President Confers Nishan-e-Imtiaz (Military) on US Centcom Commander

President Asif Ali Zardari bestowed the Nishan-e-Imtiaz (Military) upon General Michael E Kurilla, Commander of the United States Central Command (Centcom), on Saturday. This prestigious award acknowledges his outstanding service and critical role in bolstering military cooperation between Pakistan and the United States.

During a formal ceremony at the Aiwan-e-Sadr, President Zardari presented the honor to General Kurilla, recognizing his significant contributions to regional security and his dedicated efforts to fortify strategic defense relations between the two nations.

According to a statement from the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), General Kurilla’s strategic leadership has been vital in promoting mutual understanding, improving defense collaboration, and enhancing counterterrorism cooperation between the Pakistan Armed Forces and US Centcom.

The statement further noted that his consistent involvement demonstrates a deep respect for Pakistan’s crucial role in fostering peace and stability throughout the region.

“The conferring of this esteemed award signifies Pakistan’s profound gratitude for General Kurilla’s steadfast support and underscores the expanding depth of the bilateral military partnership,” the statement emphasized.

During his visit, General Kurilla engaged in extensive discussions with top-ranking Pakistani civilian and military officials, including President Zardari and Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir.

The discussions focused on regional security, military engagement, and collaborative initiatives to combat terrorism and address emerging transnational threats.

This high-level recognition emphasizes the enduring strategic alliance between Pakistan and the United States and reaffirms their mutual dedication to regional peace, security, and lasting defense cooperation.

Upon arriving at the Presidency, General Kurilla was greeted with a tri-services guard of honor.

The US General also participated in the Regional Chiefs of Defence Staff Conference hosted by Pakistan, which convened senior military leaders from the United States, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan.

The military’s media wing stated that the conference marked a substantial advancement in enhancing regional security collaboration, strategic dialogue, and military partnerships.

Held under the theme “Strengthening Bonds, Securing Peace”, the summit sought to deepen multilateral cooperation in defense, particularly in the areas of counterterrorism, joint training exercises, and the exchange of knowledge.

Participants held extensive discussions on regional security dynamics, the shifting geopolitical landscape in Central and South Asia, and the pressing need for coordinated responses to transnational threats, the ISPR reported.

The conference concluded with a unified call for continued collaboration in defense and security, acknowledging Pakistan’s constructive contribution to fostering peace and regional solidarity.