Islamabad (TDI): The Australian Army’s Military Working Dog specialists have collaborated with the Canine Center of the Pakistan Army to offer specialized training in the use of canines during military operations.
Australia’s High Commissioner to Pakistan, Neil Hawkins, applauded the collaboration and called it a “proud moment” in Australia and Pakistan’s “long-standing defense partnership.”
As part of this collaboration, seasoned Australian military trainers provided input and advanced training methods, operational procedures, and best practices in employing military working dogs for security, defense, and counter-terrorism operations.
The training revolved around growing Pakistan’s capabilities in the use of canines for explosive detection, search-and-rescue missions, and security operations.
Strengthening ties, saving lives! 🇦🇺🇵🇰 @AustralianArmy Military Working Dog experts joined hands with Pakistan Army’s Canine Centre 🐕 to share expertise and build on our people-to-people ties. A proud moment of collaboration in our long-standing defence partnership. pic.twitter.com/ZhXGcwI9cR
— Neil Hawkins (@AusHCPak) April 4, 2025
The Pakistan Army Dog Breeding Training Centre and School (ADBTC&S), commonly known as the Army Canine Centre, was established in 1952 in Rawalpindi. Its primary mission is to breed, rear, and train dogs for deployment across various military units and formations.
Australian experts have added more value to the existing cadre and its capabilities in operational readiness.
Australia and Pakistan are working on further enhancing military-to-military relations through specialized trainings, capacity building, and security operations.
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Additionally, the center is also responsible for training army officers and soldiers in dog-handling courses.
The Pakistan Army Dog Training Center has previously played a crucial role in disaster response missions and provides trained canines to law enforcement agencies, governmental offices, police, and other security departments of the country.
Defense cooperation between Australia and Pakistan mainly encompasses trainings, counter-terrorism, and naval exercises. Both countries share concerns regarding maritime security in the Indian Ocean Region.
The high-level visit of Chief of the Australian Army, Lieutenant General Simon Stuart, in November last year was a reaffirmation of military-to-military contact.
Areeba Kanwal is a contributor at The Diplomatic Insight and has passion for International Relations and diplomacy.
