ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and Sri Lanka on Monday began a joint counter-terrorism exercise aimed at strengthening military-to-military cooperation between the two South Asian nations, according to a military statement.
The two-week-long ‘Exercise Shake Hands-II’ commenced on 27 April 2026 at Tarbela, Pakistan, with the participation of Pakistan Army’s Special Services Group and Special Forces from the Sri Lankan Army, the military’s media wing, Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR) said.
“The exercise aims to enhance professional capabilities through joint training while further strengthening the longstanding military-to-military relations between the two friendly nations,” the statement said.
#ISPR
Rawalpindi, 27 April 2026Pakistan–Sri Lanka Bilateral Exercise Shake Hands-II is a joint counter-terrorism exercise conducted between the armies of #Pakistan and Sri Lanka. The two-week exercise commenced on 27 April 2026 at Tarbela, Pakistan, with the participation of… pic.twitter.com/kebiIf9Gjb
— Pakistan Armed Forces News 🇵🇰 (@PakistanFauj) April 27, 2026
Participating troops will gain from the exchange of operational experience and counter-terrorism expertise, helping to enhance interoperability and deepen mutual understanding between the two sides.
Pakistan and Sri Lanka share long-standing and friendly military ties built on mutual trust and cooperation.
Both countries regularly conduct joint exercises and training programmes, particularly in counter-terrorism and maritime security, to enhance operational coordination.
Pakistan has also supported Sri Lanka through defence training, equipment supply, and capacity-building initiatives over the years.
These collaborations have strengthened ties between their armed forces and contributed to regional stability in South Asia.
