COAS reaffirms army's core values

RAWALPINDI:

Chief of Army Staff and Chief of Defence Forces Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir has underscored the importance of multinational engagements in enhancing collective preparedness and adapting to the evolving character of modern warfare.

Addressing the closing ceremony of the 9th International Pakistan Army Team Spirit (PATS) Competition in Kharian, Field Marshal Asim reaffirmed the army's enduring soldierly attributes of "character, courage and competence", demonstrated by Pakistani soldiers in the fight against terrorism.

PATS concluded on Monday, according to the ISPR, which said in a statement on Tuesday that, commencing from February 5, the exercise took place in the semi-mountainous terrain of Punjab, providing a realistic and challenging operational environment.

PATS is a 60-hour-long patrolling exercise designed to enhance professional military skills through the exchange of innovative ideas, tactical experiences and best practices among participating teams, according to the ISPR statement.

This year, the competition featured wide-ranging participation from 19 countries, including Bahrain, Bangladesh, Belarus, Egypt, Iraq, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Malaysia, Maldives, Morocco, Nepal, Qatar, Sri Lanka, Turkiye, the United States and Uzbekistan.

Addressing the closing ceremony as chief guest, Field Marshal Asim commended all participating teams for their exceptional professionalism, physical and mental endurance, operational competence and high morale displayed during the exercise.

Reaffirming the core values of the army, the field marshal again underscored the enduring soldierly attributes of "character, courage and competence", which have been consistently demonstrated by Pakistani soldiers, particularly in the ongoing fight against terrorism.