DUSHANBE, TAJIKISTAN – In a significant display of deepening military cooperation, a contingent of the Pakistan Army has arrived in Dushanbe, Tajikistan, to participate in the Dosti-II Joint Counter-Terrorism Exercise with the Tajik Armed Forces. The exercise, which commenced on August 4 and is set to continue until August 9, 2025, marks a pivotal moment in the bilateral relationship, underscoring a shared commitment to confronting the evolving security challenges emanating from their immediate neighborhood.
This is the first time a Pakistani contingent has visited Tajikistan for the Dosti series of exercises, with the inaugural Dosti exercise having been held in Pakistan. The commencement of Dosti-II highlights a strategic and tactical collaboration between the two nations, which are bound by a narrow strip of land—the Wakhan Corridor—and a common resolve to combat the menace of terrorism and regional instability.
Confronting a Shared Threat from the Neighborhood
The primary objective of the Dosti-II exercise is to enhance the interoperability and tactical coordination between the two forces in sub-conventional operations. Both Pakistan and Tajikistan face a similar threat landscape, with their proximity to Afghanistan making them particularly vulnerable to cross-border terrorism. The government of Tajikistan has been vocal about its concerns regarding northern Afghanistan serving as a hub for terrorist activities by groups such as ISIS-K and Jamaat Ansarullah, which seek to destabilize the region. Similarly, Pakistan has been engaged in a long and arduous fight against various terrorist groups, including the Fitna-al-Khawarij (FAK), and understands the critical need for a united front.
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This joint exercise is a direct response to these shared security imperatives. By engaging in joint training, planning, and execution of tactical drills, the Pakistani and Tajik forces will be better equipped to neutralize threats in semi-urban environments and on their respective borders. The exercise will cover a range of scenarios, including raids, ambushes, and house-clearing operations, providing both armies with invaluable experience in dealing with modern terrorist threats.
A Testament to Growing Strategic Partnership
The Dosti-II exercise is the latest milestone in a series of high-level engagements and agreements that have solidified the strategic partnership between Pakistan and Tajikistan. In recent months, there has been a flurry of diplomatic and military visits between the two countries, with leaders reaffirming their commitment to enhancing defense cooperation. A prime example is the recent visit by the Tajik Chief of General Staff to Rawalpindi, where both sides pledged to further strengthen bilateral defense ties. The exercise is a tangible outcome of these dialogues, demonstrating a shared vision for a stable and secure region.
For Pakistan, the collaboration with Tajikistan is part of a broader strategy to strengthen its influence and foster stability in Central Asia, a region of immense geopolitical importance. By establishing itself as a key partner in the fight against terrorism, Pakistan can not only secure its own borders but also play a crucial role in regional security architecture. This cooperation also has a vital economic dimension, as a stable and secure Central Asia is essential for the success of regional connectivity projects like the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).
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Source: Special Eurasia
Fostering Professionalism and Mutual Trust
The Dosti-II exercise goes beyond tactical training. It is an opportunity for the armed forces of both nations to exchange skills, share best practices, and foster mutual trust and understanding. The exchange of professional expertise is expected to benefit both armies, enhancing their readiness and effectiveness in combating non-traditional security threats.
As the exercise progresses in the mountainous terrain of Dushanbe, it will serve as a powerful symbol of the fraternal ties between Pakistan and Tajikistan. It represents a collective resolve to not only combat the immediate threat of terrorism but also to lay the groundwork for a long-term strategic partnership that promotes peace, stability, and prosperity in the heart of Asia.
