Pakistan Army Successfully Hosts 8th International PATS Competition at Kharian Garrison
The 8th edition of the International Pakistan Army Team Spirit (PATS) Competition concluded on 18 April 2025 at Kharian Garrison, following an intense five-day exercise conducted from 14 to 18 April.
Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Syed Asim Munir, NI(M), attended the closing ceremony as the Chief Guest.
The 60-hour-long high-stakes patrolling exercise, held in the semi-mountainous terrain of Punjab, was designed to enhance combat readiness, promote team cohesion, and encourage the exchange of innovative military strategies and experiences among the participants.
This year’s competition featured strong representation from seven teams of the Pakistan Army and one from the Pakistan Navy, along with 15 teams from allied nations including Bahrain, Belarus, China, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Maldives, Morocco, Nepal, Qatar, Sri Lanka, Türkiye, the United States, and Uzbekistan.
Additionally, military observers from Bangladesh, Egypt, Germany, Kenya, Myanmar, and Thailand attended the exercise to observe its conduct.
Over the years, the PATS Competition has grown into a prestigious and highly competitive platform for international military engagement.
The participants underwent a series of rigorous challenges aimed at testing their physical endurance, tactical skills, and operational expertise.
In his address, General Asim Munir praised all the participating teams for their outstanding professionalism, resilience, and high morale.
He emphasized the value of such collaborative exercises, stating that PATS offers a vital opportunity to share best practices and develop tactical synergy in light of the evolving nature of modern warfare.
“The Pakistan Army remains committed to the core values of character, courage, and competence — qualities consistently demonstrated by our soldiers, particularly in the fight against terrorism,” he noted.
The event concluded with the distribution of awards to distinguished individuals and teams. Defence Attachés and international observers commended the high standards of professionalism and organizational excellence exhibited throughout the competition.
