Pakistan Armed Forces
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| Pakistan Armed Forces | |
|---|---|
| Name | Pakistan Armed Forces |
| Native name | پاکستان مسلح افواج |
| Alt | Flag of Pakistan |
| Caption | The Flag of Pakistan serves as the national emblem for its military. |
| Founded | 1947 |
| Branches | Pakistan Army, Pakistan Navy, Pakistan Air Force |
| Headquarters | Rawalpindi (GHQ), Islamabad (NHQ & AHQ) |
| Commander-in-chief | President of Pakistan |
| Commander-in-chief title | Supreme Commander |
| Minister | Minister of Defence (Pakistan) |
| Minister title | Defence Minister |
| Chief of staff | General Asim Munir |
| Chief of staff title | Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee |
| Age | 16–23 |
| Conscription | None |
| Active | c. 654,000 |
| Reserve | c. 550,000 |
| Deployed | Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Congo |
| Amount | $8.5 billion (2024) |
| Percent GDP | 2.5% |
| Domestic suppliers | POF, HIT, KSEW, PAC |
| Foreign suppliers | China, United States, Turkey, Sweden |
| Related articles | ISI, SPD Force |
Pakistan Armed Forces. The military of Pakistan is a unified force comprising the Pakistan Army, the Pakistan Navy, and the Pakistan Air Force, operating under the command of the President of Pakistan as the constitutional Supreme Commander. It is the sixth-largest military in the world by active personnel and maintains a significant conventional and strategic deterrent posture, primarily oriented towards its eastern neighbor, India. The forces have played a consequential role in the nation's history, from the Indo-Pakistani War of 1947 to contemporary counter-insurgency operations, while also being a consistent contributor to United Nations peacekeeping missions globally.
History
The institution was founded in 1947 following the Partition of India, inheriting units and assets from the British Indian Army. Its early history was defined by the first Indo-Pakistani War of 1947 over Kashmir and the subsequent Indo-Pakistani War of 1965. The Indo-Pakistani War of 1971 resulted in the secession of East Pakistan and the creation of Bangladesh, a pivotal event that led to major reforms. The 1980s saw deep involvement in the Soviet–Afghan War, supporting the Afghan mujahideen alongside the CIA. In the 21st century, it has been engaged in extensive operations against militant groups within Pakistan during the War in North-West Pakistan, following its alignment with the United States after the September 11 attacks.
Organization and structure
The supreme command rests with the President of Pakistan, while executive authority and policy direction lie with the Prime Minister of Pakistan and the Cabinet of Pakistan. The Ministry of Defence (Pakistan) provides civilian oversight. Operational command is unified through the Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee, headed by the Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee, with the heads of the three services: the Chief of Army Staff (Pakistan), the Chief of Naval Staff (Pakistan), and the Chief of Air Staff (Pakistan). Key inter-service organizations include the ISI for intelligence and the SPD Force, which guards the nation's strategic nuclear assets.
Personnel and training
The active-duty component numbers approximately 654,000 personnel, supported by a large reserve and paramilitary forces like the Frontier Corps and Pakistan Rangers. Officer training is conducted at prestigious institutions such as the Pakistan Military Academy in Abbottabad, the Pakistan Naval Academy in Karachi, and the Pakistan Air Force Academy in Risalpur. The National Defence University in Islamabad provides higher military education. Personnel have gained extensive combat experience in the Federally Administered Tribal Areas and regions bordering Afghanistan.
Equipment and capabilities
The military operates a mix of imported and domestically produced equipment. Primary suppliers include China, with systems like the JF-17 Thunder fighter, Al-Khalid tanks, and F-22P frigates; the United States, historically providing F-16s and other platforms; and Turkey, for corvettes and drones. Domestic production is carried out by entities like the POF, HIT, KSEW, and the PAC. The cornerstone of its strategic deterrent is a robust nuclear triad, managed by the Strategic Plans Division.
Role and deployments
The primary role is the defense of Pakistan's territorial integrity from external threats, with a central focus on the border with India along the Line of Control in Kashmir. Internally, it has conducted major campaigns like Operation Zarb-e-Azb and Operation Radd-ul-Fasaad against militant groups. It is one of the largest contributors to United Nations peacekeeping missions, with deployments in countries like the Congo, Liberia, and Sudan. The military also maintains training and advisory contingents in allied nations such as Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates.
Budget and economy
The defense budget for 2024 is approximately $8.5 billion, representing about 2.5% of the nation's GDP. A significant portion is allocated to personnel costs, modernization of conventional forces, and the strategic program. The military exerts considerable influence on the national economy through its commercial wings, notably the Fauji Foundation, Army Welfare Trust, and Shaheen Foundation, which have vast interests in sectors like banking, real estate, and manufacturing. Defense production and exports, such as the JF-17 Thunder fighter co-produced with China, also contribute to the economy.
Category:Military of Pakistan Category:National security of Pakistan