Introduction
The United Kingdom and Pakistan had enjoyed friendly relations since 1947. Being a colony of the British Empire, Pakistan continues to promote and preserve British values in its political and military sectors. The hierarchical nature of leadership, the laws and codes, the style of uniform, and the type of training given to Pakistani soldiers can be traced back to the system devised by the British. Being an American ally and first-hand partner, the UK holds a lot of significance for Pakistan’s military landscape. On 19 February 2025, the chief of army staff (COAS) of Pakistan, General Asim Munir, paid a high-level visit to the Royal Military Academy, Sandhurst, of the United Kingdom, and attended the 7th Regional Stabilization Conference. He was invited by the British Army chief, General Sir Roland Walker.
The COAS of Pakistan, General Asim Munir, was warmly and enthusiastically welcomed by the armed forces of the UK and was presented with a Guard of Honor at the Royal Military Academy upon his visit. During his visit to the UK, COAS General Asim Munir also delivered a speech on “The Emerging World Order and Pakistan’s Future Outlook,” pointing out the role of Pakistan in the changing regional and global dynamics. General Asim Munir also visited different units of the British Army, i.e., the Land Warfare Center and 1st Strike Brigade, where he was acquainted with modern warfare strategies and operation initiatives and techniques.
Significance
The Regional Stabilization Conference holds importance in the context that it provides a common platform for both countries to collaborate and coordinate with each other on various fronts. It basically provides a forum where military officials, defense experts and analysts, political academia, and think tanks of both states share their perspectives on regional and global developments. This conference further highlights Pakistan’s foothold in the international community. This conference promotes not only political diplomacy but also provides a pathway to military diplomacy between the two nations. Such engagements provide military-to-military cooperation against terrorism and imminent non-traditional threats in the region and beyond.
Analysis of the Visit
In the context of changing regional and global dynamics, the visit of the COAS of Pakistan, General Asim Munir, to the United Kingdom raises many questions whose answers could only be given in the form of speculations, critical assessments, and foresights. We have observed historically that the United Kingdom has always provided firsthand support to the US in times of crisis. President Donald Trump recently demanded the return of the US military equipment from the Afghan Taliban. And we clearly know that there can only be two routes to get them back if the deal is finalized: Iran and Pakistan. Being an adversary, Iran cannot help the US. The only remaining option is Pakistan.
With the help of the UK as its first-hand supporter, the US could achieve its goal, and the Pakistan Army could provide a safe and secure pathway to the UK forces. The second speculation of this visit could be analyzed in the context of the Russia-Ukraine War. Trump’s administration has already started conflict resolution mechanisms, and if any resolution is reached, the US and Europe will need peacekeeping forces to secure the buffer zone. As the Pakistan Army has already been serving in UN peacekeeping missions throughout the world, it can again provide similar assistance in Ukraine. This will provide Pakistan with another motive to flourish and strengthen its position in the international arena.
Last but not least, this visit could be manifested in terms of the Israel-Palestine war. If the Trump administration were to become able to reach a settlement between Israel and Palestine and the relations between Arabs and Israel were to start restoring again, Pakistan could also play a very vital role there. Being a long-term ally of Saudi Arabia, Pakistan could provide its armed forces as peacekeepers and protectors of the land of Palestine and eradicate the threat of recurring border disputes between Israel and Palestine.
Expected Outcomes
Such engagements and military-to-military contacts with European nations could provide Pakistan with new methods and approaches in defense and intelligence-related operations. Exposure to modern military equipment would provide Pakistan a broad understanding of warfare tactics. Furthermore, such collaborations would enable Pakistan to counter terrorism more effectively.
Similarly, such positive and strategically important visits could provide Pakistan with opportunities to acquire Western technologies, thus improving its defense. On the other hand, such coordination with European nations at a time when the Russia-Ukraine war is ignited, Pakistan could face diplomatic rivalries from its eastern partners, i.e., China and Russia. Moreover, India could perceive such increasing visits and cooperation between Europe and the Pakistan Army as a vital threat and could manipulate the situation by alluring the US and European allies against Pakistan.
Conclusion
The visit of COAS General Asim Munir to the UK portrays a positive and strategic outlook of Pakistan and its military in the international arena. The invitation by the COGS of the British Army to the COAS of Pakistan depicts Pakistan’s importance as a vital partner in times of assistance and crisis. To conclude, Pakistan must avail itself of opportunities provided by its Western allies and try to balance its relations with both camps, i.e., Western and Eastern, simultaneously. Pakistan has to play smart in this context.
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The views and opinions expressed in this article/paper are the author’s own and do not necessarily reflect the editorial position of Paradigm Shift.
He is pursuing a BS in International Relations programme from International Islamic University, Islamabad and has a keen interest in research works, policy analysis, defence and strategic studies and conflict resolution.