The Pakistan Sri Lanka Shake Hands-II exercise has officially concluded after two weeks of joint counter-terrorism training at Tarbela, aimed at strengthening military cooperation and operational readiness between the two friendly nations. The exercise focused on enhancing skills required for modern counter-terrorism operations.
According to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the Pakistan Sri Lanka Shake Hands-II exercise was conducted jointly by the Special Services Group (SSG) of the Pakistan Army and Sri Lankan Special Forces. The training began on April 27 and ended on May 7, featuring high-level tactical drills.
During the Pakistan Sri Lanka Shake Hands-II exercise, both sides participated in intensive combat training designed to improve coordination in counter-terrorism scenarios. The troops practiced real-life operational techniques, including close-quarters combat, intelligence-based missions, and joint response strategies.
پاکستان اور سری لنکا کی افواج کے درمیان انسداد دہشتگردی مشقیں شیک ہینڈ دوئم کا انعقاد pic.twitter.com/xj58pGvjYs
— PTV News (@PTVNewsOfficial) May 7, 2026
Officials said the exercise was held at Tarbela, a key training location for Pakistan’s elite forces. Senior military leadership from both countries attended the closing ceremony, highlighting the importance of continued defense cooperation and shared security goals.
The ISPR stated that the Pakistan Sri Lanka Shake Hands-II exercise demonstrated the highest level of professionalism and discipline from both forces. The training also helped improve mutual understanding and interoperability between the two armies in complex operational environments.
In addition to tactical learning, the exercise reinforced long-standing military ties between Pakistan and Sri Lanka. Both countries emphasized that such joint programs play an important role in building trust and improving regional security cooperation.
The Pakistan Sri Lanka Shake Hands-II exercise is part of Pakistan’s broader strategy of conducting joint military drills with friendly nations. Similar exercises have recently been held with Türkiye, Egypt, and the United States to strengthen counter-terrorism cooperation and defense readiness.
