RAWALPINDI: The Pakistan Army has successfully completed Special Forces training for 446 Iraqi Army personnel at the National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC), with the third batch graduating on Saturday (29 November 2025) after a two-month programme aimed at enhancing counter-terrorism capabilities and deepening bilateral defence cooperation.
The graduation ceremony of the 3rd batch of 446 trainees was attended by senior Pakistani Army officials and military representatives from Iraq, Pakistan military’s media wing, Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), stated in a press release.
Troops from both countries demonstrated exceptional professionalism, operational skill, and dedication throughout the training, ISPR stated.
The programme focused on enhancing counter terrorism capabilities, tactical drills, and integrated mission planning.
All training objectives were successfully achieved, further strengthening the longstanding military-to-military ties between Pakistan and Iraq and reaffirming both nations’ commitment to regional security and collaborative defence preparedness.
Pakistan attach great importance to its relations with Iraq. Both countries are strengthening their defence cooperation, focusing on areas like joint training, counter-terrorism, and military industry collaboration.
In September, Commander Iraqi Air Force, Lieutenant General Muhannad Ghalib Muhammad Radi Al-Asadi, led a high-level defence delegation on a visit to Pakistan and held meetings with Pakistan’s military leadership.
During the visit, the Commander Iraqi Air Force held meeting with Pakistan’s Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee (CJCSC) General Sahir Shamshad Mirza.
During the meeting, both dignitaries reaffirmed their resolve to further expand defence and security cooperation between the two nations.
The high-level Iraqi defence delegation also held a meeting with Pakistan’s Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu in Islamabad.
During the meeting, both sides discussed various prospects of mutual cooperation between the two brotherly nations, placing special emphasis on joint training, capacity building, and advancements in the aviation industry.
