COAS Praises Professional Excellence at Pakistan Army Team Spirit Competition
The 9th International Pakistan Army Team Spirit (PATS) Competition concluded successfully at Kharian on 9 February 2026, bringing together military teams from across the globe in a demanding multinational exercise. The closing ceremony was attended by Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, NI (M), HJ, Chief of Army Staff and Chief of Defence Force, who served as the chief guest.
The Pakistan Army Team Spirit Competition is a 60-hour-long patrolling exercise aimed at enhancing professional military skills through the exchange of tactical experience, innovative ideas and best practices among participating contingents. Conducted from 5 February onwards, the exercise took place in the semi-mountainous terrain of Punjab, offering a realistic and challenging operational environment.
Over time, PATS has developed into a prestigious and highly competitive international military event, widely recognised for promoting professional excellence, mutual learning and operational cohesion among participating nations. The forum continues to strengthen military-to-military cooperation while fostering camaraderie and teamwork under strenuous field conditions.
This year’s competition witnessed broad international participation, with teams 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 the exercise as observers. Sixteen domestic teams from the Pakistan Army and Pakistan Navy also participated, while observers from the Pakistan Air Force were present throughout the event.
Addressing the closing ceremony, the COAS and CDF praised all participating teams for demonstrating exceptional professionalism, physical and mental endurance, operational competence and high morale. He highlighted the importance of multinational military engagements in enhancing collective preparedness and adapting to the evolving nature of modern warfare.
Reaffirming the core values of the Pakistan Army, the COAS and CDF underscored the enduring qualities of character, courage and competence, noting that these attributes continue to be exemplified by Pakistani soldiers, particularly in the ongoing fight against terrorism.
At the conclusion of the ceremony, the COAS and CDF presented awards to outstanding performers of the competition. International observers and defence attachés from participating countries also attended the event and commended the high standards of professionalism, organisation and conduct displayed throughout the exercise.
During the visit, the COAS and CDF also observed various training activities at the National Counter Terrorism Centre, Pabbi, including a visit to the newly established tactical simulator. He lauded the efforts of troops and technical teams and emphasised the importance of simulator-based training as a complement to conventional training methods.
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