Summary Pakistan and Sri Lanka have launched a two-week joint counter-terrorism exercise at Tarbela to strengthen military cooperation and operational coordination.
RAWALPINDI (Dunya News) – Pakistan and Sri Lanka have commenced a joint military exercise aimed at enhancing counter-terrorism capabilities and strengthening bilateral defence ties, according to the military’s media wing.
The two-week exercise, titled “Shake Hands-II”, began on Monday at Tarbela, bringing together elite troops from both nations. The drill features participation from the Pakistan Army’s Special Services Group alongside Special Forces personnel from the Sri Lankan Army, marking another phase in ongoing military collaboration between the two countries.
Described as a bilateral counter-terrorism exercise by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the initiative focuses on refining professional skills through structured joint training modules. ISPR stated that the programme is designed to improve operational readiness in complex security environments, with particular emphasis on modern counter-terrorism tactics and coordinated responses.
The participating contingents are expected to engage in a range of activities that promote the exchange of operational knowledge and field experience. Military authorities highlighted that such engagements enable both sides to learn from each other’s expertise, particularly in areas such as tactical planning, intelligence-led operations, and special forces manoeuvres.
Beyond the technical aspects, the exercise also underscores longstanding defence relations between Pakistan and Sri Lanka. The two countries have maintained consistent military-to-military engagement over the years, with joint drills serving as a key platform for deepening cooperation.
According to ISPR, the ongoing exercise is set to enhance interoperability between the forces, allowing them to operate more effectively in joint environments. Improved coordination and mutual understanding are expected outcomes, particularly in the context of evolving regional security challenges.
