DUSHANBE, August 2025 — A Pakistan Army contingent has arrived in Tajikistan to participate in the Dosti-II Joint Counter-Terrorism Exercise, a milestone that underscores growing defense cooperation and shared resolve against regional security threats. The exercise began on August 4 and will continue until August 9, 2025, in Dushanbe.
Strengthening Tactical Coordination
This marks the first deployment of a Pakistani contingent to Tajikistan for the Dosti series, with the inaugural exercise held earlier in Pakistan. Dosti-II focuses on enhancing interoperability in sub-conventional operations, with drills covering raids, ambushes, and house-clearing operations in semi-urban environments.
Both nations face heightened security challenges due to their proximity to Afghanistan. Tajikistan has expressed concerns over terrorist activity by ISIS-K and Jamaat Ansarullah from northern Afghanistan, while Pakistan continues its campaign against groups such as Fitna-al-Khawarij (FAK). The exercise is seen as a direct response to these shared threats.
A Strategic Partnership in Motion
Dosti-II builds on recent high-level military engagements, including the Tajik Chief of General Staff’s visit to Rawalpindi, where both sides pledged deeper defense cooperation. The joint drills highlight not only tactical collaboration but also the broader strategic partnership aimed at ensuring regional stability.
For Pakistan, cooperation with Tajikistan reflects a wider push to expand influence in Central Asia, reinforcing both security and economic connectivity — particularly in relation to initiatives such as CPEC and trans-regional trade.
Source: Special Eurasia
Beyond the Battlefield
The exercise also serves as a platform for professional exchanges and trust-building, allowing both armies to share expertise and strengthen operational readiness.
As Pakistani and Tajik forces train together in the mountainous terrain of Dushanbe, Dosti-II stands as a symbol of fraternity and shared resolve — advancing a vision of long-term stability and prosperity in the heart of Asia.
