Australia and Pakistan Army Strengthen Defense Ties through Canine Training Collaboration

Australia has collaborated with the Pakistan Army’s Canine Center to exchange expertise in the use of military working dogs for security and defense operations. This initiative, led by Australia’s Military Working Dog specialists, aims to improve Pakistan’s capabilities in canine-related operations, particularly in explosive detection, search-and-rescue missions, and counter-terrorism efforts.

Australia’s High Commissioner to Pakistan, Neil Hawkins, hailed the partnership as a “proud moment” and emphasized its importance in strengthening the long-standing defense relations between the two nations. “This collaboration is a testament to the shared commitment of Australia and Pakistan to enhance military preparedness and to work together for peace and security,” Hawkins said.

As part of the collaboration, experienced Australian trainers imparted advanced training techniques, operational strategies, and best practices to the Pakistan Army’s Canine Center. The Pakistan Army Dog Breeding Training Centre and School (ADBTC&S), founded in 1952 in Rawalpindi, is responsible for breeding, raising, and training dogs for military units across the country. Australian specialists have worked to further enhance the center’s operational readiness, contributing to the skill development of both officers and soldiers in dog-handling courses.

In addition to training military personnel, the center has been pivotal in disaster response missions and provides trained canines to law enforcement agencies and other security departments in Pakistan.

The collaboration underscores the growing defense ties between Australia and Pakistan, which include joint training programs, counter-terrorism efforts, and naval exercises. Both countries have also expressed mutual concern over maritime security in the Indian Ocean Region, a key area of cooperation.

The successful engagement between the two countries in canine operations marks another chapter in their strategic military partnership, highlighting the role of specialized training in bolstering both nations’ defense capabilities.