ISLAMABAD: In a distinguished ceremony held at Aiwan-e-Sadr on Saturday, President Asif Ali Zardari awarded the Nishan-e-Imtiaz (Military) to General Michael E. Kurilla, the Commander of the United States Central Command (USCENTCOM).
The award recognizes General Kurilla’s outstanding military contributions and his instrumental role in strengthening defense ties between Pakistan and the United States.
The Pakistani military’s media wing acknowledged General Kurilla’s leadership, noting his crucial involvement in advancing counterterrorism cooperation, enhancing mutual understanding, and fostering regional stability. His efforts have played a pivotal role in bolstering the defense collaboration between the two nations.
The event was marked by a formal Tri-Services Guard of Honour, a gesture reflecting the high regard in which General Kurilla is held by Pakistan’s armed forces. Throughout his visit, the USCENTCOM commander engaged in extensive discussions with Pakistan’s leadership, including President Zardari and Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir. Their conversations centered on evolving regional security threats, transnational challenges, and opportunities for enhanced military training and engagement.
The Nishan-e-Imtiaz, awarded sparingly to foreign military officials, reflects Pakistan’s deep appreciation for General Kurilla’s ongoing support and commitment to strengthening the defense relationship between the two countries.
The visit also coincided with the Central & South Asia Chiefs of Defence Conference, which Pakistan hosted. The two-day forum, attended by military delegations from the United States, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan, provided an important platform for multilateral dialogue on regional defense matters. The theme of the conference, “Strengthening Bonds, Securing Peace,” underscored the shared commitment to regional stability and peace.
Field Marshal Munir, addressing the conference participants, emphasized the necessity of cooperation in confronting the complex challenges posed by transnational threats. “It is critical that we work together in this era of evolving hybrid challenges to ensure a stable and secure region,” Munir stated, as quoted by the ISPR.
The discussions at the conference included cyber resilience, improving interoperability, counter-extremism strategies, and joint military training programs. At the conclusion of the conference, all participating nations agreed to continue strengthening their defense partnerships and work towards maintaining peace, security, and sovereignty in Central and South Asia.
Pakistan’s leadership was commended for its role in facilitating such a collaborative platform for defense diplomacy and its efforts to promote a secure and peaceful regional environment.
