RAWALPINDI: The 9th International Pakistan Army Team Spirit (PATS) Competition successfully concluded at Kharian on 9 February 2026, said a military statement on Tuesday.
According to the Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR), the closing ceremony was graced by Chief of Army Staff and Chief of Defence Forces Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir as a chief guest. The PATS is a 60-hour intensive patrolling exercise.
The event aims to enhance professional skills through the exchange of modern military concepts, tactical experience and best operational practices.
The exercise was held from Feb. 5 in Punjab’s semi-mountainous terrain.
It provided a realistic and demanding operational environment for participating teams.
Over time, PATS has evolved into a prestigious international military competition.
The event promotes professionalism, mutual learning, military cooperation and camaraderie among participating countries.
This year, teams from 19 countries took part in the competition.
Participating nations included Bahrain, Bangladesh, Belarus, Egypt, Iraq, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Malaysia, Maldives, Morocco, Nepal, Qatar, Sri Lanka, Türkiye, the United States and Uzbekistan.
Indonesia, Myanmar and Thailand participated as observers.
Sixteen teams from the Pakistan Army and Pakistan Navy competed in the event.
Observers from the Pakistan Air Force were also present.
Addressing the ceremony, the Chief of Army Staff praised the participating teams for their high professional standards.
He commended their physical and mental endurance, operational skills and morale.
He said multinational exercises played a vital role in joint preparedness and capacity-building under modern warfare requirements.
Field Marshal Munir highlighted the Pakistan Army’s core values of character, courage and competence.
He said Pakistani soldiers had demonstrated these qualities, particularly in the fight against terrorism.
At the conclusion of the ceremony, awards were distributed among outstanding participants.
International observers and defence attachés praised the high professional standards, effective organization and discipline displayed during the exercise.
Following the event, the Chief of Army Staff visited the National Counter Terrorism Centre in Pabbi.
He observed various training activities, including a newly established tactical simulator.
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He described simulator-based training as an effective complement to conventional training methods.
He also appreciated the efforts of the armed forces and technical teams involved.
