The 9th International Pakistan Army Team Spirit (PATS) Competition concluded successfully at Kharian on February 9, 2026, with Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, NI (M), HJ, Chief of Army Staff and Chief of Defence Forces (COAS & CDF), attending the closing ceremony as chief guest.
Terrorism Threat Demands Unity, Not Political Point-Scoring
PATS is a demanding 60-hour patrolling exercise aimed at enhancing professional military skills through the exchange of tactical experiences, innovative ideas and best practices among participating teams. Conducted from February 5, the exercise took place in the semi-mountainous terrain of Punjab, offering a realistic and challenging operational environment.
Over time, the competition has evolved into a prestigious multinational military event, recognised for promoting professional excellence, mutual learning and military-to-military cooperation. It continues to foster camaraderie and team spirit among participating forces while strengthening interoperability in complex operational settings.
This year’s competition saw participation from teams representing 19 countries, including 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 attended as observers. Sixteen teams from the Pakistan Army and Pakistan Navy also took part, while observers from the Pakistan Air Force were present.
Addressing the closing ceremony, the COAS & CDF praised all participating teams for their exceptional professionalism, physical and mental endurance, operational competence and high morale displayed throughout the exercise. He highlighted the importance of such multinational engagements in improving collective preparedness and adapting to the evolving character of modern warfare.
Reaffirming the core values of the Pakistan Army, he underscored the enduring attributes of “character, courage and competence,” noting that these qualities continue to be demonstrated by Pakistani soldiers, particularly in the ongoing fight against terrorism.
At the conclusion of the event, awards were presented to outstanding participants. International observers and defence attachés from participating countries also attended the ceremony and commended the high standards of professionalism, organisation and conduct maintained throughout the competition.
Earlier, the COAS & CDF also witnessed various training activities at the National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC) Pabbi, including a visit to the newly established Tactical Simulator. He lauded the efforts of the troops and technical teams and emphasised the importance of simulator-based training in complementing traditional training methods.
