8th International PATS Competition Concludes at Kharian Garrison: COAS Applauds Spirit of Participating Teams

Kharian — The 8th International Pakistan Army Team Spirit (PATS) Competition concluded today at Kharian Garrison, following five days of intense military activity from 14th to 18th April 2025. The event culminated with a grand closing ceremony graced by the Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Syed Asim Munir, NI(M), who attended as the Chief Guest.

Designed to test and enhance operational readiness and tactical coordination, the 60-hour-long rigorous patrolling exercise challenged the limits of physical endurance, mental resilience, and team cohesion. The PATS competition continues to grow as a high-profile, professionally demanding event for military teams from around the world.

This year’s edition saw participation from seven teams of the Pakistan Army, alongside a team from the Pakistan Navy. In addition, fifteen teams from friendly nations took part in the competition, representing Bahrain, Belarus, China, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Maldives, Morocco, Nepal, Qatar, Sri Lanka, Türkiye, United States of America, and Uzbekistan.

Further enhancing the international flavor of the event, military observers from Bangladesh, Egypt, Germany, Kenya, Myanmar, and Thailand were also in attendance, witnessing the various phases of the exercise.

The event was held in the semi-mountainous terrain of Punjab, providing a challenging environment that tested the participating teams in real-world combat simulation conditions. Over the years, PATS has garnered recognition as a premier platform for military cooperation, tactical training, and professional excellence among friendly nations.

During the closing ceremony, COAS General Asim Munir commended the participating teams for their professionalism, mental and physical endurance, and exemplary morale throughout the competition. Emphasizing the value of mutual learning, General Munir stated that PATS is the right forum, which appropriately combines professional military skills and tactical acumen of all participating soldiers, fostering much-needed team spirit in the face of the evolving character of war.

He further underscored the Pakistan Army’s commitment to upholding its core soldierly values of “character, courage, and competence”, attributes that have consistently been demonstrated in the nation’s ongoing fight against terrorism.

At the conclusion of the event, COAS presented individual and team awards to the participants, recognizing outstanding performances and team spirit displayed throughout the competition. The ceremony was also attended by international observers and Defence Attachés from the participating countries, who lauded the professional conduct and organizational excellence of the exercise.

The successful conclusion of the 8th International PATS Competition further reinforces Pakistan’s role in promoting regional military cooperation, mutual learning, and strengthening bonds among partner nations in the field of defense.