The 9th International Pakistan Army Team Spirit (PATS) Competition successfully reached its climax on 9 February 2026, during a prestigious closing ceremony at Kharian. Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, NI (M), HJ, Chief of Army Staff (COAS) & Chief of Defence Forces (CDF), attended as the Chief Guest to honor the participants of this elite military event.
#ISPR
Rawalpindi, 10 February, 2026The 9th International #Pakistan Army Team Spirit (PATS) Competition successfully concluded at Kharian on 9 February 2026. The closing ceremony was graced by the Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, NI (M), HJ, #COAS & CDF, as the Chief Guest.
The… pic.twitter.com/fQMfLVbfKK
— Pakistan Armed Forces News 🇵🇰 (@PakistanFauj) February 10, 2026
60 Hours of High-Intensity Patrolling
Initiated on 5 February 2026, the PATS Competition is a grueling 60-hour patrolling exercise designed to push the limits of professional military skill. Set in the challenging semi-mountainous terrain of Punjab, the exercise provides a realistic operational environment for teams to exchange tactical experiences, innovative ideas, and global best practices.
Global Participation and Military Cooperation
The 2026 edition saw an unprecedented level of international engagement, featuring teams from 19 countries, including:
- Participating Nations: Bahrain, Bangladesh, Belarus, Egypt, Iraq, Jordan, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Malaysia, Maldives, Morocco, Nepal, Qatar, Sri Lanka, Turkiye, United States of America, and Uzbekistan.
- Observer Nations: Indonesia, Myanmar, and Thailand.
- Domestic Presence: 16 teams from the Pakistan Army and Pakistan Navy, with observers from the Pakistan Air Force.
This diverse participation underscores PATS’ evolution into a globally recognized forum for strengthening military-to-military cooperation and fostering camaraderie in demanding settings.
Address by the COAS & CDF
Addressing the participants, Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir commended the teams for their “exceptional professionalism, physical and mental endurance, and operational competence.” He highlighted the necessity of multinational engagements in adapting to the rapidly evolving character of modern warfare.
Reaffirming the core values of the Pakistan Army, the COAS & CDF emphasized the “enduring soldiery attributes of character, courage, and competence,” noting their critical role in the ongoing fight against terrorism.
Focus on Modern Training: Tactical Simulators
Following the awards ceremony, the COAS & CDF visited the National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC) in Pabbi. He witnessed training activities and inspected the newly established Tactical Simulator, emphasizing that simulator-based training is an essential complement to traditional field methods in modern military preparation.
International observers and Defense Attachés in attendance lauded the high standards of organization and the professional conduct demonstrated by the Pakistan Army throughout the exercise.
