# Pakistani President Honors Qatari General with Top Military Award, Strengthening Bilateral Ties
ISLAMABAD – In a significant move to bolster bilateral relations, the Pakistani President, Dr. Arif Alvi, conferred the Nishan-i-Imtiaz (Military), the highest Non-Operational Military Award, to Lt Gen (Pilot) Salem Hamad Eqail Al-Nabet, Chief of Staff, Qatar Armed Forces. The prestigious ceremony, held at Aiwan-e-Sadar in Islamabad, recognized Lt Gen Al-Nabet’s outstanding contributions to enhancing military ties between Pakistan and Qatar.
The visit of a high-level Qatari delegation, led by Lt Gen Al-Nabet, underscored the importance of strong ties between the two nations. During their stay, the delegation engaged in fruitful discussions with Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu, Chief of the Air Staff, Pakistan Air Force (PAF). The meeting focused on various aspects of defense cooperation, including technology sharing, development, and mutual interests.
Air Chief Marshal Sidhu outlined his vision for the modernization of PAF, stressing the need to enhance operational capabilities in the face of contemporary hybrid warfare, particularly in domains such as Artificial Intelligence, Niche technologies, Cyber, and Space. He also shed light on ongoing projects aimed at fortifying the force structure and goals of the Pakistan Air Force.
Expressing his appreciation for the participation of the Qatar Air Force contingent in Exercise Indus Shield, an operational exercise held at a PAF air base, Air Chief Marshal Sidhu emphasized the historically brotherly relations between Pakistan and Qatar. He reaffirmed his commitment to further strengthening military cooperation and training ties between the two countries.
Lt Gen Al-Nabet praised the professionalism of the PAF personnel and the significant progress made by the Pakistani Air Force over the years, particularly in terms of indigenization. Both sides expressed their mutual desire to optimize existing military ties, focusing on advanced tactical training, emerging technologies, and bolstering operational competencies in areas such as electronic warfare and cyber technology.
The dignitaries also discussed the potential for joint military exercises and exchange programs, aimed at enhancing expertise, promoting interoperability, and fostering closer ties between the Air Forces of both countries. In this context, they visited various installations and technological infrastructure at Air Headquarters in Islamabad, including PAF’s National ISR and Integrated Air Operations Centre as well as PAF’s Cyber Command.
The recognition of Lt Gen Al-Nabet’s efforts through the conferment of Nishan-i-Imtiaz (Military) represents a significant milestone in strengthening the bilateral military ties between Pakistan and Qatar. This acknowledgment celebrates his unwavering commitment to advancing relations and emphasizes the importance of collaboration and cooperation between the two nations.
As Pakistan and Qatar continue to deepen their strategic partnership, such exchanges and recognition serve as a testament to the shared values, mutual trust, and commitment towards maintaining regional peace and stability. The accomplishments achieved through this visit will pave the way for future collaborations and further enhance the defense capabilities of both nations.
