The Pakistan-Kazakhstan joint military exercise Dostarym-V was successfully held from October 13-24, 2025, at the Special Operations School in Cherat, Pakistan. Focusing on counter-terrorism, it featured Special Services Group (SSG) troops from the Pakistan Army and special forces from Kazakhstan, aiming to enhance military cooperation and refine joint operational skills. 

Key Details of Dostarym-V:

• Location: Special Operations School, Cherat, Pakistan.
• Duration: 13-24 October 2025.
• Participants: Special Services Group (SSG) of Pakistan Army and Special Forces of Kazakhstan Army.
• Purpose: The exercise focused on strengthening military-to-military relations, improving counter-terrorism techniques, and sharing expertise to refine joint tactical skills.
• Closing Ceremony: Held on October 25, 2025, it was attended by the Commandant of the Special Operations School and the Kazakh Ambassador/Defence Attaché, highlighting professional excellence. 

The exercise is a part of regular joint initiatives by the Pakistan Army to deepen interoperability and enhance bilateral defence cooperation with international partners.

More Details About The Dostarym (meaning "Friends" in Kazakh) military exercises

The Dostarym (meaning "Friends" in Kazakh) military exercises are a series of bilateral counter-terrorism drills conducted between the Special Services Group (SSG) of the Pakistan Army and the Special Forces of the Kazakhstan Army.

Latest Exercise: Dostarym-V (2025)

The most recent edition, Dostarym-V, took place from October 13 to October 24, 2025.

• Location: The exercise was hosted at the Special Operations School (SPS) in Cherat, Pakistan.

• Core Objectives: The primary focus was on refining professional skills and synchronizing tactics for counter-terrorism operations.

• Key Training Modules:

  • Hostage Rescue: Simulated missions to recover captives from hostile environments.

  • Compound Clearance: Tactical entry and securing of buildings in urban warfare scenarios.

  • Heli Rappelling: Rapid insertion of troops via helicopters.

  • Close Quarter Battle (CQB): High-intensity combat training in confined spaces.

• Significance: The 2025 drills aimed to enhance interoperability—the ability of both armies to work together seamlessly during real-time regional security threats.

Historical Background

The Dostarym exercises are part of a biennial (every two years) defense mechanism established to strengthen military-to-military relations between the two nations.

Strategic Impact

Beyond tactical training, these exercises reflect Pakistan's broader "Engage Central Asia" policy. By building trust and sharing field expertise with Kazakhstan—the largest landlocked country in the world—Pakistan reinforces its role as a key partner in regional security and counter-extremism.