KARACHI, Pakistan

A joint military exercise between Pakistani and Kazakh special forces began in northwest Pakistan on Wednesday, said a statement.

The Dostarym III drill is being held at the Pakistan Army's counterterrorism training school, the National Counter Terrorism Center, located in the town of Pabbi in Khyber Pakhtunkwa province, said the statement by the army.

It added that the exercise aims to "develop and bolster coordination between the two armies" in the domain of counter-terrorism.

Special forces from both countries will take part in hostage rescue, compound clearance, helicopter rappelling, and close-quarters battle drills and procedures.

The exercise, the statement said, will focus on integrated synergy, interoperability, quick decision making and swift action at a tactical level.

Military officials of both countries were present at the occasion.

The first joint exercise was held in 2017 in Pakistan, while the second was in 2019 in Kazakhstan, the statement added.