ISPR says exercise aims to improve professional skills through joint training
Pakistan and Sri Lanka began a joint counter-terrorism exercise at Tarbela on Monday aimed at strengthening professional capabilities and strengthening long-standing military-to-military relations, the military’s media wing said in a statement
According to the Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR), Shake Hands-II is a joint counter-terrorism exercise conducted between the armies of Pakistan and Sri Lanka.
“The two-week exercise began on April 27 in Tarbela with the participation of the Pakistan Army’s Special Services Group and special forces of the Sri Lankan Army.”
The statement said the exercise aimed to improve professional capabilities through joint training while strengthening long-standing military-to-military relations between the two friendly nations.
“Participating troops will benefit from the exchange of operational experience and expertise in counter-terrorism operations, contributing to improved interoperability and mutual understanding,” it added.
Pakistan-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 began on 27 April 2026 in Tarbela, Pakistan, with the participation of the Pakistan Army’s special services… pic.twitter.com/uMksnfckhp
— PTV News (@PTVNewsOfficial) 27 April 2026
Pakistan’s armed forces regularly conduct joint exercises with foreign militaries to exchange professional expertise and enhance combat readiness.
Last week, Pakistan-Turkye Joint Commando and Special Forces Exercise Jinnah-XIII was conducted in Turkiye focusing on counter-terrorism operations.
Earlier in April, Pakistan and Egypt began their joint exercise, Thunder-II, at the Special Operations School in Cherat.
In January, the Pakistan and US armies conducted a joint military exercise titled ‘Inspired Gambit–2026’ with the aim of strengthening counter-terrorism cooperation between the two forces.
