Competition aimed at improving military-to-military cooperation between contingents of friendly forces
The opening ceremony of 9th Pakistan Army International Team Spirit Competition (PATS) – 2026 was held at National Counter Terrorism Center (NCTC) on February 4, 2026. Photo: PTV
The army on Wednesday started the ninth Pakistan Army International Team Spirit Competition (PATS) 2026 with the attendance of contingents of forces from 19 friendly countries.
A post about X from the state broadcaster PTV News said the opening ceremony was held at the National Counter Terrorism Center (NCTC), Pabbi, with the aim of enhancing military cooperation between contingents of forces from 19 friendly countries.
“A total of 24 international teams from 19 friendly countries, along with military observers, are participating in the competition. Participating countries include Bahrain, Bangladesh, Belarus, Egypt, Iraq, Jordan, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Malaysia, Maldives, Morocco, Nepal, Qatar, Sri Lanka, Türkiye, United States of America and Uzbekistan. Additionally, Indonesia, Myanmar and Thailand are participating as observers,” the post said.
He added that a total of 16 national teams of Pakistan Army and Navy along with observers from Pakistan Air Force were also participating in the exercise.
The opening ceremony of the 9th Pakistan Army International Team Spirit Competition (PATS) – 2026 was held at the National Counter Terrorism Center (NCTC), Pabbi, with the objective of enhancing military-to-military cooperation among contingents of friendly forces. The inaugural event,… pic.twitter.com/Xke6pODRXn
– PTV News (@PTVNewsOfficial) February 4, 2026
He said PATS is a mission- and task-oriented professional military exercise, held annually in the country.
“The exercise demands the highest standards of physical fitness, mental resilience and military experience, focusing on rapid decision-making while carrying out challenging sub-tactical missions in a near-real operational environment.
“The objective of the exercise is to promote perseverance through team spirit. It seeks to hone basic military attributes while improving interoperability between participating forces through the mutual exchange of innovative ideas and best practices.”
Last year, the army organized the eighth edition of PATS competition at Kharian Garrison, with 15 local and international military teams participating.
The 60-hour high-intensity military exercise focused on patrolling in semi-mountainous terrain and was designed to improve combat skills, adaptability and teamwork through a shared exchange of innovative tactics and techniques.
The exercise had become a prestigious platform for military-to-military engagement and professional development.
