PTBP Web Desk
Pakistan and Tajikistan reiterated their commitment to deepening defence and security cooperation during a high-level meeting at the General Headquarters (GHQ) in Rawalpindi on Thursday. According to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the Minister of Defence of Tajikistan, Colonel General Sobirzoda Emomali Abdulrahim, held detailed discussions with Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir on matters relating to regional stability, counter-terrorism, and military collaboration.
The meeting marks yet another significant step in strengthening Pakistan-Tajikistan defence relations, which have continued to expand over recent years, particularly due to shared regional challenges and a mutual desire for enhanced security coordination. With Central Asia’s strategic importance rising, both Islamabad and Dushanbe recognize the need for closer cooperation in areas linked to border security, intelligence sharing, and regional peace.
During the meeting, both sides discussed the evolving regional security landscape, especially in the context of emerging threats that require collective responses. Counter-terrorism remained one of the central points of the conversation, with Pakistan highlighting its extensive operational experience in fighting terrorism through long-term military engagements. Tajikistan, which shares borders with Afghanistan, continues to face security challenges related to cross-border infiltration, extremism, and organized criminal networks.
The COAS emphasized that cooperation between Pakistan and Tajikistan is vital for achieving lasting regional stability. He noted that both countries share a common interest in preventing terrorism from gaining ground in the region, particularly in areas near Afghanistan. He also highlighted Pakistan’s commitment to supporting regional partners through training, joint exercises, and intelligence exchange.
ISPR reported that the two leaders explored opportunities to expand military-to-military collaboration. This includes enhanced training programs, staff exchanges, joint counter-terrorism exercises, and deeper coordination between their armies. Pakistan’s experience in counter-insurgency operations and its role in peacekeeping missions under the United Nations has made the country a valuable partner for regional militaries seeking structured defence cooperation.
Tajik Defence Minister Colonel General Sobirzoda Emomali Abdulrahim expressed appreciation for the professionalism and operational capability of the Pakistan Army. He acknowledged Pakistan’s significant contributions to regional stability and appreciated its consistent support for peace efforts, especially in conflict-affected zones. The minister also conveyed Tajikistan’s desire to continue expanding defence ties by engaging in new collaboration frameworks.
Field Marshal Asim Munir reaffirmed Pakistan’s long-standing commitment to strengthening defence relations with Tajikistan. He highlighted that the two countries share not just geographical proximity but also historical, cultural, and strategic linkages. In the COAS’s view, Pakistan and Tajikistan must work together to promote a secure and economically interconnected region that benefits all states in Central and South Asia.
He stressed the importance of collective efforts in dealing with new and emerging security threats. Regional peace, he said, cannot be achieved without cooperation among neighbouring countries, especially those dealing with security spillovers from conflict zones. Tajikistan and Pakistan, he noted, are aligned in their vision for stable borders, counter-terrorism strategies, and balanced geopolitical engagement.
The discussion also touched upon the significance of multilateral platforms such as the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), in which both Pakistan and Tajikistan are active members. The two sides agreed that SCO’s security framework should be effectively utilized to strengthen regional counter-terrorism responses, intelligence integration, and joint training opportunities.
Both officials reaffirmed their resolve to continue playing a constructive role in SCO initiatives aimed at security coordination and collective peacebuilding.
ISPR further noted that the visiting Tajik minister praised Pakistan Army’s professionalism, operational discipline, and ongoing efforts in maintaining peace across the region. He highlighted Pakistan’s sacrifices in the global fight against terrorism and acknowledged the positive impact of Pakistan’s counter-terrorism strategy on regional stability.
The meeting concluded with both sides expressing satisfaction over the pace of cooperation and agreeing to pursue further engagements in the coming months. Enhanced defence training opportunities, better communication channels, and expanded bilateral exchanges are expected to feature prominently in future interactions.
This renewed commitment signals the growing strategic importance of Pakistan-Tajikistan ties and highlights the shared vision of both nations to promote peace, security, and prosperity across the broader region.
