Pakistan awarded its highest military honour, the Nishan-e-Imtiaz to General Michael E. Kurilla, Commander of the United States Central Command . The ceremony took place on July 26, 2025, at the Aiwan-e-Sadr, the Presidential Palace in Islamabad. President Asif Ali Zardari presented the award, highlighting Pakistan’s appreciation for General Karalla’s efforts in building defense cooperation and promoting regional peace and security.
Why Pakistan Honoured General Kurilla ?
The Nishan-e-Imtiaz Military is rarely awarded to foreign military officials and is given only to those who show outstanding service in support of Pakistan’s defence and national interests.
The Inter-Services Public Relations ISPR said that General Kurilla played a key role in improving Pakistan US military relations, especially in areas like counterterrorism, defence coordination, and intelligence sharing. His efforts have helped strengthen cooperation between the two countries at a time when security challenges in the region are complex and evolving.
Ceremony Highlights and Discussions in Islamabad
The Pakistani military welcomed General Kurilla with full honours, including a special Tri-Services Guard of Honour, as he arrived at the Presidential Palace. Senior military officials, government representatives, and foreign diplomats attended the ceremony. President Zardari personally presented the medal and thanked the US General for his continued support and leadership.
After the ceremony, General Kurilla held meetings with President Zardari and Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir. During these discussions, they talked about the current security situation in the region, ongoing efforts against terrorism, and ways to enhance military cooperation between the two countries. Both sides expressed a strong interest in continuing joint efforts to maintain peace and security across South and Central Asia.
General Kurilla’s Visit and the Defence Conference
General Kurilla’s visit also matched the timing of a Regional Chiefs of Defence Conference hosted by Pakistan. The conference brought together senior defence officials from Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, and the United States, under the theme “Strengthening Bonds, Securing Peace.” The goal of the meeting was to improve military cooperation, share ideas on counterterrorism, and work together to face new threats. The event helped build stronger regional ties, with Pakistan playing a leading role in bringing different countries together for peace and stability.
A Strategic Move at a Critical Time
Awarding General Kurilla with the Nishan-e-Imtiaz Military is more than just a ceremony it is a carefully planned diplomatic step. Pakistan is currently trying to rebuild trust with the West and gain support from key international partners. This includes not just military cooperation but also help in global platforms like the Financial Action Task Force and International Monetary Fund. By honoring a top American general, Pakistan has shown that it values its relationship with the United States, even while maintaining close ties with other powers like China.
