Chief of Defense Forces (CDF) Field Marshal Asim Munir has been awarded the Turkish Armed Forces Top Military Service Medal during a high-level visit to Ankara, from 13-14 July, 2026. The prestigious recognition underscores the deep-rooted defence ties and strategic partnership between Pakistan and Turkiye.
CDF Munir arrived in Turkiye on Monday for a two-day official visit, as reported by Pakistan TV. The state-run Radio Pakistan broadcaster reported that Field Marshal Munir received a warm welcome upon his arrival.
“During the visit, he will hold important meetings with Turkiye’s military and political leadership to discuss matters of mutual interest,” the broadcaster said, without divulging # Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also visited Turkiye and invited Turkish firms to invest in Pakistan’s energy, mining, infrastructure, maritime, telecommunications and agriculture sectors.
The high-level visit of CDF follows a high-profile engagement just a month ago, when Turkish Land Forces Commander General Metin Tokel visited Rawalpindi to strengthen defense cooperation and institutional ties with Pakistan’s military leadership. The follow-up visit, occurring one month after a previous engagement, included discussions with the Army, Navy, and Air Force chiefs to reinforce bilateral military links.
CDF Munir’s diplomatic schedule has been intense recently. A week ago, he was in Iran to attend the funeral of the late Supreme Leader Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei, accompanying Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.
As the peace in the Middle East remains fragile due to the resumption of aggression from the US and Iran, the Field Marshal’s diplomatic initiatives are essential for the broader security architecture of Turkiye, which stands to benefit significantly from the stability fostered by his strategic mediation.
