PNN: The 9th International Pakistan Army Team Spirit (PATS) Competition concluded at Kharian on February 9, 2026, the military’s media wing Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said on Tuesday.
According to ISPR, the closing ceremony was attended by the Chief of Army Staff and Chief of Defence Forces (COAS & CDF), Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, as the chief guest.
The Team Spirit Competition is a 60-hour-long patrolling exercise designed to enhance professional military skills through the exchange of innovative ideas, tactical experiences, and best practices among participating teams, the statement said. Conducted from February 5, the exercise took place in the semi-mountainous terrain of Punjab, providing a realistic and challenging operational environment.
ISPR said PATS has evolved over the years into a prestigious and highly competitive military exercise, recognised for promoting professional excellence and mutual learning among participating nations. The forum continues to strengthen military-to-military cooperation and understanding while fostering camaraderie and team spirit in a demanding operational setting.
This year’s competition saw participation from 19 countries, including Bahrain, Bangladesh, Belarus, Egypt, Iraq, Jordan, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Malaysia, Maldives, Morocco, Nepal, Qatar, Sri Lanka, Turkiye, the United States, and Uzbekistan. Indonesia, Myanmar, and Thailand attended as observers.
Sixteen domestic teams from the Pakistan Army and Pakistan Navy also took part, while observers from the Pakistan Air Force were present at the event.
Addressing the closing ceremony, CDF Munir commended all participating teams for their “exceptional professionalism, physical and mental endurance, operational competence and high morale” demonstrated during the exercise. He highlighted the importance of such multinational engagements in enhancing collective preparedness and adapting to the evolving character of modern warfare.
Reaffirming the core values of the Pakistan Army, he underscored the enduring soldierly attributes of “character, courage, and competence,” saying these had been consistently demonstrated by Pakistani soldiers, particularly in the ongoing fight against terrorism.
At the conclusion of the event, the COAS & CDF presented awards to outstanding participants. International observers and defence attachés from participating countries also attended and praised the high standard of professionalism, organisation and conduct throughout the exercise.
Separately, the COAS & CDF witnessed various training activities at the National Counter Terrorism Centre in Pabbi, including a visit to the newly established Tactical Simulator. He lauded the efforts of the troops and technical team and emphasised the importance of simulator-based training to complement traditional training methods.