Pakistan and Tajikistan have reaffirmed their commitment to bolstering defence and security cooperation, while expanding military-to-military collaboration, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said on Friday. Colonel General Sobirzoda Emomali Abdulrahim, Tajikistan’s Minister of Defence, called on Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, Chief of Army Staff (COAS), at General Headquarters (GHQ) in Rawalpindi. During the meeting, both sides discussed matters of mutual interest, regional security, and avenues for enhanced bilateral defence cooperation. The two countries expressed their resolve to strengthen existing military ties, particularly in training, counter-terrorism, and regional security initiatives. The Tajik defence minister lauded the professionalism of the Pakistan Army and highlighted its role in promoting peace and stability in the region. The COAS emphasized the importance of collective efforts to ensure regional stability and prosperity, reaffirming Pakistan’s commitment to deepening defence and security relations with Tajikistan, ISPR added. Earlier, Pakistan and Tajikistan successfully concluded their joint counter-terrorism exercise, “Dosti-II,” held at Fakhrabad Base in Tajikistan. The exercise, conducted from 4-9 August 2025, involved 2 combat teams from Pakistan Army’s Light Commando Battalion and 4 combat teams from the Tajik Special Forces. According to ISPR, all training objectives and military diplomacy goals were successfully achieved, further cementing the bilateral defence partnership between the two countries. Exercise was concluded on 9 August 2025. DA (P) Tajikistan Colonel Muhammad Muazzam Zafar graced the ceremony as Chief Guest from Pakistan side; while, senior military officials from Tajikistan were also in attendance. The troops from both the countries displayed highest standards of professional excellence during the conduct. Besides harnessing the historic military to military relations between both friendly countries, Dosti-II Exercise was aimed at refining the drills, procedures and techniques involved in Counter Terrorism operations through joint training.
COAS, Tajik Defence Minister Pledge to Deepen Military Cooperation
