Summary Pakistan and Sri Lanka special forces have concluded their two-week joint counter-terrorism exercise Shake Hands-II at Tarbela.
RAWALPINDI (Dunya News) – The Pakistan-Sri Lanka Joint Exercise “Shake Hands-II” in the counter-terrorism domain has concluded after two weeks of intensive training between the armed forces of the two countries at Tarbela, according to the military’s media wing.
The exercise commenced on 27 April 2026 and concluded on Thursday (today), bringing together combat teams from the Pakistan Army’s Special Services Group and the Sri Lankan Special Forces. According to Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the joint drill focused on enhancing professional skills through structured and realistic training scenarios in counter-terrorism operations.
Held at a key training facility in Tarbela, the exercise provided both contingents with an opportunity to refine drills, procedures, and operational techniques. The training environment was designed to simulate complex security challenges, enabling participants to strengthen coordination and responsiveness in joint operational settings.
ISPR
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Rawalpindi, 07 May, 2026;
Pakistan-Sri Lanka Joint Exercise Shake Hands-II in Counter Terrorism domain has been conducted between the Armies of Pakistan and Sri Lanka at Tarbela, Pakistan. Two weeks long Exercise commenced on 27 April 2026 and concluded today. pic.twitter.com/qrdswMGGEk
According to officials, the participating troops demonstrated high standards of professional excellence throughout the exercise. Emphasis was placed on tactical precision, operational coordination, and the sharing of best practices drawn from each force’s experience in counter-terrorism operations.
The closing ceremony was attended by the General Officer Commanding of the Special Services Group, Pakistan Army, who served as the chief guest. The event was also witnessed by Major General Ajith Abeyawardana (WWV, RWP, RSP) from Sri Lanka, underscoring the importance both sides placed on the bilateral engagement.
Military officials highlighted that the exercise served not only as a training platform but also as a means of further strengthening longstanding military-to-military relations between Pakistan and Sri Lanka. The interaction between the special forces units allowed for direct exchange of operational knowledge, enhancing mutual understanding of tactics and procedures.
Shake Hands-II is part of a continuing series of joint initiatives aimed at improving interoperability between the two friendly nations. Through shared training experiences, both sides seek to enhance their preparedness for evolving counter-terrorism challenges and reinforce collaborative defence ties.
