RAWALPINDI: Exercise Inspired Gambit–2026 is being conducted from 8 to 16 January 2026 between the Pakistan Army and the United States Army. The two-week-long exercise focusing on Counter Terrorism (CT) marks the 13th iteration of this bilateral training series, held since 1995.
The distinguished visitors’ day ceremony was held on 15 January 2026 at the National Counter Terrorism Centre, Pabbi. Her Excellency Ms. Natalie Baker, Chargé d’ Affaires of the United States of America to Pakistan, accompanied by senior US military dignitaries, and Commander Rawalpindi Corps graced the occasion.
The visitors were briefed on the scope, objectives, and conduct of the exercise. A high level of professionalism and competence was demonstrated by participants of both armies, which was appreciated by the visiting dignitaries.
The exercise aims to enhance bilateral military cooperation through the exchange of counter-terrorism experiences, refinement of CT drills and procedures, and development of interoperability.
State is determined to eradicate terrorism: DG ISPR
On January 6, Director General ISPR Lt. Gen. Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry said that the state is determined to counter terrorism, has taken important steps to counter terrorism, the state has a clear stance against terrorism, and the world has appreciated Pakistan’s steps against terrorism.
While briefing journalists about the operations of the security forces in 2025, Lt. Gen. Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry said that successful operations were carried out against terrorism last year.
While holding a news conference in Rawalpindi on Tuesday, he said that 75,175 intelligence-based operations were carried out last year and 5,400 incidents of terrorism occurred, while the number of martyrdoms of law enforcers and civilians was 1,235. He said that 2,597 terrorists were killed in the year 2025.
He said that the state is determined to counter terrorism, has taken important steps to counter terrorism, the state has a clear stance against terrorism, and the world has appreciated Pakistan’s steps against terrorism.
He said that the state’s stance against terrorism is clear, and the state is determined to eliminate terrorism, he said, “Why did the most terrorist incidents occur in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa last year? The reason for the high level of terrorism in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa is the favourable environment available to terrorists there.”
The DG ISPR said, “The stronghold of the Khawarij and the sedition of India is in Afghanistan. All terrorist organizations are in Afghanistan; they are being nurtured. In October last year, there was tension on the Pak-Afghan border. Pakistan repeatedly explained to Afghanistan that it should handle the terrorists, but when that did not happen, Afghan posts were targeted within hours.”
He said that those who are questioning how terrorism enters Pakistan, there is a clear example that dozens of them are being killed every day, and its proof is available in these videos. He said that this is now a movie, but it was the result of hundreds of military operations being carried out in these areas.
