJCSC General Sahir Shamshad historic Brunei visit – Defence ties reach new peak!

Islamabad, 6 November 2025 – Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee (CJCSC) General Sahir Shamshad Mirza is on a high-profile four-day official visit to Brunei Darussalam, reinforcing Pakistan’s growing defence partnership with the oil-rich Southeast Asian kingdom.

During the landmark visit, General Mirza called on His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah at the magnificent Istana Nurul Iman palace, where both leaders pledged to elevate bilateral military ties to new heights. The CJCSC also held detailed talks with Brunei’s Minister of Defence-II, Pehin Datu Lailaraja Major General (Rtd) Dato Paduka Seri Haji Halbi, and Commander Royal Brunei Armed Forces, Major General Dato Paduka Seri Haji Muhammad Haszaimi.“Pakistan values its brotherly relations with Brunei and remains fully committed to expanding defence cooperation, joint training, and maritime security collaboration,” General Mirza told Bruneian leadership, according to an ISPR statement.

A smartly turned-out contingent of Royal Brunei Armed Forces presented a ceremonial Guard of Honour to the visiting Pakistani dignitary – a rare gesture underscoring the warmth between the two Muslim nations.

The CJCSC visited the KDB Darulaman warship at Muara Naval Base and addressed officers at the prestigious Defence Academy RBAF, highlighting Pakistan’s sacrifices in the war against terrorism and its contributions to regional stability.

His Majesty the Sultan and Bruneian civil-military leadership lavishly praised the professionalism of the Pakistan Army, terming it “a battle-hardened force that has defeated terrorism through unmatched courage.”The visit comes weeks after the 7th Pakistan-Brunei Joint Defence Working Committee meeting and General Mirza’s recent trip to Bangladesh, reflecting Pakistan’s proactive defence diplomacy across the Islamic world.

Military analysts say the deepening Pak-Brunei nexus will open new avenues for joint exercises, training exchanges, and defence industry collaboration in the coming years.