ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and Tajikistan have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening defence and counterterrorism cooperation as senior military leaders from both countries met in Rawalpindi on Friday.
Colonel General Sobirzoda Emomali Abdulrahim, Tajikistan’s Minister of Defence, called on Pakistan’s Chief of Army Staff, Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, NI (M), HJ, at General Headquarters in Rawalpindi.
According to Pakistan’s military media wing, ISPR, during the meeting, the two sides discussed regional security dynamics, mutual defence interests, and ongoing military collaboration. Both leaders reiterated their resolve to expand military-to-military engagement, particularly in the areas of training, counterterrorism operations, intelligence cooperation, and regional stability initiatives.
The Tajik defence minister praised the professionalism of the Pakistan Army and acknowledged its role in promoting peace and stability across the region. Field Marshal Asim Munir emphasized the need for collective efforts to address shared security challenges and reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to deepening defence ties with Tajikistan.
A Deepening Security Partnership
Pakistan and Tajikistan maintain a long-standing and steadily expanding security partnership rooted in counterterrorism cooperation, border management, and shared regional interests. Their militaries conduct regular exchanges, joint exercises, and training programs aimed at enhancing operational readiness against transnational threats.
In August 2025, both countries held the “Dosti-II” joint counterterrorism exercise at the Fakhrobod Base in Tajikistan. The drill focused on coordinated counterterrorism tactics, joint assault operations, and crisis response, successfully meeting all training objectives.
Security cooperation also includes intelligence sharing and specialized training programs, enabling both armies to better address cross-border militancy and emerging extremist threats.
As active members of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO), Pakistan and Tajikistan frequently coordinate policies within the bloc to counter terrorism, extremism, and security challenges affecting Central and South Asia.
Bilaterally, defence and security issues remain central to political consultations. The sixth round of Pakistan–Tajikistan political consultations was held recently in Dushanbe, while the seventh session is scheduled to take place in Islamabad in 2026.
