ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and China have agreed to enhance cooperation between their air forces, focusing on joint exercises and advanced tactical training, during a visit by the Pakistani air chief to Beijing, according to an official statement released on Friday.
The two countries maintain close defense, diplomatic and economic relations. Their strategic partnership is exemplified by their collaboration on the JF-17 Thunder fighter jets, co-developed by Pakistan Aeronautical Complex and China’s Chengdu Aircraft Corporation. The aircraft has been inducted into Pakistan’s fleet and exported to countries including Myanmar, Nigeria, and Azerbaijan.
The Pakistan military’s media wing, Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), said in a statement that Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu held a meeting with China’s Defense Minister Admiral Dong Jun wherein both officials reaffirmed the joint commitment of the two countries to revitalize the existing bilateral military ties strategic cooperation.
“Both sides agreed on enhancing Air Force-to-Air Force cooperation, particularly through complex and aggressive tactical-level scenarios during aerial exercises,” the ISPR said. “The cooperation is aimed at addressing challenges in multiple domains during joint exercises, equipping air and ground crew of both Air Forces with the skills necessary to counter modern Air and Space Warfare challenges effectively.”
During his visit, the Pakistani air chief also met with China’s Air Force Commander General Chang Dingqiu and Major General Cao Xiaojian, Director General of the Bureau of Military Equipment and Technical Cooperation.
Sidhu’s conversation with the Chinese officials focused on technology transfer and collaborative development of advanced military hardware.
He also invited Chinese defense companies to participate in its National Aerospace Science & Technology Park, offering incentives for developing projects in unmanned aerial systems, electronic warfare and space programs.
The air chief’s visit underscored the strategic partnership between Pakistan and China, which extends beyond defense to include economic initiatives like the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor.

ISLAMABAD: Etihad Airways said this week it would launch a new route to Pakistan’s northwestern Peshawar city in September as part of a broader expansion of its global network.
The route will link Abu Dhabi’s Zayed International Airport with Bacha Khan International Airport in Peshawar starting September 29.
Etihad, the national carrier of the United Arab Emirates, already operates flights to Karachi, Lahore and Islamabad, making Peshawar its fourth nonstop destination in Pakistan.
“We are thrilled to further expand our presence in Pakistan with the launch of our daily service between Abu Dhabi and Peshawar,” Antonoaldo Neves, the airline’s chief executive officer, said.
“This new route reflects our commitment to providing vital connectivity for travelers between Pakistan and the Gulf, Africa, Europe and North America,” he added.
Etihad will initially operate the route five times a week using Airbus A320 family aircraft, with daily service beginning November 22. The aircraft will feature eight Business Class and 150 Economy Class seats.
The announcement comes amid a busy year for the airline, which has added 16 new destinations in 2025, including Prague, Warsaw, Algiers, Tunis, Atlanta and Addis Ababa.
Etihad is also boosting frequency to Karachi to 17 flights a week starting October 1 and expanding service to major European cities such as Paris, Milan and Frankfurt.
Passengers traveling through Abu Dhabi will also have access to the airline’s Stopover program, offering up to two complimentary nights at premium hotels in the UAE capital.