Kharian (TDI): The 9th International Pakistan Army Team Spirit (PATS) Competition concluded on Monday, marking the successful completion of a major multinational military exercise aimed at enhancing professional skills and interoperability among participating forces.
The closing ceremony was attended by Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, Chief of Army Staff (COAS) and Chief of Defense Forces (CDF), who was the chief guest on the occasion.
Conducted from February 5, the competition comprised a demanding 60-hour-long patrolling exercise designed to test physical endurance, tactical acumen and decision-making under realistic operational conditions.
The exercise was held in the semi-mountainous terrain of Punjab, offering a challenging environment that closely simulated modern battlefield scenarios.
Over the years, PATS Competition has developed into a prestigious military event, gaining international recognition for fostering professional excellence, mutual learning and cooperation among armed forces.
The forum provides an opportunity for participating teams to exchange tactical experiences, innovative ideas and best practices, while strengthening military-to-military relations and promoting camaraderie in a competitive setting.
This year’s edition witnessed 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.
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Indonesia, Myanmar and Thailand attended as observers. Domestically, 16 teams from the Pakistan Army and Pakistan Navy took part, while observers from the Pakistan Air Force were also present.
Addressing the closing ceremony, the COAS and CDF praised all participating contingents for demonstrating high levels of professionalism, operational competence, physical stamina and mental resilience throughout the exercise.
He highlighted the significance of multinational military engagements in improving collective preparedness and adapting to the evolving nature of modern warfare.
Reiterating the core values, he emphasized the importance of “character, courage and competence,” noting that these attributes continue to be reflected in the performance of Pakistani soldiers, particularly in ongoing counterterrorism efforts.
Awards were presented to outstanding teams and individuals in recognition of their performance during the competition. International observers and defense attachés from participating countries also attended the ceremony and expressed appreciation for high standards of organization, training and conduct maintained throughout the event.
Following the competition, the COAS and CDF visited the National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC) in Pabbi, where he observed various training activities, including a newly established tactical simulator.
He lauded the efforts of the troops and technical staff, underscoring the growing importance of simulator-based training in complementing conventional military training methods.
