MILITARY

CJCSC Gen. Sahir Shamshad Strengthens Defence Ties in Turkey, Awarded Legion of Merit

CJCSC Gen. Sahir Shamshad Mirza attends 17th Int’l Defense Fair in Istanbul; holds key meetings with Turkish & Azerbaijani military leaders to enhance defense ties and regional security cooperation.
2025-07-23
CJCSC Gen. Sahir Shamshad Strengthens Defence Ties in Turkey, Awarded Legion of Merit

Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee (CJCSC) General Sahir Shamshad Mirza attended the 17th International Defense Industrial Fair (IDEF-2025) in Istanbul as part of his official visit to Turkey. The visit served as a platform to bolster Pakistan’s defense diplomacy and strategic military collaborations with regional allies.

According to a statement released by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), General Sahir Shamshad Mirza held high-level meetings with senior military leaders, including:

·       Turkish Defense Minister General (Retd) Yasir Guler

·       Turkish Chief of General Staff General Metin Gorak

·       Azerbaijani Defense Minister Colonel General Zakir Hasanov

·       Azerbaijani Deputy Defense Minister Gurbanov Egul Selim Oglu

The discussions covered a wide range of topics including bilateral defense cooperation, regional security, counter-terrorism strategies, and the evolving geo-strategic environment. The meetings also focused on technological collaboration and future-oriented military coordination.

The ISPR stated that both sides reiterated their shared commitment to strengthening strategic partnerships, with an emphasis on adapting to the emerging regional dynamics and technological advancements in modern warfare.

General Mirza’s visit and participation in IDEF-2025 underscore Pakistan’s intention to deepen military engagement with Turkey and Azerbaijan, while promoting regional peace, stability, and joint defense capabilities.

The International Defense Industrial Fair is one of the region’s most significant platforms showcasing defense technologies and fostering military cooperation among allies. Pakistan's engagement at this level reflects the importance of defense diplomacy in its foreign policy and strategic posture.