Pakistan Armed Forces facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Pakistan Armed Forces پاکستان مسلح افواج
Pakistan Inter Services (Emblem).png Inter-Services Emblem of the Pakistan Armed Forces
Established	14 August 1947; 77 years ago (1947-08-14)
Parts	Pakistan Army Pakistan Navy Pakistan Air Force
Headquarters	Joint Staff Headquarters (JHQ), Rawalpindi Cantonment, Punjab
Leadership
Commander-in-Chief	President Arif Alvi
Minister of Defence	Khawaja Asif
Defence Secretary	Hamood Uz Zaman
Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff	General Sahir Shamshad Mirza
Serving soldiers
Military age	16–23
Conscription	None
Reaching military age annually	4,525,440
Active employees/soldiers	654,000 (ranked 6th)
Reserve personnel	550,000
Deployed personnel	Saudi Arabia — 1,180  Qatar — 650
Expenditures
Budget	US$10.3 billion (2022)
Percent of GDP	2.6% (2022)
Industry
Suppliers from inland	List Air Weapons Complex Heavy Industries Taxila Global Industrial Defence Solutions Defence Science and Technology Organization Karachi Shipyard and Engineering Works Kahuta Research Laboratories NESCOM National Defence Complex Pakistan Aeronautical Complex Pakistan Ordnance Factories Metallurgical Laboratory Integrated Dynamics
Suppliers from foreign countries	List  China  Brazil  Germany  Egypt  France  Italy  Jordan  Romania  Russia  Sweden  Turkey  Ukraine  United Kingdom  United States
Annual exports	US$210 million (2019)
See also
History	Military history of Pakistan UN peacekeeping missions Wars Involving Pakistan
Ranks	Army ranks and insignia Naval ranks and insignia Air Force ranks and insignia
Armed Forces of Pakistan Flag.svg Flag of the Pakistan Armed Forces

The Pakistan Armed Forces are the military forces of Pakistan. They are one of the world's largest militaries. They include three main parts: the Army, the Navy, and the Air Force. There are also other groups like the National Guard.

A very important part of the armed forces is the Strategic Plans Division Force. This group makes sure Pakistan's special defense weapons are kept safe. The President of Pakistan is the main leader of the Pakistan Armed Forces. The different parts of the military work together for big missions.

Since 1963, Pakistan's military has worked closely with China. They have developed planes like the JF-17 together. China is a major supplier of military equipment to Pakistan. Pakistan also has a history of working with the United States. Pakistan gets its military gear from China, the United States, and its own factories.

The Pakistan Armed Forces started in 1947 when Pakistan became independent. They have played a big role in Pakistan's history. This includes fighting wars and helping with national security. They also help keep peace around the world. Pakistan has a large number of volunteers, so young people are not forced to join the military.

The armed forces are very important to Pakistani society. They help keep the country safe and stable. Pakistan is also a big helper in United Nations peacekeeping missions. This means Pakistani soldiers help keep peace in other countries.

History of Pakistan's Military

A statue of Subedar Khudadad Khan at the Pakistan Army Museum.

Punjabi Muslims of the British Indian Army. The roots of the Pakistani military trace back to the British Indian Army.

Troops of the Khyber Rifles, now part of the Frontier Corps, around 1895.

The Pakistani military began from the British Indian Army. Many Muslims from British India served in this army during World War I and World War II. When India was divided in 1947, Muslim-majority military groups joined the new country of Pakistan. Many officers who formed the Pakistan Armed Forces had fought in World War II. This gave the new country experienced leaders.

At first, Pakistan's military followed British traditions. But after 1956, the United States helped build up Pakistan's military. So, American military traditions became more common.

Between 1947 and 1971, Pakistan fought three wars with India. In 1971, East Pakistan became the independent country of Bangladesh. Pakistan's military also grew stronger during the 1970s and 1980s. This was due to tensions with Afghanistan and a conflict with the Soviet Union. Since 2014, the military has been fighting against armed groups near the Afghan border. They also continue to join UN peacekeeping missions.

Sometimes, the armed forces have taken control of the government. They said this was to bring order to the country. This has led to debates about the military's role in Pakistan's politics.

How the Military is Organized

The Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee (JCSC) leads the Pakistan Armed Forces. This committee controls the military from its headquarters in Rawalpindi. The JCSC includes the Chairman Joint Chiefs and the leaders of the Army, Navy, and Air Force.

The JCSC helps plan military actions and training. It also advises the government on defense plans. The Chairman of the JCSC is the main military advisor to the Prime Minister.

Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee (JCSC) Members

Flag	Position	Photo	Current Leader	Military Branch
	Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee (CJCSC)		General Sahir Shamshad Mirza	Pakistan Army
	Chief of the Army Staff (COAS)		General Asim Munir	Pakistan Army
	Chief of the Naval Staff (CNS)		Admiral Muhammad Amjad Khan Niazi	Pakistan Navy
	Chief of the Air Staff (CAS)		Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmad Babar	Pakistan Air Force

Main Military Branches

Pakistan Army

Pakistani soldiers after a UN peacekeeping mission in DR Congo.

The Pakistan Army is the largest part of the nation's military. It was formed in 1947 by Indian Muslim officers. It is a professional army made up of volunteers. The Army is led by the Chief of Army Staff, a four-star general.

The Army uses many different weapons systems. They have developed their own tanks like the Al-Khalid. They also have helicopters for combat.

Since 1947, the Army has fought wars with India. They also have experience fighting in different types of land. The Army has helped in other countries, like during the Gulf War. They also play a big role in UN peacekeeping missions.

Pakistan Air Force

The Pakistan Air Force (PAF) was also created in 1947. It is a very important part of Pakistan's defense. The PAF is one of the largest air forces in the world. It has many combat jets and other aircraft. The Air Force is led by the Chief of Air Staff, a four-star air chief marshal.

PAF F-16s flying in formation in Nevada, U.S., around 2010.

The Air Force has played a key role in Pakistan's defense. It helps keep the country safe. The PAF uses planes from the U.S., China, and France. They also make their own planes, like the JF-17 Thunder, with China.

Pakistan's domestically produced JF-17 Thunder flying near Nanga Parbat.

The PAF is always working to improve its aircraft. They plan to replace older jets with newer ones. They also have special planes for early warning and control. The Air Force regularly practices combat exercises.

Pakistan Navy

F-22P Zulfiquar-class frigates, built in KSEW.

The Pakistan Navy was formed in 1947. Its main job is to protect Pakistan's seaports and coastline. It also helps with national security and peacekeeping. The Navy has many warships and active personnel. It helps fight sea-based terrorism and smuggling.

PNS Larkana in Karachi.

The Navy is led by the Chief of Naval Staff, a four-star admiral. Navy Day is celebrated on September 8th. This day remembers the Navy's service in the 1965 war.

The Navy operates the domestically built Agosta 90B submarines.

The Navy has worked to build its own ships and submarines. They built Agosta-class submarines in Pakistan. The Navy also has aircraft for defense and scouting. Since 2001, the Navy has become more modern. They have added new warships to their fleet.

A Pakistan Navy's Westland Sea King helicopter.

The Navy has also developed special missiles. These missiles can be launched from submarines and ships. They have also tested an air-launched version. The Navy takes part in joint naval exercises with other countries.

Pakistan Marines

Badge logo of Pakistan Marines.

The Pakistan Marines were first created in 1971. They were made to help with river operations. After some time, they were brought back in 1990. The Marines are part of the Navy. They follow the Navy's rank system.

Pakistan Marines working with the US Marines Corps in 2009.

The Marines are based in Karachi. They are led by the Commander Coast, a two-star rear-admiral. Marines are sent to areas like the Sir Creek region to prevent illegal activities. They also help with disaster relief, like during floods.

Pakistan Coast Guards

The Pakistan Coast Guards (PCG) protect Pakistan's waters. They make sure maritime laws are followed. This includes the country's coastal areas and economic zones. The Coast Guards work with the Navy. They also help the Ministry of Interior.

Paramilitary Forces

Pakistan has other forces that support the main military branches. These are called paramilitary forces. They include the Pakistan Rangers, Coast Guards, National Guards, and Frontier Corps. Officers from the main armed forces often lead these groups. The Air Force also trains the Airports Security Force to protect airports.

Military Personnel

PNS Shah Jahan (middle) and PNS Tippu Sultan (front) of the Pakistan Navy.

Troop Strength

As of 2021, about 651,800 people were actively serving in Pakistan's military. Another 291,000 were in paramilitary forces. Pakistan's military is the sixth largest in the world. It is an all-volunteer military, meaning people choose to join.

Pakistan is a country where women can serve as high-ranking officers. They also take part in combat roles.

The table below shows the number of people in Pakistan's military:

Uniforms

A Pakistan Army soldier in combat gear during training.

For many years, Pakistan's military uniforms looked like those of the British armed forces. The Army wore yellowish khaki. The Air Force wore bluish-grey. The Navy wore navy blue and white.

In 2003, new uniforms were introduced. They were based on American military uniforms. Now, all services wear uniforms with a camouflage pattern. The flag of Pakistan patch is worn on the shoulder.

The Army's camouflage uses desert patterns. The Navy's camouflage uses black and grey on a light grey background. The Marines use a woodland pattern with brown, olive green, and dark blue. The Air Force uses a variation of a desert pattern.

Current Military Operations

Within Pakistan

About 70% of military forces were deployed near the eastern border with India, around 1997.

A large part of Pakistan's military is stationed near the border with India. After the war in Afghanistan began, many soldiers moved to areas near Afghanistan. Since 2004, Pakistan's military has been fighting against armed groups inside Pakistan.

Pakistan's military has had many soldiers injured or killed in these efforts. The armed forces also help the government when natural disasters happen. This includes earthquakes and floods.

Overseas Deployments

Many Pakistani soldiers serve in United Nations peacekeeping missions around the world. As of May 2019, Pakistan was the sixth-largest contributor to these missions. This means Pakistan sends many soldiers to help keep peace in other countries.

International Military Relations

China

Pakistan Army personnel saluting American Defense Secretary Robert Gates in 2010.

China and Pakistan have a very important relationship. They work together on military projects. China provides a lot of military equipment to Pakistan. They also help Pakistan build its own weapons. Both countries do joint military exercises. This helps their armed forces work better together.

South Asian Countries

Pakistan also has military ties with other countries in South Asia. This includes Bangladesh, Nepal, and Sri Lanka. They cooperate on defense matters. For example, Pakistan has provided military equipment to Sri Lanka.

United States and NATO

Pakistan has a changing military relationship with the United States. When they work together, the U.S. provides military aid and training. Pakistan was named a "major non-NATO ally" in 2004. This means they are an important partner for the U.S. outside of NATO.

Military relations have also improved with Russia.

Middle Eastern Countries

Pakistan Navy ships in the Arabian Sea, near Oman.

Pakistan has strong ties with countries in the Middle East. This is because of their shared geography and religion. Pakistani military personnel have worked as advisors in countries like Saudi Arabia and Jordan. Many Arab military officers have also trained in Pakistan.

Navy guards marching in 2009.

Pakistan has also worked closely with the Iranian military. They have exchanged diplomatic visits. Pakistan also has strong military ties with Turkey.

Special Operations Forces

A member of Pakistan Navy Special Service Group on PNS Babur.

Pakistan has special commando units. The Special Services Group (SSG) is an elite army division. Its training is similar to special forces in other countries. The Special Service Group Navy (SSGN) is the Navy's secret commando unit. The Special Service Wing (SSW) is the Air Force's special operations unit. These units are trained for very difficult missions.

UN Peacekeeping Missions

Pakistan military troops helping with relief efforts in 2005.

Pakistan is a major contributor to UN peacekeeping missions. In 2009, over 11,000 Pakistani soldiers were serving in these missions. They help keep peace in many countries around the world.

The table below shows where Pakistani forces are currently deployed for UN Peacekeeping:

Start of operation	Name of operation	Location	Conflict	Contribution
1999	United Nations Organization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUC)		Democratic Republic of Congo	Second Congo War	3,556 Troops.
2003	United Nations Mission in Liberia (UNMIL)		Liberia	Second Liberian Civil War	2,741 Troops.
2004	United Nations Operation in Burundi ONUB		Burundi	Burundi Civil War	1,185 Troops.
2004	United Nations Operation in Côte d'Ivoire (UNOCI)		Ivory Coast	First Ivorian Civil War	1,145 Troops.
2005	United Nations Mission in the Sudan (UNMIS)		Sudan	Second Sudanese Civil War	1,542 Troops.
	Staff/observers				191 observers.

Military's Role in Pakistani Society

Pakistan Air Force airmen helping in relief operations.

The Pakistan Armed Forces play a big role in keeping Pakistan united. They help build the country's infrastructure, like dams and bridges. They also help create a stable society.

When natural disasters happen, the military is often the first to help. Army engineers, doctors, and logistics teams help with rescue and relief. They provide supplies to affected areas. For example, during the 2010 floods, military personnel donated part of their salaries to help.

The military also builds civilian infrastructure in some areas. This helps improve the lives of local people. The Air Force has done many relief operations both in Pakistan and other countries. The Navy also helps with flood relief and provides medical care.

Pakistan Navy medical specialists during medical training.

Commemoration and Parades

Youm-e-Difa (Defence Day) is celebrated on September 6th. This day remembers soldiers who died in the 1965 war. Ceremonies are held across the country. Youm-e-Fizaya (Air Force Day) is on September 7th. Youm-e-Bahriya (Navy Day) is on September 8th.

The Pakistan Armed Forces also hold parades on March 23rd. This is Youm-e-Pakistan (Pakistan Day). All military branches parade in Islamabad. They also show off their weapons.

Special Defense Capabilities

The Babur missile system at the Ideas-08 convention in 2008.

Pakistan has developed special defense capabilities since 1972. These are meant to discourage attacks from other countries. Pakistan has a very strict system to control these special weapons. Civilian scientists and engineers work on these projects.

The Nuclear Command Authority (NCA) oversees these defense systems. The Prime Minister of Pakistan leads the NCA. This ensures that these important assets are kept safe and secure.

Military Intelligence

The Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) is Pakistan's main intelligence service. It gathers and coordinates military information for the armed forces. The ISI helps with foreign operations and counter-terrorism. It also protects important military sites.

Each military branch also has its own intelligence group. These include Military Intelligence for the Army, Naval Intelligence for the Navy, and Air Intelligence for the Air Force. They work to keep Pakistan safe from threats.

Military Academies

Pakistan has several military academies where future officers are trained:

• Pakistan Military Academy
• Pakistan Air Force Academy
• Pakistan Naval Academy

There are also many other institutes for engineering and higher education:

• National Defence University
• Command and Staff College
• PAF Air War College
• Combat Commanders' School
• Pakistan Naval War College
• Military College of Engineering
• College of Electrical and Mechanical Engineering
• Army Medical College
• Military College of Signals
• College of Aeronautical Engineering
• College of Flying Training
• Pakistan Navy Engineering College
• Air University
• Fauji University
• Bahria University

Military Justice System

Pakistan's military has its own justice system. It is managed by the Judge Advocate General Branch (JAG). Each military branch has its own laws. These laws cover military criminal cases. Military courts can give out different punishments. Civilian courts usually cannot question decisions made by military judges.

Weapons Industry

Budget and Production

GDP Rate of Growth in Pakistan from 1951–2009.

When Pakistan was created, it had almost no military factories. Most weapons were bought from the United Kingdom. In 1951, the Pakistan Ordnance Factory (POF) was set up. It made small arms and ammunition.

Later, the Defence Science and Technology Organization (DESTO) was formed for military research. After the 1965 war, Pakistan started to focus on making its own weapons. China helped Pakistan expand its military factories.

Industrial manufacturing in Pakistan from 1973 to 2000.

Pakistan spends a large part of its national budget on defense. This is to keep the country safe. Since 1971, the military budget has grown a lot.

New factories were built, like Heavy Industries Taxila (HIT) and the Pakistan Aeronautical Complex (PAC). These factories build tanks and aircraft. The Karachi Shipyard also started making military ships.

Rifles and firearms made by POF at an arms exhibition.

In the 1990s, Pakistan faced trade restrictions. This pushed the military to become even more self-reliant. The Karachi Shipyard built its first long-range submarine. The PAC and China worked together to create the JF-17 Thunder jet. HIT built the Al-Khalid tank.

Pakistan now exports its defense equipment to other countries. The Defence Export Promotion Organization (DEPO) promotes these exports. They also host a big defense exhibition called IDEAS.

Awards and Honours

Wartime Gallantry Awards

	Nishan-e-Haider (Order of the Lion)
	Hilal-e-Jurat (Crescent of Courage)
	Sitara-e-Jurat (Star of Courage)
	Tamgha-e-Jurat (Medal of Courage)
	Imtiazi Sanad (Mentioned in Despatches)

Order of Wear
Nishan-e-Haider (Order of the Lion)	Nishan-e-Imtiaz (Civilian)	Nishan-e-Imtiaz (Military)	Hilal-e-Jurat (Crescent of Courage)
Hilal-e-Shujaat (Crescent of Bravery)	Hilal-e-Imtiaz (Civilian)	Hilal-e-Imtiaz (Military)	Sitara-e-Jurat (Star of Courage)
Sitara-e-Shujaat (Star of Bravery)	Sitara-e-Imtiaz (Military)	President's Award for Pride of Performance	Sitara-e-Basalat (Star of Good Conduct)
Sitara-e-Eisaar (Star of Sacrifice)	Tamgha-e-Jurat (Medal of Courage)	Tamgha-e-Shujaat (Medal of Bravery)	Tamgha-e-Imtiaz (Military)
Tamgha-e-Basalat (Medal of Good Conduct)	Tamgha-e-Eisaar (Medal of Sacrifice)	Imtiazi Sanad (Mentioned in Despatches)	Tamgha-e-Diffa (General Service Medal)
Sitara-e-Harb 1965 War (War Star 1965)	Sitara-e-Harb 1971 War (War Star 1971)	Tamgha-e-Jang 1965 War (War Medal 1965)	Tamgha-e-Jang 1971 War (War Medal 1971)
Tamgha-e-Baqa (Nuclear Test Medal)	Tamgha-e-Istaqlal Pakistan (Escalation with India Medal)	Tamgha-e-Azm (Medal of Conviction)	Tamgha-e-Khidmat (Class-I) (Medal of Service Class I)
Tamgha-e-Khidmat (Class-II) (Medal of Service Class I)	Tamgha-e-Khidmat (Class-III) (Medal of Service Class I)	10 Years Service Medal	20 Years Service Medal
30 Years Service Medal	35 Years Service Medal	40 Years Service Medal	Pakistan Tamgha (Pakistan Medal)
Tamgha-e-Sad Saala Jashan-e- Wiladat-e-Quaid-e-Azam	Tamgha-e-Jamhuria (Republic Commemoration Medal)	Hijri Tamgha (Hijri Medal)	Jamhuriat Tamgha (Democracy Medal)
Qarardad-e-Pakistan Tamgha (Resolution Day Golden Jubilee Medal)	Tamgha-e-Salgirah Pakistan (Independence Day Golden Jubilee Medal)	Command & Staff College Quetta Instructor's Medal	Command & Staff College Quetta Student Medal

Images for kids

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  A Navy Mirage-5E (with Sky blue markings underneath) with JF-17, which are flown by navy pilots but remain under air force.

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  A Navy P3C-Orion in flight.

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  A Pakistan navy Alouette IIIB helicopter lands aboard the aircraft.

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  A Pakistan Navy Breguet Atlantic Asuspine-1 taxied.

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  Standard yellowish khaki (on right) as both ACU and the ASU, 1994.

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  A Pakistan Air Force service uniform, 1974.

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  A traditional white navy service dress, 2008.

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  Earliest ACU in the 1980s.

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  Marines (as laying down) standard UCP.

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  Comparison of US Army and Pakistan Army's UCP, 2013.

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  One of Pakistan Navy's previous UCP in 2010. The Navy changed its camouflage in 2013.

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  Pakistan Navy's sailors wearing anti-flash gear while operating a Guided missile frigate, PNS Alamgir.

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  Pakistan Air Force's Special Service Wing (SSW) in its current camouflage.

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  The PAF's fighter pilots with the greenish g-suit in comparison to USAF; the same pattern is used by the Pakistan Navy.

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  Chemical explosives and shells produced by AWC, DESTO, and POF used by the Pakistani military.

See also

In Spanish: Fuerzas Armadas de Pakistán para niños