The 9th International Pakistan Army Team Spirit (PATS) Competition successfully concluded at Kharian on February 9, 2026. The closing ceremony was graced by Field Marshal 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, according to an ISPR statement.

Conducted from February 5, 2026, onwards, the exercise took place in the semi-mountainous terrain of Punjab, Pakistan, providing a realistic and challenging operational environment.

Over the years, PATS has evolved 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, the competition featured wide-ranging participation from 19 countries, including Bahrain, Bangladesh, Belarus, Egypt, Iraq, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Malaysia, Maldives, Morocco, Nepal, Qatar, Sri Lanka, Turkiye, the United States of America and Uzbekistan.

Indonesia, Myanmar and Thailand attended the exercise as observers.

The ISPR stated that 16 domestic teams from the Pakistan Army and Pakistan Navy, along with observers from the Pakistan Air Force, also participated in the event.

Addressing the closing ceremony, Field Marshal Asim Munir commended all participating teams for their exceptional professionalism, physical and mental endurance, operational competence and high morale displayed during the exercise.

He emphasised 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, the Chief of Defence Forces underscored the enduring soldierly attributes of “character, courage and competence”, which have been consistently demonstrated by Pakistani soldiers, particularly in the ongoing fight against terrorism.

Towards the culmination, Field Marshal Asim Munir presented awards to the outstanding participants of the competition.

International observers and defence attachés from participating countries also attended the event and expressed appreciation for the high standard of professionalism, organization and conduct demonstrated throughout the exercise.

The Chief of Army Staff also witnessed miscellaneous training activities at the National Counter Terrorism Centre, Pabbi, including a visit to a newly established Tactical Simulator.

Field Marshal Asim Munir lauded the efforts of troops and the technical team and emphasised the importance of simulator-based training to complement traditional training methods.