The culminating ceremony of the 7th Pakistan Army Team Spirit PATS Exercise-2024 concluded with grandeur at Kharian Garrison, as Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Syed Asim Munir graced the occasion, according to a statement released by Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) on Thursday.
The rigorous 60-hour “Patrolling Exercise” aimed at honing combat skills while fostering collaboration and sharing innovative ideas among participants. This exercise served as a platform for exchanging experiences and tactics, ultimately enhancing the combat readiness of all involved.
A total of seven teams from the Pakistan Army, along with 15 teams from esteemed friendly nations such as Bahrain, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Maldives, Morocco, Qatar, United States of America, Uzbekistan, Sri Lanka, Thailand, and Turkey, actively participated in the exercise. Additionally, Azerbaijan, China, Germany, Indonesia, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and Myanmar observed the proceedings, attesting to the exercise’s international significance.
Spanning from February 25 to February 27, 2024, the exercise unfolded in the semi-mountainous terrain of Punjab, providing a challenging environment for the participants to test their mettle and cooperation skills. Over the years, the PATS Exercise has earned recognition as a premier military activity, fostering camaraderie and healthy competition among friendly nations.
During his address at the ceremony, General Munir commended the professionalism, physical endurance, and high morale exhibited by the participating teams throughout the exercise. He underscored the importance of mutual learning in such exercises, emphasizing PATS as an ideal platform for enhancing professional military skills and fostering teamwork in the face of evolving challenges in modern warfare.
General Munir further highlighted the intrinsic values of the Pakistan Army, emphasizing “character, courage, and competence” displayed by soldiers in the ongoing fight against terrorism. In recognition of the participants’ dedication and performance, individual and team awards were conferred by the army chief, acknowledging their outstanding contributions.
The ceremony also saw the presence of international observers and defense attachés from participating countries, who lauded the professional conduct and execution of the exercise. As the curtains draw on the 7th PATS Exercise-2024, the spirit of collaboration and commitment to excellence resonate as hallmarks of Pakistan’s military prowess on the global stage.