107-659: The Azad Kashmir Regiment (AK Regt) is one of six infantry regiments in the Pakistan Army named after Azad Kashmir (Pakistan Administered Kashmir). It holds the distinction of being the only Battle Born Regiment in South Asia, formed by locals of Azad Kashmir to fight against Dogra Raj and it is the first regiment raised after Pakistan's independence. With the Regimental Centre at Mansar Mansar Camp in Attock District ,
214-645: A militia , the AKRF functioned as a paramilitary force. The AKRF was amalgamated to the Pakistan Army as Regular Infantry Regiment in 1974 as Azad Kashmir Regiment. Col Commandants of the Regt include: What began as a revolt by young rebels and ex servicemen turned out to be a big setback for tripartite alliance of Maharaja of Jammu and Kashmir, Indian Government and remnants of outgoing British colonial authorities still in control of India and partial control of Pakistan. To quote
321-512: A state within a state . The Pakistan Army is operationally and geographically divided into various corps . The Pakistani constitution mandates the role of the president of Pakistan as the civilian commander-in-chief of the Pakistani military. The Pakistan Army is commanded by the Chief of Army Staff , also known as ( Urdu : سپہ سالار ; romanized who is by statute a four star general and
428-1244: A Bagpipe band, considered to be the best of Pakistan Army. The band has represented Pak Army internationally, a number of times 1 AK (The Hill Panthers)(Kashmir 1948) 2 AK (313 Taimuri)(Kashmir 1948) 3 AK (Hussainia) (Kashmir 1948) 4 AK (Fighting Four) (Kashmir 1948) 5 AK (Haider Dill Battalion) (Kashmir 1948) 6 AK (Fateh E Dewa)(Ghazi Battalion)(Sixer Ghazi)(Kashmir 1948) 7 AK (striking seven)(Salala Heroes)(Kashmir 1948) 8 AK (Pasban) 9 AK (Leepa Heroes) 10 AK (HAT)(Zinda Dill) (Kashmir 1948) 11 AK (Shaheen) (Kashmir 1948) 12 AK (Maidan Battalion) (Kashmir 1948) 13 AK (Zinda Dill) 14 AK (Lashkri Battalion) (Kashmir 1948) 15 AK (HAT)(Fakhar E Kashmir)(Tank Hunter) 16 AK (An Nasri) 17 AK (First Hyderi)(Kashmir 1948) 18 AK (NH)(Al Saif Battalion) (Kashmir 1948) 19 AK (MIB)(Mazboot Dill) (Kashmir 1948) 20 AK (First Farooqui) 21 AK (Koh Paima) 22 AK (Zarb E Haider) (Budhal) 23 AK (Taees)(Taiz O Tund) 24 AK (Har Dum Pur Dam) 25 AK (Panjal Battalion) 26 AK (Janbaz Awal) (Chabee Adabee A)(16 Oct 1965) Pakistan Army The Pakistan Army ( Urdu : پاکستان فوج , romanized : Pākistān Fãuj , pronounced [ˈpaːkɪstaːn faːɔːdʒ] ), commonly known as
535-567: A MiG-21 shot down an Israeli Air Force Mirage flown by Captain M. Lutz, and was honoured by the Syrian government. The Israeli pilot later succumbed to wounds he sustained during ejection. However, no major sources from the time reported on such an incident, and there is no mention of "Captain Lutz" in Israel's Ministry of Defense 's record of Israel's casualties of war. The political instability increased in
642-633: A compromise through the United Nations ' intervention, with Pakistan controlling the Western Kashmir and India controlling the Eastern Kashmir . At the time of the partition of British India , British Field Marshal (United Kingdom) Sir Claude Auchinleck favored the transfer of the infantry divisions to the Pakistan Army including the 7th , 8th and 9th. In 1948, the British army officers in
749-419: A continuation of the fighting would only have led to further losses and ultimate defeat for Pakistan. Most Pakistanis, schooled in the belief of their own martial prowess, refused to accept the possibility of their country's military defeat by "Hindu India" and were, instead, quick to blame their failure to attain their military aims on what they considered to be the ineptitude of Ayub Khan and his government. At
856-467: A failed attempt to destroy Ramban bridge, the force trapped and engaged a force of 7 Madras and inflicted heavy casualties forcing it to withdraw After this, Maj Munawwar effectively gained control of around 500 Square Miles of territory in Budhil-Rajauri and practically worked as a de facto Civil Administrator. Ghaznavi Force then trained local volunteers who participated in guerilla Operations against
963-623: A gallantry award for his work during Operation Gibraltar in 1965. Munawar was born to a Muslim family of the Awan tribe in Chakwal , Punjab , British India . As a young boy, he was spotted winning an athletics race that he had entered on the spur of the moment and was nurtured by the British for a role in the army . Awan was among those captured and made prisoner of war by Japanese forces while trying to defend Singapore in World War II . He learned
1070-556: A lack of reserves and a tough defensive role, Maj Gen Akbar, GOC 12th Infantry Division made an ambitious plan to capture the town of Poonch . The greater Poonch area was already under Azad Kashmir , liberated by AKRF in the First Kashmir War . Maj Gen Akbar assigned two infantry Brigades to capture Poonch. Seven battalions from the AKRF took part in this operation and gallantly faced regular Indian army units that were superior in numbers, weapons, equipment, and training. Ultimately
1177-512: A larger Indian force composed of several regular battalions. This particular battalion was first led in 1948 by Lt Colonel Ghulam Rasul Raja-Sitara-e-Jurrat (1948), Military Cross (WWII). During the Battle of Leepa Valley, the 9th AK Battalion with 25 Mountain Regiment Artillery distinguished itself under the leadership of Lt Colonel Haq Nawaz Kyani, SJ and Bar, who died leading the battalion from
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#17328764757221284-878: A really wonderful job. 5th AK contained enemy positions at Dalla, Paur, Pir Jamal and Mehra while 19th AK inflicted a crushing defeat on the well fortified Indian position Patrara which was captured" In the final stages of the Operation, A coy 5 AKRF captured Pt 1886, while 19th AKRF captured Malla Ridge, diary of CO 2 Grenadiers containing useful intel was taken in possession. Two AKRF Units, 12 AKRF (Maidan Battalion), 21 AKRF (Koh e Paima) and one Company from 14 AKRF (Lashkri) were deployed to East Pakistan . Upon their arrival, these were split in companies, The Company of 14 AKRF, two companies of 12 AKRF under 27 Ind Brigade (14 Div) under Brig Saadullah Khan HJ . Two Companies 21 AKRF were under 117 Brigade, one company under 53 Brigade (both in 39 Ad-Hoc Div). Despite severe limitations due to
1391-546: A senior member of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee appointed by the prime minister and subsequently affirmed by the president. As of December 2022 , the current Chief of Army Staff is General Asim Munir , who was appointed to the position on 29 November 2022. Its existence and constitutional role are protected by the Constitution of Pakistan , where its role is to serve as the land-based uniform service branch of
1498-469: A year later. In 1975 , Prime Minister Zulfikar Ali Bhutto controversially superseded at least seven senior army generals to promote Lt-Gen. Zia-ul-Haq to the four-star rank, appointing him the Chief of Army Staff (COAS) in spite of army recommendations forwarded to the federal government. In the 1970s, the army's engineering formations, notable the Corps of Engineers , played a crucial role in supporting
1605-612: The Bhutto administration dismissed the state government in Balochistan that resulting in another separatist movement , culminating the series of army actions in largest province of the country that ended in 1977. With the military aid receiving from Iran including the transfer of the Bell AH-1 Cobra to Aviation Corps , the conflict came to end with the Pakistani government offering
1712-571: The Bhutto administration formed the POW Commission to investigate the numbers of war prisoners held by the Indian Army while requesting the Supreme Court of Pakistan to investigate the causes of the war failure with India in 1971. The Supreme Court formed the famed War Enquiry Commission (WEC) that identified many failures, fractures, and faults within the institution of the department of
1819-714: The Bhutto administration transferred all the war prisoners back to the country but the military struggle to fill in the vacancies and employments due to some suffering from the PTSD and other mental health complications, while others simply did not wanted to serve in the military any longer. During Bhutto's administration, Pakistan's military pursued a policy of greater self-reliance in arms production. This involved efforts to develop domestic capabilities for manufacturing weapons and military equipment. To address material shortages, Pakistan also turned to China for cooperation in establishing essential metal and material industries. In 1973 ,
1926-690: The British Army Board 's replacement of Gen. Gracey upon his replacement, in 1951. Eventually, Prime Minister Liaquat Ali Khan approved the promotion paper of Maj-Gen. Iftikhar Khan as the first native commander-in-chief , a graduate of the Imperial Defence College in England , but died in an aviation accident en route to Pakistan from the United Kingdom . After the death of Maj-Gen. Iftikhar , there were four senior major-generals in
2033-581: The Chumb sector near Kashmir in the north. With the United States' arms embargo on Pakistan over the issue of the war, the army instead turned to the Soviet Union and China for hardware acquisition, and correctly assessed that a lack of infantry played a major role in the failure of Pakistani armour to translate its convincing material and technical superiority into a major operational or strategic success against
2140-693: The Frontier Force Regiment in Northern Pakistan , Kashmir Regiment in Kashmir , and Frontier Corps in the Western Pakistan . The order of precedence change from Navy–Army–Air Force to Army–Navy-Air Force, with army being the most senior service branch in the structure of the Pakistani military. In 1957, the I Corps was established and headquarter was located in Punjab. Between 1956 and 1958,
2247-532: The Grand Mosque in Mecca from Islamists . The army under President Zia weakened due to the army officers were needed in running the affairs of civic government and the controversial military courts that held trials of the communists, dissidents, and the oppositions of Zia's administration . In 1984–85, Pakistan lost the control of her northern glaciers due to the successful expedition and penetration by
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#17328764757222354-593: The Indian Army in 1948. The AKRF had its own intake and training structure separate from the Pakistan Army. Uniforms and rank structures were the same as in the Pakistan Army. At that time, all the battalions of the AKRF were part of the 12th Infantry Division of the Pakistan Army, permanently stationed in Azad Kashmir. Although upon requirement, two AKRF regiments (12th and 21st) were sent to East Pakistan as part of reinforcements to Eastern Command. Originally created as
2461-500: The Indian Army with a serious incident taking place near the Rann of Kutch , followed by the failed covert action to take control of the Indian-side of Kashmir resulted in a massive retaliation by the Indian Army on 5 August 1965. On the night of 6 September 1965, India opened the front against Pakistan when the Indian Army's mechanized corps charged forwards taking over the control of
2568-502: The Indian Army , and army had to engage in years long difficult battles with Indian Army to regain their areas from the Indian Army. Concerns over the military officers and army personnel needed to counter the further advances by the Indian Army in Northern fronts in 1984, the martial law was lifted following the referendum that approved Zia's presidency and provided a way of holding the general elections in 1985. The military control
2675-912: The International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS) in 2024, the Pakistan Army has approximately 560,000 active duty personnel, supported by the Pakistan Army Reserve , the National Guard and the Civil Armed Forces . Pakistan Army is the sixth-largest army in the world and the largest in the Muslim world . In accordance with the Pakistan Constitution , Pakistani citizens can voluntarily enlist in military service as early as age 16, but cannot be deployed for combat until age 18. The primary objective and constitutional mission of
2782-608: The Pak Army ( Urdu : پاک فوج , romanized : Pāk Fãuj ), is the land service branch and the largest component of the Pakistan Armed Forces . The president of Pakistan is the supreme commander of the army. The Chief of Army Staff (COAS) , a four-star general , commands the army. The Army was established in August 1947 after Pakistan gained independence from the United Kingdom . According to statistics provided by
2889-543: The Pakistan Armed Forces . The Constitution of Pakistan establishes the principal land warfare uniform branch in the Pakistan Armed Forces as its states: The Armed Forces shall, under the directions of the Federal Government, defend Pakistan against external aggression or threat of war, and, subject to law, act in aid of civil power when called upon to do so. The Pakistan Army came into its modern birth from
2996-638: The Pakistan-side of Punjab , almost reaching Lahore . At the time of the conflict in 1965, Pakistan's armory and mechanized units' hardware was imported from the United States including the M4 Sherman , M24 Chaffee , M36 Jackson , and the M47 and M48 Patton tanks , equipped with 90 mm guns. In contrast, the Indian Army's armor had outdated in technology with Korean war-usage American M4 Sherman and World War II manufactured British Centurion Tank , fitted with
3103-657: The Tashkent Declaration . According to the Library of Congress Country Studies conducted by the Federal Research Division of the United States: The war was militarily inconclusive; each side held prisoners and some territory belonging to the other. Losses were relatively heavy—on the Pakistani side, twenty aircraft, 200 tanks, and 3,800 troops. Pakistan's army had been able to withstand Indian pressure, but
3210-744: The U.S. active measures against the expansion of the global communism . In 1956, the 1st Armored Division in Multan was established, followed by the Special Forces in Cherat under the supervision of the U.S Army's Special Forces . Under Gen. Ayub 's control, the army had eradicated the British influence but invited the American expansion and had reorganized the East Bengal Regiment in East Bengal ,
3317-504: The United Nations (UN). Notably, it played a major role in rescuing trapped American soldiers who had requested the assistance of a quick reaction force during Operation Gothic Serpent in Somalia . Pakistan Army troops also had a relatively strong presence as part of a UN and NATO coalition during the Bosnian War and the larger Yugoslav Wars . The Pakistan Army, a major component of
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3424-568: The clandestine atomic bomb program to reach its parity and feasibility, including the constructions of iron-steel tunnels in the secretive nuclear weapons-testing sites in 1977–78. PAF and Navy fighter pilots voluntarily served in Arab nations' militaries against Israel in the Yom Kippur War (1973). According to modern Pakistani sources, in 1974 one of the PAF pilots, Flt. Lt. Sattar Alvi flying
3531-526: The legislative election held in East-Bengal . Within two months of the elections, Prime Minister Mohammad Ali Bogra , with approval from Governor-General Malik Ghulam , dismissed another popularly-mandated state government of Chief Minister Fazlul Huq in East Bengal in Pakistan , and declared governor's rule under Iskandar Mirza who relied in the Pakistan Army to manage the control and security of
3638-527: The "army waderas" (lit. Warlords ). In 1972, the army leadership under Lt-Gen. Gul Hassan refrained from acting under Bhutto administration's order to tackle the labor strikes in Karachi and to detained the labor union leaders in Karachi, instead advising the federal government to use the Police Department to take the actions. On 2 March 1972 , President Bhutto dismissed Lt-Gen. Gul Hassan as
3745-784: The Cease-Fire Line. This Force consisted of 14 groups, out of these, AKRF provided C/D Group (16 AKRF), E Group (9 AKRF,13 AKRF, 1 AK Sp Coy), F Group (6 AKRF), G Group (7 AKRF), H Group, NUSRAT 4 (4 AKRF), J Group ( 11 AKRF, 12 AKRF, 21 AKRF), K Group (1 AKRF, 21 AKRF), L Group, M Group ( 5 AKRF), N Group (19 AKRF) Two AKRF Infantry Units, 5th AKRF (Haider Dil) and 19th AKRF (Mazboot Dil), and supporting elements of 81 AK Fd bty, 4 AK Sp Coy, 5 AK A/Tk Coy and 57 AK Fd Coy Engrs were provided to Maj Gen Akhtar Malik for Operation Grand Slam . 5 AKRF and 19 AKRF were part of 4 Sector. 5 AKRF provided firmbase along CFL Line in Padhar to facilitate Phase 1 of
3852-617: The East Bengal at all levels of command. With General Ayub Khan becoming the Defense Minister under Ministry of Talents led by Prime Minister Bogra , the involvement of the army in the national politics grew further with the implementation of the controversial One Unit program, abolishing the status of Four Provinces , despite the strong protests by the public and the West Pakistan's politicians. Major defense funding and spending
3959-543: The French-made CN-75 guns. In spite of Pakistan enjoying the numerical advantage in tanks and artillery, as well as better equipment overall, the Indian Army successfully penetrated the defences of Pakistan's borderline and successfully conquered around 360 to 500 square kilometres (140 to 190 square miles) of Pakistani Punjab territory on the outskirts of Lahore. A major tank battle took place in Chawinda , at which
4066-503: The Indian Army. Ultimately, the army's high command established the 9th, 16th, and 17th infantry divisions in 1966–68. In 1966, the IV Corps was formed and its headquarter was established, and permanently stationed in Lahore, Punjab in Pakistan . The army remained involved in the nation's civic affairs, and ultimately imposed the second martial law in 1969 when the writ of the constitution
4173-578: The Indian Army. On 27th Sept, after insistence by the HQ 12 Div Pakistan, Ghaznavi Force exfiltrated with a heavy heart back to their base in Azad Kashmir Maj Munawwar was later awarded Sitara-e-Jurat and given the title of 'King of Rajouri' by Field Martial Ayub Khan . The infiltration route of Ghaznavi Force is still known as Munawar Pass today. Nusrat Force was tasked with supporting other Gibraltar Forces and to ensure fixation of Indian Forces along
4280-605: The Instrument of accession signed by the Hindu Maharaja of state and landed its Military forces in the valley using massive air lifts. Fierce fighting continued for over a year but AKRF with the assistance of Pakistani tribals and regular army managed to capture Districts of Mirpur, Bhimber, Kotli, Bagh, Rawlakot, Muzaffarabad and Neelum. A total of 2633 all ranks of the regiment died during the war. Naik Saif Ali Janjua of 5th & 18th Battalion of AK Regt (Haider Dil) & (Al Saif)
4387-467: The Japanese language while incarcerated and his fluency brought him to the attention of his captors. They moved him out of the prison camp and enlisted him in the Imperial Japanese Army , where he received special training. When the Indian National Army , led by Subhas Chandra Bose , was formed in 1942, Awan joined its fight for Indian independence from British rule. He was captured by the Allied forces and returned to India to stand trial for treason at
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4494-452: The LOC. Notable operations by the Regiment in LOC environment include Battle of Pir Kalewa, Battle of Paran Hills, Siege of Poonch , Battle of Mirpur, Battle of Kotli, Battle of Mendhar, Battle of Muzaffarabad, Operation Grand Slam, Operation Gibraltar , Leepa Valley Operation, Chumik operation, Siachen operations, Operation Koh Paima and countless other major and minor operations. In recognition of bold and brilliant performance of Regiment, it
4601-423: The Operation and through skilled fighting captured Lalleal and cleared initially bypassed Indian positions of Pir Jamal, Dalla, Paur, Maira and Moel, while 19 AKRF which was on point for 4 Sector in a gallant attack with armour support (due to be provided by 11 Cav) arriving late, captured Patrara and Dewa, being held by the 3 Mahar Regiment and 8 Jammu and Kashmir Militia . Writes Yousaf Saraf, "5 AK and 19 AK did
4708-401: The Operation did not meet success due to numerical inferiority, lack of reserves, and poor planning by the Divisional leadership. The troops of AKRF upheld the Regimental traditions and fought with bravery, with 83 personnel embracing martyrdom including the Commanding Officer of 19 AKRF. The 28 AKRF met the same fate after the injury of their company commander Major Muhammad Latif was later given
4815-408: The Pakistan Army established and raised the 10th, 12th , and the 14th infantry divisions— with the 14th being established in East Bengal . In 1950, the 15th Infantry Division was raised with the help from the United States Army , followed by the establishment of the 15th Lancers in Sialkot. Dependence on the United States grew furthermore by the Pakistan Army despite it had worrisome concerns to
4922-449: The Pakistan Army is to ensure the national security and national unity of Pakistan by defending it against external aggression or the threat of war. It can also be requisitioned by the Pakistani federal government to respond to internal threats within its borders. During national or international calamities or emergencies, it conducts humanitarian rescue operations at home and is an active participant in peacekeeping missions mandated by
5029-404: The Pakistani military alongside the Pakistan Navy and Pakistan Air Force , is a volunteer force that saw extensive combat during three major wars with India , several border skirmishes with Afghanistan at the Durand Line , and a long-running insurgency in the Balochistan region that it has been combatting alongside Iranian security forces since 1948. Since the 1960s, elements of
5136-408: The Palestinian infiltration in Jordan. In June 1971, the enlistment in the army had allowed the Army GHQ in Rawalpindi to raise and established the 18th infantry division, stationed in Hyderabad , Sindh , for the defence of 900 kilometres (560 mi) from Rahimyar Khan to Rann of Kutch , and restationed the 23rd infantry division for defending the Chhamb-Dewa Sector . In 1971, the II Corps
5243-504: The Regiment continues to train. Its battalions have a habit of displaying highest standards of training, sportsmanship and military professionalism. 8th Battalion of the Azad Kashmir Regiment won gold medals and secured 1st position in Exercise Cambrian Patrol , considered to be the toughest military training competition of the world. Erstwhile AKRF also conducted relief and construction operations making and maintaining several road links in rough terrain of Azad Kashmir . The Regiment has
5350-403: The Regiment has gallantly participated in all Operations and Wars fought by the Pakistan Army The Azad Kashmir Regiment was established in 1974 from the original Kashmir Liberation Forces that rose in 1947 in rebellion against the Maharaja of Jammu and Kashmir in present-day Azad Kashmir . They were regularised at the end of the First Kashmir War and made a part of the Pakistan Army under
5457-419: The United States and they established the 25th Cavalry , followed by the 24th Cavalry , 22nd, and 23rd Cavalry. In 1960–61, the Army Special Forces was reportedly involved in taking over the control of the administration of Dir from the Nawab of Dir in Chitral in North-West Frontier Province over the concerns of Afghan meddling in the region. In 1964–65, the border fighting and tensions flared with
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#17328764757225564-438: The aid of civilian federal governments when called upon to do so". The army has been involved in enforcing martial law against the federal government with the claim of restoring law and order in the country by dismissing the legislative branch and parliament on multiple occasions in past decades—while maintaining a wider commercial, foreign and political interest in the country. This has led to allegations that it has acted as
5671-464: The army and submitted recommendations to strengthen the armed forces overall. Under the Yahya administration , the army was highly demoralized and there were unconfirmed reports of mutiny by soldiers against the senior army generals at the Corps garrisons and the Army GHQ in Rawalpindi. Upon returning from the quick visit in the United States in 1971 , President Bhutto forcefully dishonourably discharge seven senior army generals, which he called
5778-446: The army by appointing the Gen. Abdul Hamid Khan as the Army Chief of Staff (ACOS) of the Pakistan Army, who centralized the chain of command in Rawalpindi in a headquarters known as "High Command". From 1967 to 1969, a series of major military exercises was conducted by infantry units on East Pakistan's border with India. In 1970, the Pakistan army's military mission in Jordan was reportedly involved in tackling and curbing down
5885-457: The army commander with Ayub Khan promoting himself as controversial rank of field marshal . In 1969, the Supreme Court reversed its decision and overturned its convictions that called for validation of martial law in 1958. The army held the referendum and tightly control the political situation through the intelligence agencies , and banned the political activities in the country. From 1961 to 1962, military aid continued to Pakistan from
5992-484: The army commander, replacing with Lt-Gen. Tikka Khan who was later promoted to four-star rank and appointed as the first Chief of Army Staff (COAS). The army under Bhutto administration was reconstructed in its structure, improving its fighting ability, and reorganized with the establishment of the X Corps in Punjab in 1974 , followed by the V Corps in Sindh and XI Corps in the Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa in Pakistan in 1975 . The trilateral agreement in India,
6099-489: The army had not seriously considered a full-fledged invasion from India until December 1971, because it was presumed that the Indian military would not risk intervention by China or the United States, and the high command failed to realize that the Chinese would be unable to intervene during the winter months of November to December, due to snowbound Himalayan passes, and the Americans had not made any real effort to persuade India against attacking East Pakistan. In January 1972,
6206-538: The army have repeatedly been deployed in an advisory capacity in the Arab states during the Arab–Israeli wars , and to aid the United States -led coalition against Iraq during the First Gulf War . Other notable military operations during the global war on terrorism in the 21st century have included: Zarb-e-Azb , Black Thunderstorm , and Rah-e-Nijat . In violation of its constitutional mandate, it has repeatedly overthrown elected civilian governments, overreaching its protected constitutional mandate to "act in
6313-411: The army in the race of promotion but the most junior, Maj-Gen. Ayub Khan , whose name was not included in the promotion list was elevated to the promotion that resulted in a lobbying provided by Iskandar Mirza, the Defense Secretary in Ali Khan administration . A tradition of appointment based on favoritism and qualification that is still in practice by the civilian Prime Ministers in Pakistan. Ayub
6420-514: The army was overseen by Sir Chandulal Madhavlal Trivedi , an Indian civil servant who was influential in making sure that ~260,000 men would be transferred into forming the Indian Army whilst the remaining balance going to Pakistan after the independence act was enacted by the United Kingdom on the night of 14/15 August 1947. Command and control at all levels of the new army was extremely difficult, as Pakistan had received six armoured, eight artillery and eight infantry regiments compared to
6527-409: The call from one of the opposition leader of threatening to call for another civil war. The military interference in civic matters grew further when the martial law was extended for an infinite period despite maintaining that the elections to be held in 90-days prior. At the request from the Saudi monarchy , the Zia administration deployed the company of the special forces to end seizure of
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#17328764757226634-424: The ceasefire. However, after the Tashkent Agreement between India and Pakistan, he was ordered to withdraw his forces and return to Rawalpindi . Awan was awarded the Sitara-i-Jurat for his actions in the Rajouri valley, and was also referred to as the "King of Rajouri" by Field Marshal Ayub Khan . He died a few years later. Munawar Pass, a pass in Pir Panjal mountain range north of Pir ki Gali overlooking
6741-429: The country when the conservative alliance refused to accept the voting turnout in favor of Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) after the general elections held in 1977. The army, under Gen. Zia-ul-Haq –the army chief , began planning the military takeover of the federal government under Prime Minister Zulfikar Bhutto , eventually leading the coup d'état that suspended the writ of the Constitution amid responding to
6848-413: The country's politicians. Between 1950 and 1954, Pakistan Army raised six more armoured regiments under the U.S. Army's guidance: including, 4th Cavalry, 12th Cavalry , 15th Lancers , and 20th Lancers . After the incident involving Gracey's disobedience, there was a strong belief that a native commander of the Pakistan army should be appointed, which resulted in the Government of Pakistan rejecting
6955-446: The deployment of the Indian Army in Kashmir – this agreement, however, was contested by Pakistan since the agreement did not include the consent of the Kashmiri people . Sporadic fighting between militia and Indian Army broke out, and units of the Pakistan Army under Maj-Gen. Akbar Khan , eventually joined the militia in their fight against the Indian Army. Although, it was Lieutenant-General Sir Frank Messervy who opposed
7062-477: The deployment of the army units and ultimately issued standing orders that refrained the units of Pakistan Army to further participate in the conflict. By 1948, when it became imperative in Pakistan that India was about to mount a large-scale operation against Pakistan, Gen. Gracey did not object to the deployment of the army units in the conflict against the Indian Army. This earlier insubordination of Gen. Gracey eventually forced India and Pakistan to reach
7169-439: The dividing of the ~400,000 men strong British Indian Army, but that only began few weeks before the partition of India that resulted in violent religious violence in India . The Armed Forces Reconstitution Committee (AFRC) under the chairmanship of British Field Marshal Sir Claude Auchinleck had devised the formula to divide the military assets between India and Pakistan with ratio of 2:1, respectively. A major division of
7276-450: The division of the British Indian Army that ceased to exist as a result of the partition of India that resulted in the creation of Pakistan on 14 August 1947. Before even the partition took place, there were plans ahead of dividing the British Indian Army into different parts based on the religious and ethnic influence on the areas of India. On 30 June 1947, the War Department of the British administration in India began planning
7383-458: The end of World War II. Awan was freed, along with other INA prisoners, when the Partition of India occurred. He moved to Pakistan and was invited to join the Pakistan Army by prime minister Liaquat Ali Khan . He then joined the Azad Kashmir Regular Forces (AKRF), which later became the Azad Kashmir Regiment . Operation Gibraltar was launched in July 1965 with the aim of Pakistani infiltration of Jammu & Kashmir . Awan, who now held
7490-416: The establishment of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee to maintain strategic military communication between the inter-services and the federal government, that is to be chaired by the appointed Chairman joint chiefs as the government's principal military adviser. In 1976 , the first Chairman joint chiefs was appointed from the army with Gen. Muhammad Shariff taking over the chairmanship, but resigned
7597-442: The first commander-in-chief of the Pakistan Army. Eminent fears of India 's seizing the control over the state of Kashmir , the armed tribes and the irregular militia entered in the Muslim-majority valley of Kashmir to oppose the rule of Hari Singh , a Hindu and the ruling Maharaja of Kashmir , in October 1947. Attempting to maintain his control over the princely state , Hari Singh deployed his troops to check on
7704-515: The front. The Company Commander of B Coy called for artillery fire upon their position while being overrun by the enemy; in doing this they repulsed the enemy attack. The Pakistan Army later honored the AKRF by absorbing it into its ranks and giving it the status of a Regular Line Infantry Regiment. The AKRF thus became the Azad Kashmir Regiment on 20 September 1972. The regiment has involved in all Indo-Pakistani War and has always deployed on
7811-408: The gallantry award of Tamgha-i-Basalat who lost his left eye in an encounter near Poonch city, during this encounter the two companies 28 AKRF lost more than a dozen soldiers. The Regiment further proved its mettle in the 1972 Leepa Valley Operation. The Azad Kashmir Regular Forces fought in the 1971 war and then in 1972 when the 9th Azad Kashmir Battalion defended Chakpatra and Leepa Valley against
7918-461: The general amnesties to separatists in the 1980s. Over the issue of Baloch conflict, the Pakistani military remained engage in Omani civil war in favor of Omani government until the rebels were defeated in 1979. The War Enquiry Commission noted the lack of joint grand strategy between the four-branches of the military during the first , the second , and the third wars with India, recommending
8025-515: The implementation of the first set of Constitution of Pakistan that had established the civilian control of the military , and the army went on to completely endorse and support the first martial law in the country imposed by President Iskander Mirza – the army later took control of the power from President Mirza in mere two weeks and installed Ayub Khan as the second President . The subsequent change of command resulted in Gen. Musa Khan becoming
8132-603: The imported hardware acquired from the United States , in spite of acquiring it from the domestic industry, under the Military Assistance Advisory Group attached to Pakistan in 1954–56. In 1953, the 6th Infantry Division was raised and disbanded the 6th Division in 1956 followed by the disbandment of the 9th Infantry Division as the American assistance was available only for one armored and six infantry divisions. During this time, an army combat brigade team
8239-783: The infiltration by the Afghan National Army from Afghanistan . Malik Munawar Khan Awan Malik Munawar Khan Awan ( ملک منور خان اعوان ) was a Major rank officer in the Pakistan Army , whose career had begun in the British Indian Army and included spells in the Imperial Japanese Army and the revolutionary Indian National Army that fought against the Allies in World War II where he commanded 2nd INA Guerrilla Battalion during famous Battle of Imphal . He received
8346-406: The largest surrender in a war by any country after the World War II . Casualties inflicted to army's I Corps, II Corps, and Marines did not sit well with President Yahya Khan who turned over control of the civic government to Zulfikar Ali Bhutto through an executive decree. Commenting on the defeat, the military observer in the Pakistan Army, Major A.H. Amin, reported that the war strategists in
8453-536: The leadership of Lt Gen Sarfaraz Ali Shaheed TB.t & Bar (then Lt Col). Regiment's experience transcends the borders of motherland. Its battalions have served on at least four continents as part of international peace keepers under the UN mandate or training battalions for friendly countries. The International duties include Bosnia, Haiti, DRC (Congo), Liberia, Côte d'Ivoire, Burundi, Sudan and Bahrain. The experience of its all ranks employed on independent duties surpasses
8560-464: The list and includes all continents of world. In recognition of its service, the Azad Kashmir Regiment have been bestowed with a full range of National and International gallantry awards. The Regiment's gallantry awards includes a "Nishan E Haider" awarded to Naik Saif Ali Janjua of 5th/18th Azad Kashmir Regiment in 1948. This award is equivalent of Britain's Victoria cross and the United States' Medal of Honor When not engaged in operations of war,
8667-516: The name Azad Kashmir Regular Force (AKRF). The force has the distinction of not having been raised by any government order, but "raised itself" when bands of armed World War II veterans along with locals including women, including Mujahida Hussain Bibi , organized themselves into disciplined ad hoc platoons, companies and battalions led by retired officers, JCOs and NCOs, and went out to fight in Kashmir against
8774-617: The newly established 1st Armoured Division was able to halt the Indian invasion. Eventually, the Indian invasion of Pakistan came to halt when the Indian Army concluded the battle near Burki . With diplomatic efforts and involvement by the Soviet Union to bring two nation to end the war, the Ayub administration reached a compromise with Shastri ministry in India when both governments signed and ratified
8881-503: The people of State, Pakistani Government under the leadership of Governor General M A Jinnah and Prime Minister Liaquat Ali Khan decided to support the Lashkars. British C in C of its Army, General Frank Messervy refused to obey the instructions of M A Jinnah. However, AKRF took Muzaffarabad by 13 October 1947, Mirpur by 25 November 1947 and Jhangar in December 1947. India meanwhile managed to get
8988-615: The popularly-mandated state government of Chief Minister Mumtaz Daultana in Punjab in Pakistan , and declared martial law under Lt-Gen. Azam Khan and Col. Rahimuddin Khan who successfully quelled the religious agitation in Lahore . In 1954, the Pakistan Army's Military Intelligence Corps reportedly sent the intelligence report indicating the rise of communism in East Pakistan during
9095-594: The rank of major, was involved in this, leading troops in heavy fighting at a pass near to Rajouri . He controlled an area of around 500 square miles for a period of three months and, according to Lt General Mahmud Ahmed in his book War 1965, Munawar enjoyed full support from the local population of the valley. By the time the Second Kashmir War ended, Munawar was in effective control of Rajouri valley and welcomed UN military observers who landed in Rajouri valley to monitor
9202-573: The real nature of Indian strategy behind their support of the resistance. The Yahya administration is widely accused of permitting the army to commit the war crimes against the civilians in East and curbing civil liberties and human rights in Pakistan. The Eastern Command under Lt-Gen. A. A. K. Niazi , who had area responsibility of the defending the Eastern Front and had the responsibility to protect,
9309-450: The schools of infantry and tactics, artillery, ordnance, armoured, medical, engineering, services, aviation, and several other schools and training centers were established with or without U.S. participation. As early as 1953, the Pakistan Army became involved in national politics in a view of restoring the law and order situation when Governor-General Malik Ghulam , with approval from Prime Minister Khawaja Nazimuddin , dismissed
9416-489: The suit by retroactively invalidated the martial law that suspended the Constitution and notably ruled that Yahya Khan's assumption of power was "illegal usurpation". In light of the Supreme Court's judgement, the army held the publicly televised conference when President Yahya Khan announced to hold the nationwide general elections in 1969–70. In 1969, President Yahya Khan decided to make administrative changes in
9523-451: The time of ceasefire declared, per neutral sources, Indian casualties stood at 3,000 whilst the Pakistani casualties were 3800. Pakistan lost between 200 and 300 tanks during the conflict and India lost approximately 150-190 tanks. However, most neutral assessments agree that India had the upper hand over Pakistan when ceasefire was declared, but the propaganda in Pakistan about the war continued in favor of Pakistan Army. The war
9630-608: The tribal advances but his troops failed to halt the advancing tribes towards the valley. Eventually, Hari Singh appealed to Louis Mountbatten , the Governor-General of India , requesting for the deployment of the Indian Armed Forces but Indian government maintained that the troops could be committed if Hari Singh acceded to India. Hari Singh eventually agreed to concede to the Indian government terms which eventually led to
9737-405: The tribal invasion in a cabinet meeting with Prime Minister Liaquat Ali Khan in 1947, later leaving the command of the army in 1947, in a view of that British officers in the Indian and Pakistan Army would be fighting with each other in the war front. It was Lt-Gen. Douglas Gracey who reportedly disobeyed the direct orders from Muhammad Ali Jinnah , the Governor-General of Pakistan , for
9844-469: The twelve armoured, forty artillery and twenty-one infantry regiments that went to India. In total, the size of the new army was about ~150,000 men strong. To fill the vacancy in the command positions of the new army, around 13,500 military officers from the British Army had to be employed in the Pakistan Army, which was quite a large number, under the command of Lieutenant-General Frank Messervy ,
9951-508: The ultimatum issued on 16 December 1971 by the Indian Army in East, Lt-Gen. Niazi agreed to concede defeat and move towards signing the documented surrender with the Indian Army which effectively and unilaterally ended the armed resistance and led the creation of Bangladesh , only after India's official engagement that lasted 13 days. It was reported that the Eastern Command had surrendered ~93,000–97,000 uniform personnel to Indian Army–
10058-550: The under army administration had successfully stabilized the law and order in Balochistan despite the massive illegal immigration from Afghanistan , and issued the general amnesties to separatists and rebels. To address the Afghan containment and security, the army established the XII Corps in 1985 that is permanently headquartered in Quetta , that is designed to provide defence against
10165-704: The unified Eastern Military Command under Lt-Gen. A.A.K. Niazi, began its engagement with the armed militia that had support from India in April 1971, and eventually fought against the Indian Army in December 1971. The army, together with marines, launched ground offensives on both fronts but the Indian Army successfully held its ground and initiated well-coordinated ground operations on both fronts, initially capturing 15,010 square kilometres (5,795 sq mi) of Pakistan's territory; this land gained by India in Azad Kashmir , Punjab and Sindh sectors. Responding to
10272-469: The words of Pakistan Army's Official Portal "They liberated over 34,000 square miles of the State's territory that is now called Azad Jammu and Kashmir and Northern Areas." AKRF began its struggle as Armed Militia known as Lashkar, Ghazis and Jathas. As the volunteers swelled the ranks and files, a command structure was established to control these para military force of vigilante. Being well aware of aspirations of
10379-532: Was abrogated by then-army commander, Gen. Yahya Khan , who took control of the nation's civic affairs after the resignation of President Ayub Khan, resulted in a massive labor strikes instigated by the Pakistan Peoples Party in West and Awami League in East Pakistan . In a lawsuit settled by the Supreme Court of Pakistan , the legality of the martial law was deemed questionable as the Supreme Court settled
10486-571: Was airlifted to East Pakistan along with the 9th Infantry Division. The intervention in East Pakistan further grew when the Operation Searchlight resulted in the overtaking of the government buildings, communication centers, and restricting the politicians opposed to military rule. Within a month, Pakistani national security strategists realized their failure of implementing the plan which had not anticipated civil resistance in East, and
10593-718: Was awarded Hilal-e-Kashmir at Mendhar sector of Jammu. He was commanding a platoon at Pir Kalewa feature and died on 25 Oct 1948 during the battle of Pir Kalewa which was attacked by 5 Infantry Brigade of Indian Army. 373 personnel from the AK Regiment embraced martyrdom in the war including 2 Officers and 17 JCOs. 268 personnel were awarded Gallantry Awards including 31 Sitara-e-Jurat and 37 Tamgha-i-Jurat With erstwhile AKRF being part of 12th Inf Division , AKRF Units were heavily involved in raising, training and providing manpower for Gibraltar Forces. Out of all Gibraltar Forces, Ghaznavi Force led by Major Munawar Khan (21st AKRF)
10700-557: Was changed from an irregular to regular Infantry regiment on 20 September 1971. The AK Regiment has performed distinctively during Pakistan's War on Terror as well as Counter Insurgency Operations in Baluchistan. 35 AK Regt, fought one of the toughest battles of the war on terror, Operation Brekhna, the mission to capture Walidad feature in Mohmand Agency . 6 AK Regiment fought in Swat under
10807-564: Was established and headquartered in Multan, driven towards defending the mass incursion from the Indian Army. In December 1971, the 33rd infantry division was established from the army reserves of the II Corps , followed by raising the 37th Infantry Division. Pakistan Army reportedly helped the Pakistan Navy towards establishing its amphibious branch, the Pakistan Marines , whose battalions
10914-408: Was leveled with accusations of escalating the political violence in the East by the serving military officers, politicians, and journalists in Pakistan. Since the general elections in 1970, the army had detained several key politicians, journalists, peace activists, student unionists, and other members of civil society while curbing the freedoms of movement and speech in Pakistan. In East Pakistan,
11021-453: Was not rationally analysed in Pakistan with most of the blame being heaped on the leadership and little importance given to intelligence failures that persisted until the debacle of the third war with India in 1971. The Indian Army's action was restricted to Punjab region of both sides with Indian Army mainly in fertile Sialkot, Lahore and Kashmir sectors, while Pakistani land gains were primarily in southern deserts opposite Sindh and in
11128-432: Was promoted to the acting rank of full general to command the army as his predecessors Frank Messervy and Douglas Gracey were performing the duty of commander-in-chief of the Pakistan Army in the acting rank of general, the neighboring country India's first commanders-in-chief were same in this context. The department of the army under General Ayub Khan steered the army's needs towards heavy focus and dependence towards
11235-649: Was readily made available by Gen. Ayub Khan to deploy to support the American Army's fighting troops in the Korean war . Working as cabinet minister in Bogra administration , Gen. Ayub 's impartiality was greatly questioned by country's politicians and drove Pakistan's defence policy towards the dependence on the United States when the country becoming the party of the CENTO and the SEATO ,
11342-486: Was solely focused towards Ayub's army department and the air force department led by Air Marshal Asghar Khan , giving less priority to the national needs for the Navy. From 1954 to 1958, Ayub Khan was made subjected with receiving multiple service extensions by the civilian Prime Ministers first receiving in 1954 that extended his service to last till 1958. The Pakistan Army under Ayub Khan had been less supportive towards
11449-535: Was the most successful one and enjoyed decisive domination over Indian forces. The Force following a successful infiltration, operated in Mendhar - Rajouri areas. It raided several Military targets including HQ 25 Div and police stations in Rajouri , Thana Mandi, Behramgala, Budhal and Ramban According to History of Kumaon Regiment , "its (Ghaznavi Force) depridation caused the maximum worry to our security forces" After
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