Metro53 - Gujrat (Web Desk):The closing ceremony of the 9th International Pakistan Army Team Spirit (PATS) competition was held in Kharian, with Syed Asim Munir, Field Marshal and Chief of Army Staff & Chief of Defence Staff, as the chief guest.
Organised under the supervision of the Pakistan Army, the Team Spirit competition is a rigorous 60-hour continuous patrolling exercise. The aim of the exercise is to enhance professional military skills through the exchange of modern military concepts, combat experience, and best operational practices among participating national and international teams.
The exercise was conducted in the semi-mountainous terrain of Punjab, where participants faced a realistic and challenging operational environment. Over time, PATS has evolved into a prestigious, high-standard international military competition, promoting mutual learning, professional harmony, military cooperation, and strengthening team spirit and camaraderie under demanding conditions.
Teams from 19 countries participated in the competition, including Bahrain, Bangladesh, Belarus, Egypt, Iraq, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Malaysia, Maldives, Morocco, Nepal, Qatar, Sri Lanka, Türkiye, the United States of America, and Uzbekistan. Indonesia, Myanmar, and Thailand participated as observers. In addition, 16 teams from the Pakistan Army and Pakistan Navy took part in the competition, while observers from the Pakistan Air Force were also present.
Addressing the closing ceremony, the Chief of Army Staff and Chief of Defence Staff praised the exceptional professional skills, physical and mental endurance, operational competence, and high morale displayed by all participating teams. He stated that such multinational military exercises are vital for joint preparedness and enhancing professional capabilities in line with the evolving demands of modern warfare.
Reiterating the core values of the Pakistan Army, he described “Character, Courage, and Competence” as the foundation of the military profession and said that the Pakistan Army has demonstrated these qualities in practical terms, particularly during ongoing counter-terrorism operations.
At the conclusion of the ceremony, the Chief of Army Staff and Chief of Defence Staff distributed awards among outstanding national and international participants. International observers and defence attachés from participating countries also attended the event and appreciated the high level of professionalism, excellent organisation, and discipline demonstrated during the exercise.
Later, the Chief of Army Staff and Chief of Defence Staff visited the National Counter Terrorism Centre Pabbi, where he observed various training activities and reviewed the newly established tactical simulator. He praised the efforts of the troops and technical staff and emphasised the importance of simulator-based training to further enhance the effectiveness of conventional training methods.
