Lebanon-Pakistan ties gain momentum

Lebanon and Pakistan have moved to deepen their bilateral relationship following a high-level meeting in Islamabad between Lebanese Interior and Municipalities Minister Ahmad Al-Hajjar and Pakistani Prime Minister (PM) Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif. The official visit underscored both countries’ interest in expanding cooperation across a range of sectors, particularly in security, while reaffirming long-standing diplomatic ties. 

While Al-Hajjar highlighted Lebanon’s interest in developing cooperation across various sectors, PM Sharif stressed the importance of strengthening the friendly relations between the two countries and reiterated Islamabad’s support for Lebanon’s independence, unity, and security at a time of continued regional instability.

The visit culminated in the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) governing cooperation on prisoner transfers, marking a concrete institutional step in legal and judicial coordination between the two countries. However, discussions extended beyond this agreement to include security assistance, counter-narcotics cooperation, and support for Lebanon’s military and security institutions.

Prisoner transfer memorandum signed

The most concrete outcome of the visit was the signing of a memorandum of understanding on prisoner transfers between Lebanon and Pakistan.

The agreement was signed by Al-Hajjar on behalf of Lebanon and Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi on behalf of Pakistan in the presence of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. The memorandum was concluded on behalf of the Lebanese Ministry of Justice.

Although the detailed provisions of the MoU were not immediately disclosed, prisoner transfer agreements generally establish a legal framework allowing convicted nationals to serve their sentences in their home countries, subject to the domestic legislation of both states and agreed legal procedures.

Such arrangements typically require the consent of the states involved and, in many cases, the consent of the prisoner. They are intended to facilitate rehabilitation by allowing inmates to remain closer to their families while ensuring continued enforcement of judicial decisions.

The signing of the memorandum represents an expansion of legal cooperation between Lebanon and Pakistan and provides a structured mechanism for addressing future prisoner transfer requests through official judicial channels.

Focus on security cooperation and support for Lebanese institutions

Security cooperation represented one of the central themes of Al-Hajjar’s discussions in Pakistan. Lebanese officials highlighted the need to enhance coordination between the two countries’ security institutions and benefit from Pakistan’s experience in addressing complex security challenges.

During the visit, the issue of supporting Lebanon’s military and security agencies was also raised. Lebanese officials discussed the importance of providing logistical and material assistance to enable security institutions to fulfil their responsibilities across Lebanese territory.

The matter was addressed during Al-Hajjar’s meeting with Pakistan’s Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Asim Munir in Rawalpindi. The meeting was attended by Lebanon’s Ambassador to Pakistan Abdel Aziz Issa and Internal Security Forces (ISF) Director General Major General Raed Abdullah. Munir reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to strengthening bilateral relations with Lebanon and expressed his interest in expanding cooperation in areas of common concern.

Lebanon also highlighted Pakistan’s expected participation in the preparatory conference in Paris dedicated to supporting the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) and security institutions.

The Lebanese delegation accompanying Al-Hajjar included senior security officials, including ISF Director General Major General Raed Abdullah, Secretary of the Central Internal Security Council Brigadier General Sami Nassif, and head of the Information Branch of the ISF Brigadier General Mahmoud Qobrosli.

Counter-narcotics cooperation

The fight against drug trafficking was another important topic discussed during the visit, particularly during Al-Hajjar’s talks with Pakistani Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi. Both sides examined ways to strengthen cooperation between their respective interior ministries, improve information sharing, and exchange expertise in combating emerging security threats.

Al-Hajjar also visited Pakistan’s Anti-Narcotics Force headquarters, where discussions focused on activating existing cooperation mechanisms. According to Lebanese officials, future steps may include appointing liaison officers to facilitate faster coordination between the two countries.

For Lebanon, strengthening cooperation in this field is particularly significant given the damage caused by drug trafficking networks to the country’s international reputation in recent years. Lebanese authorities have intensified efforts to combat smuggling operations, contributing to improved relations with Gulf countries, including the restoration of access for Lebanese exports to Saudi Arabia.

Expanding bilateral relations

Beyond the agreements reached, the visit reflected a broader effort to strengthen institutional relations between Lebanon and Pakistan.

For Pakistan, closer ties with Lebanon support its broader Middle East engagement and reinforce its diplomatic presence in the region. The visit came as Islamabad has sought a more active regional role, including efforts to ease tensions between Washington and Tehran while strengthening strategic partnerships with countries such as Saudi Arabia and Türkiye. These developments have contributed to Pakistan’s growing involvement in regional diplomatic and security affairs.

For Lebanon, expanding international partnerships remains a key component of efforts to reinforce state institutions and address security, economic, and political challenges. Cooperation with Pakistan provides opportunities for knowledge exchange, security coordination, and diplomatic engagement beyond Lebanon’s traditional partners.

In this context, Al-Hajjar’s visit represents part of a wider effort to restore Lebanon’s position as a secure and reliable state capable of attracting diplomatic partnerships and international cooperation. As Lebanon continues to navigate a challenging regional environment, partnerships that strengthen security capabilities and institutional resilience remain central to its efforts to safeguard sovereignty and stability.