British Army Chief visits Pakistan for five-day defense engagement

ISLAMABAD: British Army Chief of General Staff General Sir Patrick Sanders arrived in Pakistan on Monday for a five-day defence engagement visit as part of the UK-Pakistan long-standing defence cooperation agreement.

During his visit, Gen Sanders will meet with Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Asim Munir, as well as participate in other defense-related activities.

According to the press release, the UK values the depth and warmth of the UK-Pakistan military relationship and friendship, which is supported by a shared history and ‘living bridge’ diaspora links.

Pakistani officers are currently undergoing training at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst, the Advance Command and Staff Course, and the Royal College of Defence Studies in the United Kingdom.

Also Read: PM Shehbaz lauds Army Chief’s efforts in securing financing

General Sanders’ visit comes nearly a year after Pakistan’s devastating floods, which submerged nearly one-third of the country and displaced an estimated 33 million people.

The United Kingdom’s Ministry of Defence was directly involved in flood relief operations, airlifting in eight boats and ten portable generators at the request of Pakistan’s army chief.

The visit will centre on discussing bilateral military cooperation in response to climate change-related crises.