A contingent of Pakistan Army participated in the opening ceremony of "Peace Mission" joint exercise focused on anti-terrorist operations and best practices in the counter-terrorism domain, under the ambit of Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) platform held at Donguz training area, Orenburg region in Russia, Express Tribune reports on September 22. The military's media wing said that Colonel General Alexander Pavlovich Lapin, Commander of Central Military District Russian armed forces was the Chief Guest at the opening ceremony. "Troops from all SCO member states are participating in the exercise under extremely challenging field environment. Belarus is taking part in the exercise as an observer," it added.