Pakistan, Tajikistan End Dosti-II Counterterrorism Drill

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Pakistan and Tajikistan successfully concluded their joint counterterrorism exercise, Dosti-II, achieving all training and military diplomacy goals to strengthen regional security.

On August 9, 2025, Pakistan and Tajikistan wrapped up their joint counterterrorism exercise, Dosti-II, at Fakhrobod Base in Tajikistan, marking a significant step in bolstering bilateral defense ties. The Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), Pakistan’s military media wing, announced that the six-day drill, held from August 4 to 9, met all its training and military diplomacy objectives. According to Pakistan Today, two combat teams from the Pakistan Army’s Light Commando Battalion and four teams from Tajikistan’s Special Forces participated, showcasing exceptional professionalism and discipline throughout the exercise.

The Dosti-II exercise focused on refining counterterrorism tactics, procedures, and coordination through joint operations, as reported by The Nation. The drills aimed to enhance interoperability between the two nations’ forces, addressing regional security threats such as militancy and cross-border crime. Colonel Muhammad Muazzam Zafar, Pakistan’s Defense Attaché in Tajikistan, attended the closing ceremony as the chief guest alongside senior Tajik military officials, where both sides praised the troops’ high standards, according to Daily Times. The exercise strengthened the historic military-to-military relations between Pakistan and Tajikistan, fostering mutual trust and operational synergy.

Pakistan and Tajikistan have intensified security cooperation in recent years, driven by shared interests in combating terrorism and organized crime. 24 News HD noted that the two nations, both members of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), are also linked through trade and energy projects like the CASA-1000 electricity transmission line, which delivers surplus Central Asian hydropower to Pakistan. This exercise builds on a May 2025 meeting in Dushanbe, where Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Tajik President Emomali Rahmon reaffirmed their commitment to counterterrorism and regional stability, as per Arab News.

The successful completion of Dosti-II underscores Pakistan’s proactive stance in regional security and its growing defense partnerships. By refining joint counterterrorism strategies, the exercise enhances both nations’ capabilities to address evolving threats, ensuring greater stability in Central and South Asia. The collaboration reflects a shared resolve to safeguard national interests and promote peace through strengthened military ties.