Competition aimed at enhancing military-to-military cooperation between contingents of friendly forces
The opening ceremony of the 9th International Pakistan Army Team Spirit (PATS) Competition–2026 was held at the National Counter Terrorism Center (NCTC) on February 4, 2026. Photo: PTV
The military on Wednesday kicked off the 9th International Pakistan Army Team Spirit (PATS) Competition 2026 with the participation of contingents from the forces of 19 friendly countries.
A post on X by state television PTV News said the opening ceremony was held at the National Counter Terrorism Center (NCTC), Pabbi, aimed at strengthening military-to-military cooperation between contingents of 19 friendly countries’ forces.
“A total of 24 international teams from 19 friendly countries are participating in the competition along with military observers. Participating countries include Bahrain, Bangladesh, Belarus, Egypt, Iraq, Jordan, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Malaysia, Maldives, Morocco, Nepal, Qatar, Sri Lanka, Türkiye, USA, USA, Indonesia, Indonesia, Indonesia and Ulyzbekistan. participating as observers,” the post reads.
It added that a total of 16 domestic teams from the Pakistan Army and Pakistan Navy, along with observers from the Pakistan Air Force, also participated in the exercise.
The opening ceremony of the 9th International Pakistan Army Team Spirit (PATS) Competition–2026 was held at the National Counter Terrorism Center (NCTC), Pabbi, with the aim of enhancing military-to-military cooperation between contingents of friendly forces. The inaugural event,… pic.twitter.com/Xke6pODRXn
— PTV News (@PTVNewsOfficial) February 4, 2026
It said PATS is a mission-specific and task-oriented professional military exercise held annually in the country.
“The exercise requires the highest standards of physical fitness, mental resilience and military expertise, with a focus on quick decision-making while executing challenging sub-tactical missions in a near-real operational environment.
“The objective of the exercise is to promote endurance through team spirit. It seeks to hone basic soldiering skills while improving interoperability between the participating forces through mutual sharing of innovative ideas and best practices.”
Last year, the military had hosted the 8th edition of the PATS competition at Kharian Garrison, where 15 local and international military teams participated.
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 joint exchange of tactics and innovative techniques.
The exercise had evolved into a prestigious platform for military-to-military engagement and professional development.
