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October 18, 20264:47 PM

Harimau Markhore IV Ends at Pabbi as Pakistan and Malaysia Complete Two Week Counterterrorism Drills

Troops at the Harimau Markhore IV counterterrorism exercise at NCTC Pabbi

The fourth Pakistan and Malaysia joint counterterrorism exercise closed at NCTC Pabbi after two weeks of drills and shared operational experience, ISPR said.

Harimau Markhore IV, the fourth edition of the Pakistan and Malaysia joint counterterrorism exercise, concluded on October 15 at the National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC) in Pabbi, according to ISPR statements carried by 24NewsHD. The two armies used the exercise to share experience, refine drills and strengthen military cooperation.

What Happened at the Close of Harimau Markhore IV

The two week exercise began on October 7, 2026, according to the same ISPR release. The exercise brought personnel from both countries together for specialized counterterrorism training, with an emphasis on practical drills.

Daily Pakistan reported that the closing marked a renewed commitment to bilateral military cooperation and stronger counterterrorism capability. The reports reviewed by Tamrah News did not name the units involved or give the number of troops from either side.

Training Focus of the Pakistan Malaysia Counterterrorism Exercise

Abb Takk News reported that the armies exchanged counterterrorism experience, practised operational procedures and built combat skills through shared best practices. Daily Times said the work was meant to support better training standards and professional capability.

Emrah News added that the exercise helped personnel understand each other’s operational methods. ISPR described these exchanges as a way to deal with changing security challenges, according to Daily Pakistan.  

Why NCTC Pabbi Hosts Foreign Partners

NCTC Pabbi, run by the Pakistan Army, has hosted several foreign exercises. Arab News reported that the United States and Pakistan held their first joint counterterrorism exercise there in 2024, starting on June 29. Aaj English TV reported that Pakistan hosted Fajar Al Sharq V there with special forces from Bahrain, Iraq and Kuwait.

Nukta reported that a Pakistan and China exercise, Warrior IX, also ran in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, with a Distinguished Visitors Day ceremony at NCTC Pabbi. For related coverage on Pakistan Army visit Tamrah News sit by clicking here.

Pakistan Malaysia Military Cooperation Moves Forward

ISPR said the exercise reaffirmed longstanding military cooperation between the two countries and their shared resolve to work together against terrorism. The Pakistan Army has run other bilateral drills this year. Dawn reported that Pakistan and Egypt concluded Thunder II at Cherat. The News reported that Shake Hands II with Sri Lanka began at Tarbela on April 27, 2026.

Will There Be a Fifth Edition After Harimau Markhore IV?

None of the reports reviewed mention a date or venue for another edition. ISPR has not announced any follow up programme in the statements found so far.

FAQs

What is Harimau Markhore IV?
Harimau Markhore IV is the fourth edition of the Pakistan and Malaysia joint counterterrorism exercise, held between the armies of both countries.

Where was the Pakistan Malaysia counterterrorism exercise held?
It was held at the National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC) in Pabbi, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

When did Harimau Markhore IV start and end?
It began on October 7, 2026, and concluded on October 15, 2026, after two weeks.

What did the Pakistan Army and Malaysian Army train on?
They worked on counterterrorism drills, operational procedures and combat skills, and exchanged best practices, ISPR said.

Who announced the end of the joint counterterrorism exercise?
ISPR, the Pakistan Army’s media wing, announced the conclusion.

Does Harimau Markhore IV strengthen Pakistan Malaysia military cooperation?
ISPR said it reaffirmed longstanding military cooperation and shared resolve in counterterrorism.

–Tamrah News