• President confers Nishan-i-Imtiaz on visiting admiral; CDF Munir reaffirms defence ties
• PM condemns Israeli aggression against Lebanon
• Islamabad, Beirut sign MoU on convicts’ transfer
RAWALPINDI: Chief of the Indonesian Navy Admiral Dr Muhammad Ali called on Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) Field Marshal Asim Munir at General Headquarters (GHQ) on Monday.
During the meeting, matters of mutual interest, regional security and bilateral defence cooperation were discussed, according to a statement by Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR).
The two sides expressed satisfaction over the existing military-to-military relations and reaffirmed their resolve to further strengthen cooperation, particularly in the domains of professional training, defence collaboration and joint exercises.
The CDF reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to further strengthening its longstanding and brotherly relations with Indonesia, particularly in the defence and security domains.
Admiral Muhammad Ali appreciated the professionalism of the Pakistan armed forces and acknowledged their contributions towards regional peace and stability.
Separately, President Asif Ali Zardari conferred Nishan-i-Imtiaz (Military) upon the Indonesian naval chief, the Presidency said.
The award, presented during a ceremony held at the Presidency, recognised Admiral Ali’s “contribution to the promotion of relations between the two navies”.
Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Naveed Ashraf, parliamentarians and members of the diplomatic community were among those present on the occasion.
In his meeting with Admiral Ali, President Zardari noted that Pakistan and Indonesia enjoyed “enduring and fraternal relations and stressed the need to further strengthen cooperation between the two navies”.
He noted there was “immense potential in the blue economy and mutual development of the maritime sector, which needs to be harnessed”.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif condemned in the strongest terms Israel’s aggression against Lebanon and expressed deep sympathy over the loss of precious lives and property caused by the attacks.
During a meeting with visiting Lebanese Interior Minister Ahmad Al-
Hajjar at the Prime Minister’s House, the prime minister reaffirmed Pakistan’s unwavering solidarity with the Lebanese leadership and people during these difficult times and reiterated Pakistan’s steadfast support for Lebanon’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
The prime minister welcomed the Lebanese interior minister and reaffirmed the longstanding fraternal ties between the two countries. He also conveyed his warm wishes to the Lebanese leadership.
The two sides reviewed bilateral relations and expressed satisfaction over growing cooperation in interior and security affairs. Later, the prime minister witnessed the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on the Transfer of Senten_ced Persons, signed by Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi and his Lebanese counterpart Ahmad Al-Hajjar.
The MoU provides a legal framework for convicted nationals to serve the remainder of their sentences in their home countries.
Published in Dawn, September 15th, 2026
