Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, Chief of Army Staff and Chief of Defence Forces, emphasized the significance of multinational engagement to bolster collective preparedness and adapt to modern warfare’s evolving landscape during a closing ceremony for the 9th International Pakistan Army Team Spirit (PATS) Competition in Kharian.
At the event, the Field Marshal reaffirmed that Pakistani soldiers embody enduring attributes such as “character, courage, and competence,” exemplified by their fight against terrorism. The PATS competition ended on Monday, according to ISPR, which reported that the exercise took place over a 60-hour period in semi-mountainous terrain of Punjab, offering a realistic operational environment.
PATS is a patrolling exercise designed for professional military skill enhancement through knowledge exchange among participating teams, as stated by ISPR. This year, the competition saw wide-ranging participation from 19 countries including Bahrain, Bangladesh, Belarus, Egypt, Iraq, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Malaysia, Maldives, Morocco, Nepal, Qatar, Sri Lanka, Turkey (as per their country code), and Uzbekistan.
Addressing the closing ceremony as chief guest, Field Marshal Asim praised all participating teams for their exceptional professionalism, physical stamina, operational expertise, and high morale during the exercise. Reiterating the army’s core values, he underscored the enduring soldierly attributes of “character, courage, and competence,” which have been consistently demonstrated by Pakistani soldiers, especially in the ongoing fight against terrorism.
This comprehensive event not only showcased military excellence but also served as a platform for international collaboration to strengthen collective defense strategies.