Pakistan and Tajikistan have concluded their third joint counterterrorism exercise, Dosti-III, at the Special Operations School in Cherat, bringing to a close eleven days of shared training between the two armies.

The exercise began on 26 October 2026 and concluded on 6 November, according to a statement from the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the media wing of the Pakistan Armed Forces. It was the third edition of the bilateral counterterrorism exercise involving personnel from the Pakistan Army and the Tajikistan Army.

The training focused on sharing counterterrorism experiences, refining operational drills and procedures, and enhancing combat skills through mutual learning and the exchange of best practices. Participating troops worked through coordinated drills designed to improve how the two forces plan and carry out counterterrorism operations together.

At the concluding ceremony, participating troops showcased tactical skills and operational capabilities developed during the exercise. The Ambassador of Tajikistan to Pakistan attended the ceremony, along with senior military officials from both countries, and interacted with the participants. He was photographed with officers and soldiers from both sides to mark the successful completion of the exercise.

The exercise forms part of the longstanding military cooperation between Pakistan and Tajikistan. Both countries have maintained regular defence engagement, including joint training and professional exchanges, and Dosti-III reaffirmed their commitment to strengthen bilateral defence ties further.

For Pakistan, the exercise comes at a time when counterterrorism cooperation with Central Asian neighbours remains a practical priority. Shared borders, cross-border militant threats and the movement of armed groups across the region have made joint training a regular feature of Pakistan's defence relationships in Central Asia, rather than a one-off event.

Tajikistan, which shares a border with Afghanistan, faces similar security concerns, and the two countries have repeatedly stressed the value of professional military contact. Joint exercises of this kind allow troops to compare operational experience, test common procedures and build working familiarity before any real operation requires it.

The ISPR said the exercise underscored the importance both countries attach to joint training and professional collaboration in addressing counterterrorism challenges. The statement did not announce any new agreement or further exercise, and no details of future drills were published with the closing announcement.

The conclusion of Dosti-III leaves the Pakistan-Tajikistan defence relationship on a steady footing, with the two armies having completed another round of structured cooperation at Cherat. Whether that cooperation deepens into further joint training will become clear from future announcements by either side.