President Confers Nishan-e-Imtiaz (Military) on US CENTCOM Commander General Michael E. Kurilla
In a significant gesture symbolizing strong bilateral military relations, President Asif Ali Zardari conferred the Nishan-e-Imtiaz (Military)—one of Pakistan’s highest military honors—upon General Michael E. Kurilla, the Commander of United States Central Command (USCENTCOM).
Strengthening Bilateral Military Ties
The prestigious military decoration was awarded during a formal investiture ceremony held at Aiwan-e-Sadr. The Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) stated that the honor was bestowed in recognition of General Kurilla’s exemplary leadership, strategic vision, and key contributions to Pak-US military cooperation.
President Zardari praised General Kurilla’s efforts in deepening defense collaboration, enhancing regional stabil!ty, and promoting counterterr0r coordination between the Pakistan Armed Forces and USCENTCOM.
“General Kurilla’s visionary leadership has been instrumental in fostering mutual understanding, strengthening milit@ry partnerships, and supporting peace efforts in South Asia,” said the President during the ceremony.
Acknowledging Regional Contributions
According to ISPR, General Kurilla’s engagement with Pakistani defense leadership has significantly contributed to a shared regional outlook focused on strategic harmony, transnational threat management, and effective counter-measures against extrem!sm.
The ceremony included a Tri-Services Guard of Honour upon General Kurilla’s arrival at the Presidency, underscoring the importance Pakistan places on its military-to-military relationship with the United States.
General Kurilla also held in-depth meetings with Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, Chief of Army Staff (COAS), and other senior defense and civil leaders. The discussions focused on regional def3nce architecture, joint training initiatives, and multilateral cooperation frameworks to combat evolving threats.
A Symbol of Enduring Strategic Partnership
The conferment of the Nishan-e-Imtiaz (Military) reflects Pakistan’s recognition of its growing defense relationship with the United States and acknowledges the strategic role of USCENTCOM in maintaining regional balance.
This high-level recognition comes at a time of complex geopolitical shifts in South and Central Asia, where milit@ry diplomacy and security collaboration are becoming ever more critical.
General Kurilla’s award highlights the increasing importance of defense diplomacy, signaling the United States’ continued commitment to maintaining close ties with Pakistan’s Armed Forces.
The awarding of Nishan-e-Imtiaz (M) to General Kurilla is not only a diplomatic milestone but also a reflection of evolving regional security cooperation. It affirms the deep respect and trust between Pakistan’s military institutions and their American counterparts.
As both nations continue to engage on security, counter-extrem!sm, and regional stability platforms, such honors serve as powerful symbols of mutual recognition and commitment to shared peace-building objectives.
