Field Marshal Asim Munir hails multinational exercise, highlights preparedness for modern warfare
The 9th Pakistan Army International Team Spirit Competition (PATS) concluded in Kharian on February 9, 2026, the Army’s media wing Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) announced on Tuesday.
According to ISPR, the closing ceremony was attended by Chief of Army Staff and Chief of Defense Forces (COAS and CDF) Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir as the chief guest.
The Team Spirit competition is a 60-hour patrol exercise designed to improve professional military skills through the exchange of innovative ideas, tactical experiences and best practices among participating teams, the release said. Conducted from February 5, the exercise took place in the semi-mountainous terrain of Punjab, providing a realistic and challenging operational environment.
The ISPR said that PATS has over the years become a prestigious and highly competitive military exercise, recognized for promoting professional excellence and mutual learning among the participating countries. The forum continues to strengthen military-to-military cooperation and understanding while fostering camaraderie and team spirit in a demanding operational context.
This year’s competition saw participation from 19 countries, including Bahrain, Bangladesh, Belarus, Egypt, Iraq, Jordan, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Malaysia, Maldives, Morocco, Nepal, Qatar, Sri Lanka, Turkey, United States and Uzbekistan. Indonesia, Myanmar and Thailand were present as observers.
Sixteen national teams from Pakistan Army and Navy also participated, while observers from Pakistan Air Force were present at the event.
Addressing the closing ceremony, CDF Munir congratulated all the participating teams for their “outstanding professionalism, physical and mental endurance, operational proficiency and high morale” demonstrated during the exercise. He stressed the importance of such multinational engagements to improve collective preparedness and adapt to the evolving nature of modern warfare.
Reaffirming the core values of the Pakistan Army, he highlighted the enduring military qualities of “character, courage and skill”, saying these had been consistently demonstrated by Pakistani soldiers, especially in the ongoing fight against terrorism.
At the end of the event, COAS and CDF presented awards to the outstanding participants. International observers and defense attachés from participating countries were also present and praised the high level of professionalism, organization and conduct throughout the exercise.
Furthermore, the COAS and CDF attended various training activities at the National Counter Terrorism Center in Pabbi, including a visit to the newly established tactical simulator. He praised the efforts of the troops and technical team and highlighted the importance of simulator training to complement traditional training methods.
