ISLAMABAD: A 60-hour-long joint military exercise organized by Pakistan’s army concluded this week at the eastern city of Kharian, featuring participation from 19 countries including Saudi Arabia and the US, the military’s media wing said. 

The 9th International Pakistan Army Team Spirit (PATS) Competition is a 60-hour-long patrolling exercise, which the Pakistani military says is designed to enhance professional military skills through the exchange of innovative ideas, tactical experiences and best practices among participating teams. 

The exercise was held from Feb. 5-9 in the semi-mountainous terrains of Pakistan’s eastern Punjab province, providing participants a “realistic and challenging operational environment.” Pakistan’s Chief of Defense Forces (CDF) Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir attended the closing ceremony of the exercise on Monday and presented awards to participants.

“Over the years, PATS has evolved into a prestigious and highly competitive military exercise, recognized for promoting professional excellence and mutual learning among participating nations,” the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the military’s media wing, said in a statement. 

“The forum continues to strengthen military-to-military cooperation and understanding, while fostering camaraderie and team spirit in a demanding operational setting.”

This year’s exercise featured participants from 19 countries including Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Belarus, Egypt, Iraq, Jordan, Malaysia, Maldives, Morocco, Nepal, Qatar, Sri Lanka, Turkiye, USA and Uzbekistan, the ISPR said.

Indonesia, Myanmar and Thailand attended the exercise as observers while 16 domestic teams from the Pakistan Army and Pakistan Navy, along with observers from the Pakistan Air Force also participated in the event.

Munir appreciated participating teams for their “exceptional professionalism, physical and mental endurance, operational competence and high morale” displayed during the exercise, the military’s media wing said.

“He emphasized the importance of such multinational engagements in enhancing collective preparedness and adapting to the evolving character of modern warfare,” the ISPR added. 

Pakistan routinely holds joint air, ground and sea exercises with regional countries and traditional allies to foster interoperability to counter threats to global peace.