RAWALPINDI: The 13th joint counterterrorism exercise between Pakistan and the United States, titled Inspired Gambit 2026, began on Saturday at the National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC) in Pabbi, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, according to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR).
Spanning two weeks, the bilateral drill is focused on counterterrorism operations and includes specialized troops from the Pakistan Army and the United States Army. Senior military officials from both countries were present at the inaugural ceremony.
The military’s media wing stated that the exercise is designed to strengthen coordination and interoperability between the two forces through the exchange of operational experiences in counterterrorism. It also seeks to further improve tactical skills, operational techniques, and standard procedures required for effective CT missions.
Special attention is being given to urban combat scenarios, particularly enhancing marksmanship capabilities, while also familiarising participants with each other’s doctrines and operational practices, the ISPR added.
The statement highlighted that joint training initiatives such as Inspired Gambit play a crucial role in responding to emerging security threats, raising professional military competence, and enhancing the ability of both armies to conduct operations in complex counterterrorism settings.
According to the ISPR, the ongoing exercise underscores the sustained commitment of Pakistan and the United States to joint efforts aimed at promoting regional peace and stability.
Meanwhile, Pakistan’s Ambassador to the United States, Rizwan Saeed Sheikh, recently noted that Pakistan’s strategic priorities are transitioning from a geopolitical focus to a geo-economic approach. He expressed optimism that bilateral cooperation between Islamabad and Washington would broaden further in 2026.
The ambassador shared these views during a meeting with Congressman Mike Rogers, Chairman of the US House Armed Services Committee, as per an official press release. He conveyed confidence that engagement between the two countries would deepen in the coming year across multiple areas of shared interest.
Referring to developments in May 2025, Ambassador Rizwan Sheikh also pointed out that India’s aggressive and irresponsible actions had posed serious risks to regional security.
