The Pakistan Army traces its origins to the time before the country was created. When British India was divided into India and Pakistan in 1947, the military assets of the British Indian Army were divided between the two newly-formed nations. The army was founded on August 14, 1947 , shortly after Pakistan gained independence.
The Pakistan Army is the land-based military branch of the Pakistan Armed Forces, tasked with defending the country from external threats and maintaining internal security.
It is one of the largest and most powerful armies in the world, playing
a critical role in Pakistan's national security, political landscape, and regional influence.
The army is highly respected and has a strong history of involvement in both military and humanitarian operations.
It is headquartered in Rawalpindi, and its primary responsibilities include defending Pakistan's territorial integrity, supporting national interests, and assisting in disaster relief efforts when required. The army is known for its professionalism, training, and commitment to its mission.
In its early years, the Pakistan Army faced numerous challenges, including the partition-related violence and the integration of various regional militias. The first major conflict was the First Kashmir War (1947–1948), which was fought between India and Pakistan over the disputed region of Jammu and Kashmir. The war ended in a ceasefire brokered by the United Nations, and the Kashmir issue remains unresolved to this day.
In the 1960s, Pakistan pursued a policy of modernizing its army, with the help of foreign military aid, especially from the United States and China. However, the tension with India escalated in 1965, leading to the Second Kashmir War. Although the war ended in a stalemate, it marked the army as a key player in Pakistan's security strategy.
The 1971 War was a turning point. It resulted in the Bangladesh Liberation War, where Pakistan's eastern wing (now Bangladesh) gained independence following a decisive military defeat. This loss led to significant reforms in the army and national security policies.
In the 1990s and 2000s, the army has been involved in numerous conflicts, including the Kargil War (1999) against India and extensive operations against internal insurgencies, notably in North-Western Pakistan and Balochistan. The military also played a significant role in Pakistan’s efforts to combat terrorism, particularly following the events of 9/11 and the subsequent war in Afghanistan.
The army has also engaged in peacekeeping missions under the auspices of the United Nations, contributing to global stability.
Today, the Pakistan Army is not only a key component of the nation's defense but also a vital institution that influences politics and governance. Military leadership has often had significant influence in Pakistan’s political sphere, with periods of military dictatorship in its history, such as under General Zia-ul-Haq (1977–1988) and General Pervez Musharraf (1999–2008).
The Pakistan Army continues to maintain a robust and dynamic force structure, comprising diverse units such as infantry, armored, artillery, and special forces. Its Strategic Forces Command also oversees Pakistan's nuclear weapons program , a critical element of the country's defense policy.
Today, the Pakistan Army remains a cornerstone of Pakistan's security and is continuously modernizing to face both conventional and non-conventional threats.