View source for Pakistan Armed Forces

{{Short description|Combined  military forces of Pakistan}}
{{pp-semi-indef}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=December 2023}}
{{EngvarB|date=January 2019}}
{{Infobox national military
| country = Pakistan
| name = Pakistan Armed Forces
| native_name = {{Langx|ur|{{Nastaliq|پاکستان مسلح افواج}}|label=none}}
| image = Pakistan Inter Services (Emblem).png
| image_size = 165
| caption = Inter-Services Emblem of the Pakistan Armed Forces
| image2 = Armed Forces of Pakistan Flag.svg
| image_size2 = 180
| caption2 = Inter-Services Flag of the Pakistan Armed Forces
| founded = {{Start date and age|1947|08|14|df=yes}}
| current_form = 
| branches = <!-- Unless there are obvious real world developments and/or changes, do not modify this section; there are only 3 official service branches per the Government of Pakistan and Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) -->{{army|Pakistan}}<br />{{navy|Pakistan}}<br />{{air force|Pakistan}}
| headquarters = [[Joint Staff Headquarters (Pakistan)|Joint Staff Headquarters (JSHQ)]], [[Rawalpindi Cantonment]], [[Punjab]]
| url = {{URL|ispr.gov.pk}}
<!---Leadership--->| commander-in-chief_title = [[Commander-in-Chief]]
| commander-in-chief = {{Flagicon image|Flag of the President of Pakistan.svg|25px}} [[President of Pakistan|President]] [[Asif Ali Zardari]]
| chief minister_title = [[Prime Minister of Pakistan|Prime Minister]]
| chief minister = {{Flagicon image|Flag of the Prime Minister of Pakistan.svg|25px}} [[Shehbaz Sharif]]
| minister_title = [[Defence Minister of Pakistan|Minister of Defence]]
| minister = {{Flagicon image|State emblem of Pakistan.svg|25px}} [[Khawaja Asif]]
{{Infobox |child = yes
| label1 = [[Defence Secretary of Pakistan|Defence Secretary]]
| data1 = {{Flagicon image|State emblem of Pakistan.svg|25px}} Lt Gen(R) [[Hamood Uz Zaman]]
}}
| commander_title = [[Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee|Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff]]
| commander = {{Flagicon image|Flag of the Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee.svg|25px}} [[General (Pakistan)|General]] [[Sahir Shamshad Mirza]]
<!---Manpower--->| age = 16–23<ref>{{cite web|title=South Asia :: Pakistan — The World Factbook|url=https://www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/countries/pakistan/|website=un.org|date=16 November 2021|publisher=CIA|access-date=24 January 2021|archive-date=10 January 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210110014011/https://www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/countries/pakistan/|url-status=live}}</ref>
| conscription = None
| manpower_data = 
| manpower_age = 
| available = 
| available_f = 
| fit = 
| fit_f = 
| reaching = 4,525,440
| reaching_f = 
| active = 660,000<ref name=IISSp290>{{cite book| url=https://www.iiss.org/publications/the-military-balance/the-military-balance-2021| title=The Military Balance 2021| author1=International Institute for Strategic Studies| author-link1=International Institute for Strategic Studies| date=25 February 2021| publisher=[[Routledge]]| location=[[London]]| page=290| isbn=978-1-032-01227-8| access-date=5 July 2022| archive-date=21 January 2022| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220121114152/https://www.iiss.org/publications/the-military-balance/the-military-balance-2021| url-status=live}}</ref>
| ranked = 6th
| reserve = 550,000
| deployed = {{flag|Saudi Arabia}} — 2,600<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2018/2/22/pakistan-tight-lipped-on-saudi-arabia-troop-mission | title=Pakistan silent on Saudi Arabia troop deployment }}</ref><br />{{flag|Qatar}} — 650<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20180219-10000-saudi-soldiers-being-trained-in-pakistan/|title=10,000 Saudi soldiers being trained in Pakistan|work=Middle East Monitor|date=19 February 2018|access-date=5 May 2021|archive-date=4 May 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210504143203/https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20180219-10000-saudi-soldiers-being-trained-in-pakistan/|url-status=live}}</ref>
<!---Financial--->| amount = {{USD|10.3|link=yes}}&nbsp;billion {{small|(2022)}}<ref name=SIPRI-2020>{{cite web |date=April 2023 |title=Trends in World Military Expenditure, 2022 |url=https://www.sipri.org/sites/default/files/2023-04/2304_fs_milex_2022.pdf |access-date=29 April 2023 |publisher=[[Stockholm International Peace Research Institute]]}}</ref>
| percent_GDP = 2.6% {{small|(2022)}}<ref name="SIPRI-2020" />
<!---Industrial--->| domestic_suppliers = {{hidden
|''List''
| headerstyle=background:#b0c4de
| style=text-align:center;|
[[Defence industry of Pakistan]]
}}
| foreign_suppliers = {{hidden
| ''List''
| headerstyle=background:#b0c4de
| style=text-align:center;|
{{CHN}}<br />{{BRA}}<br />{{DEU}}<br />{{EGY}}<br />{{FRA}}<br />{{IRI}}<br />{{ITA}}<br />{{ROM}}<br />{{RUS}}<br />{{SWE}}<br />{{TUR}}<br />{{GBR}}<br />{{USA}}}}
| imports = 
| exports = US$416&nbsp;million (2023)<ref>{{cite web | url=https://propakistani.pk/2023/07/26/pakistans-weapon-exports-up-over-30x-in-fy23/ | title=Pakistan's Weapon Exports up over 30x in FY23 | date=26 July 2023 }}</ref>
<!--Related aricles-->| history = {{Plainlist |
* [[Military history of Pakistan]]
* [[United Nations peacekeeping missions involving Pakistan|UN peacekeeping missions]]
* [[List of wars involving Pakistan|Wars Involving Pakistan]]
}}
| ranks = [[Army ranks and insignia of Pakistan|Army ranks and insignia]]<br />[[Naval ranks and insignia of Pakistan|Naval ranks and insignia]]<br />[[Air Force ranks and insignia of Pakistan|Air Force ranks and insignia]]
}}
[[File:Défilé de l'armée pakistanaise, 23 mars 2018.jpg|305x305px|thumb|right|{{small|A military parade led contingent of army, followed by the navy and air force, in [[Shakarparian|Shakarparian Hills]] in Islamabad in 2018.}}]]
The '''Pakistan Armed Forces''' ({{Langx|ur|{{nq|پاکستان مسلح افواج|translit=Pākistān Musallaḥ Afwāj}}}}; {{IPA|hns|ˈpɑːkˌɪstaːn mʊˈsəlˌle(ɦ) əfˈwɑːd͡ʒ|pron}}) are the [[Military|military forces]] of [[Pakistan]]. It is the [[List of countries by number of military and paramilitary personnel|world's sixth-largest]] military measured by [[Active duty|active military personnel]] and consists of three uniformed services—the [[Pakistan Army|Army]], [[Pakistan Navy|Navy]], and the [[Pakistan Air Force|Air Force]], which are backed by several paramilitary forces such as the [[Pakistan National Guard|National Guard]] and the [[Civil Armed Forces]].<ref>{{Cite web|title=Inter-Services Public Relations Pakistan|url=https://www.ispr.gov.pk/|access-date=2020-10-08|website=www.ispr.gov.pk|archive-date=9 October 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201009034509/https://ispr.gov.pk/|url-status=live}}</ref> A critical component to the armed forces' structure is the [[Strategic Plans Division Force]], which is responsible for the maintenance and safeguarding of Pakistan's [[Tactical nuclear weapon|tactical]] and [[Strategic nuclear weapon|strategic]] [[Pakistan and weapons of mass destruction|nuclear weapons stockpile]] and assets.<ref name="Diane Publishing Co." /> The [[president of Pakistan]] is the [[commander-in-chief]] of the Pakistan Armed Forces and the [[Command hierarchy|chain of command]] is organized under the [[Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee|Chairman]] of the [[Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee]] (JCSC) alongside the respective [[Chief of staff|chiefs of staff]] of the [[Chief of Army Staff (Pakistan)|Army]], [[Chief of Naval Staff (Pakistan)|Navy]], and [[Chief of Air Staff (Pakistan)|Air Force]].<ref name="Diane Publishing Co.">{{cite book|last1=Blood|first1=Peter R.|title=Pakistan|date=1995|publisher=Diane Publishing Co.|location=Washington D.C.|isbn=978-0-7881-3631-3|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=DRMTO7mn7hIC&q=joint+chiefs+of+staff+committee&pg=PA287|access-date=4 December 2014|archive-date=5 February 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230205200214/https://books.google.com/books?id=DRMTO7mn7hIC&q=joint+chiefs+of+staff+committee&pg=PA287|url-status=live}}</ref> All branches are systemically coordinated during joint operations and missions under the [[Joint Staff Headquarters (Pakistan)|Joint Staff Headquarters]] (JSHQ).<ref name="Diane Publishing Co."/>

Since the [[Sino-Pakistan Agreement|1963 Sino-Pakistan Agreement]], the Pakistani military has had [[Military relations between China and Pakistan|close relations with China]], jointly working to develop the [[CAC/PAC JF-17 Thunder|JF-17]], the [[Hongdu JL-8|K-8]], and various other weapon systems. {{As of|2021|post=,}} [[China]] was the largest foreign supplier of military equipment to Pakistan in major arms.<ref>{{cite news |title=China cements its place as Pakistan's largest supplier of major arms: Report |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/world-news/china-cements-its-place-as-pakistan-s-largest-supplier-of-major-arms-report-101650973184494.html |publisher=Hindustan Times |date=22 April 2022 |access-date=5 May 2022 |archive-date=5 May 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220505034916/https://www.hindustantimes.com/world-news/china-cements-its-place-as-pakistan-s-largest-supplier-of-major-arms-report-101650973184494.html |url-status=live }}</ref> The military cooperation between the Chinese [[People's Liberation Army]] and Pakistan have accelerated the pace of joint [[military exercise]]s, and their increasingly compatible weapon supply chains and network communication systems have accelerated the integration of defense capabilities between the two sides.<ref>{{Cite web |title=A Threshold Alliance: The China-Pakistan Military Relationship |url=https://www.usip.org/publications/2023/03/threshold-alliance-china-pakistan-military-relationship |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230323015738/https://www.usip.org/publications/2023/03/threshold-alliance-china-pakistan-military-relationship |url-status=dead |archive-date=23 March 2023 |access-date=2023-03-23 |website=United States Institute of Peace |language=en}}</ref> Both nations also cooperate on the development of their [[nuclear technology|nuclear]] and [[space technology]] programs.<ref>{{Cite news | work = BBC News | url = https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/10340642 | place = UK | title = News | date = 17 June 2010 | access-date = 20 June 2018 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20180716011317/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/10340642 | archive-date = 16 July 2018 | url-status = live }}</ref><ref>{{cite book | publisher = CBS | title = News | date = 16 October 2008 | chapter = World | chapter-url = http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2008/10/16/world/main4527309.shtml | access-date = 4 May 2011 | archive-date = 18 November 2013 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20131118113916/http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2008/10/16/world/main4527309.shtml }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |work = Asia Times |title = South Asia |url = http://www.atimes.com/atimes/South_Asia/ID26Df01.html |access-date = 4 May 2011 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20110604051018/http://www.atimes.com/atimes/South_Asia/ID26Df01.html |archive-date = 4 June 2011 |url-status = dead }}</ref> Alongside this, the Pakistani military also maintains [[Pakistan–United States military relations|relations with the United States]] in history, which gave Pakistan [[major non-NATO ally]] status in 2004. As such, Pakistan procures the bulk of its military equipment from China, the United States and its own [[Defence industry of Pakistan|domestic suppliers]].<ref name="sipri.org">{{Cite magazine | title =The Arms trade | bibcode = 1998SciAm.279a..29D | last1 = Doyle | first1 = Rodger | volume = 279 | year = 1998 | page = 29 |magazine=Scientific American | doi = 10.1038/scientificamerican0798-29 | pmid = 9796545 | issue = 5}}</ref>

The Pakistan Armed Forces were formed in 1947, when Pakistan gained [[Partition of India|independence]] from the [[British Empire]].<ref name="Frankfort, IL"/> Since then, they have played a decisive role in the [[modern history of Pakistan]], most notably due to fighting [[Indo-Pakistani wars and conflicts|major wars with India]] in [[Indo-Pakistani War of 1947–1948|1947–1948]], [[Indo-Pakistani War of 1965|1965]] and [[Indo-Pakistani War of 1971|1971]]. The armed forces have [[Military coups in Pakistan|seized control]] of the [[Government of Pakistan|government]] on several occasions, consequently forming what analysts refer to as a [[deep state]] referred to as "[[The Establishment (Pakistan)|The Establishment]]".<ref name="Frankfort, IL">{{cite book|last1=Singh|first1=R.S.N.|title=The military factor in Pakistan|date=2008|publisher=Frankfort, IL|location=New Delhi|isbn=978-0-9815378-9-4|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=wCm2DFZblOYC&q=chairman+joint+chiefs+of+staff+committee&pg=PA409|access-date=18 October 2020|archive-date=5 February 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230205200215/https://books.google.com/books?id=wCm2DFZblOYC&q=chairman+joint+chiefs+of+staff+committee&pg=PA409|url-status=live}}</ref> The need for [[Border control|border management]] led to the creation of the [[Pakistan National Guard|National Guard]] and the [[Civil Armed Forces]] to deal with [[Terrorism in Pakistan|civil unrest]] in the [[Khyber Pakhtunkhwa|North-West]], as well as the security of border areas in [[Punjab, Pakistan|Punjab]] and [[Sindh]] by paramilitary troops. In 2024, the Pakistan Armed Forces had approximately 660,000 active personnel, excluding 25,000+ personnel in the [[Strategic Plans Division Force]]s and 291,000 active personnel in the various paramilitary forces.<ref name=":0">{{Cite book |last=International Institute for Strategic Studies |author-link=International Institute for Strategic Studies |title=The Military Balance 2024 |publisher=[[Routledge]] |date=February 2024 |isbn=9781032780047 |location=[[London]] |ref=IISS2024}}</ref> The military has traditionally had a large pool of volunteers, and therefore [[conscription]] has never been brought into effect, although both the [[Constitution of Pakistan]] and supplementary legislation allow for conscription in a state of [[war]].<ref>{{cite web |publisher = UNHCR |title = Pakistan |url =http://www.unhcr.org/refworld/country,,CSCOAL,,PAK,,486cb123c,0.html |archive-url =https://web.archive.org/web/20120119141137/http://www.unhcr.org/refworld/country%2C%2CCSCOAL%2C%2CPAK%2C%2C486cb123c%2C0.html |archive-date = 19 January 2012 }}</ref>

Accounting for 18.3% of national government expenditure in 2021, after interest payments, Pakistan's military absorbs a large part of the country's annual budget.<ref>{{cite web|title=Budget in Brief 2020-22|url=http://www.finance.gov.pk/budget/Budget_2021_22/6_Budget_in_Brief_English_2021_22.pdf|publisher=Ministry of Finance, Pakistan|access-date=23 June 2021|page=15|archive-date=18 June 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210618223851/http://www.finance.gov.pk/budget/Budget_2021_22/6_Budget_in_Brief_English_2021_22.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref> The armed forces are generally highly approved of in [[Pakistani society]].<ref>{{cite web |title=National Survey of Public Opinion in Pakistan |url=https://www.iri.org/sites/default/files/2019.3.14_pakistan_poll.pdf |publisher=International Republican Institute |access-date=2 July 2019 |page=17 |date=1-22 November 2018 |archive-date=2 July 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190702100816/https://www.iri.org/sites/default/files/2019.3.14_pakistan_poll.pdf |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-09-29 |title=Army most popular institution in Pakistan: Gallup survey |url=https://tribune.com.pk/story/2438260/army-most-popular-institution-in-pakistan-gallup-survey |access-date=2023-09-29 |website=The Express Tribune |language=en}}</ref> {{As of|April 2021|post=,}} Pakistan was the sixth-largest contributor to [[United Nations]] [[UN peacekeeping missions involving Pakistan|peacekeeping efforts]], with 4,516 personnel [[Pakistan Armed Forces deployments|deployed overseas]].<ref name="peacekeeping">{{cite web|url=https://peacekeeping.un.org/en/troop-and-police-contributors|title=Troop and Police Contributors|access-date=2 July 2019|archive-date=30 June 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190630060533/https://peacekeeping.un.org/en/troop-and-police-contributors|url-status=live}}</ref> Other foreign deployments have consisted of Pakistani military personnel serving as [[military adviser]]s in various [[Africa]]n and [[Arab world|Arab countries]]. The Pakistani military has maintained combat divisions and brigade-strength presences in some Arab states during the [[Arab–Israeli conflict|Arab–Israeli Wars]], aided American-led coalition forces in the first [[Gulf War]] against [[Ba'athist Iraq|Iraq]], and actively taken part in the [[Somalia Conflict|Somali]] and [[Bosnian War|Bosnian conflicts]].

==History==
{{Main|Military history of Pakistan}}
[[File:Punjabi Muslim soldiers, WW1.jpg|thumb|Punjabi Muslims of the [[British Indian Army]]. The roots of the Pakistani military trace back to the [[British Indian Army]], which included many personnel from present-day Pakistan.]]
[[File:Khyberrifles.jpg|thumb|Pictured are troops of the [[Khyber Rifles]], now part of the [[Frontier Corps]], striking a pose, {{circa}} 1895.]]

The Pakistani military traces its roots directly back to the [[British Indian Army]], in which many [[British Raj|British Indian]] [[Muslims]] served during [[Indian Army during World War I|World War I]] and [[Indian Army during World War II|World War II]], prior to the [[Partition of India]] in 1947.<ref name="Manchester Univ. Press">{{cite book|last1=Heathcote|first1=T.A.|title=The military in British India: the development of British land forces in South Asia, 1600–1947|date=1995|publisher=Manchester Univ. Press|location=Manchester [u.a.]|isbn=978-0-7190-3570-8|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=YSK8AAAAIAAJ&q=Pakistan+military+British+forces&pg=PA254|access-date=8 December 2014|archive-date=5 February 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230205200226/https://books.google.com/books?id=YSK8AAAAIAAJ&q=Pakistan+military+British+forces&pg=PA254|url-status=live}}</ref> Upon Partition, military formations with a Muslim-majority (such as the [[Indian Army]]'s [[infantry]] Muslim regiments) were transferred to the new [[Dominion of Pakistan]],<ref name="Manchester Univ. Press" /> while on an individual basis, Indian Muslims could choose to transfer their allegiance and service to the Pakistan Armed Forces (consisting of the [[Pakistan Army]], [[Royal Pakistan Navy]] and [[Royal Pakistan Air Force]]) or remain serving in the [[Indian Armed Forces]] of the [[Dominion of India]]. Significant figures who opted for the former included [[Ayub Khan (general)|Ayub Khan]] (British Indian Army), [[HMS Choudri|Haji Mohammad Siddiq Choudri]] ([[Royal Indian Navy]]) and [[Asghar Khan]] ([[Indian Air Force#Formation and early pilots|Royal Indian Air Force]]).<ref name="Manchester Univ. Press" /> Many of the senior officers who would form the Pakistan Armed Forces had fought with [[British Armed Forces|British forces]] in [[World War II]], thus providing the newly created country with the professionalism, experience and leadership it would need in its future wars against neighbouring [[India]].<ref name="Brookings Institution Press, 2004">{{cite book|last1=Cohen|first1=Stephen Philip|title=The idea of Pakistan|date=2004|publisher=Brookings Institution Press, 2004|location=Washington, D.C.|isbn=978-0-8157-9761-6|edition=1st pbk.|url=https://archive.org/details/ideaofpakistan00cohe|url-access=registration|page=[https://archive.org/details/ideaofpakistan00cohe/page/99 99]|quote=Pakistan military British forces.}}</ref> In a formula arranged by the [[British Empire|British]], military resources were to be divided between [[India–Pakistan relations|India and Pakistan]] in a ratio of 64% going to India and 36% going to Pakistan.<ref>{{cite web|date = 6 September 2008 |url=http://dailymailnews.com/200809/06/dmcolumnpage.html |title = Pakistan Army – Saga of valour & service to the nation |work = Daily Mail|archive-url =https://web.archive.org/web/20081119144117/http://dailymailnews.com/200809/06/dmcolumnpage.html |archive-date = 19 November 2008}}</ref>

The Pakistani military largely retained British military traditions and doctrine until 1956, when the [[United States]] dispatched a specialized [[Military Assistance Advisory Group]] to Pakistan to build its military; from this point onward, [[United States Armed Forces|American military]] tradition and doctrine became more dominant within Pakistan's armed forces.<ref name="Hamid Hussain Defence Journal">{{cite web|last1=ussain|first1=Hamid|title=Tale of a love affair that never was: United States-Pakistan Defence Relations|url=http://www.defencejournal.com/2002/june/loveaffair.htm|work=Hamid Hussain Defence Journal|access-date=8 December 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120304115412/http://www.defencejournal.com/2002/june/loveaffair.htm|archive-date=4 March 2012|url-status=dead}}</ref> In March 1956, the [[order of precedence]] of the Pakistani military's three formal services changed from "Navy-Army-Air Force" to "Army-Navy-Air Force".<ref>{{Cite web|title=Pakistan Navy Official Website|url=https://www.paknavy.gov.pk/chron_history.html|access-date=2021-10-11|website=www.paknavy.gov.pk|archive-date=26 September 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180926210001/https://www.paknavy.gov.pk/chron_history.html|url-status=live}}</ref>{{primary source inline|date=October 2021}}

Between 1947 and 1971, Pakistan fought three direct conventional [[Indo-Pakistani wars and conflicts|wars against India]], with the [[Indo-Pakistani War of 1971]] witnessing the [[secession]] of [[East Pakistan]] as the independent state of [[Bangladesh]].<ref name="Open Democracy" /> Rising tensions with [[Kingdom of Afghanistan|Afghanistan]] in the 1960s (primarily over the [[Durand Line]] dispute) and an [[Operation Cyclone|indirect proxy war]] fought against the [[Soviet Union]] throughout the 1970s and 1980s in the [[Soviet–Afghan War]] with American, [[United Kingdom|British]] and [[Israel]]i assistance led to a sharp rise in the development of the Pakistan Armed Forces.<ref name="Univ. of Washington Press">{{cite book|last1=Goodson|first1=Larry P.|title=Afghanistan's endless war: state failure, regional politics, and the rise of the Taliban|date=2001|publisher=Univ. of Washington Press|location=Seattle [u.a.]|isbn=978-0-295-98050-8|url=https://archive.org/details/afghanistansendl00good}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=2014-05-14|title=Charlie Wilson's Legacy, Operation Cyclone Afghanistan|url=https://www.richardcpendry.com/operation-cyclone-afghanistan/|access-date=2020-11-27|website=Richard C Pendry Security Consultant|language=en-US|archive-date=5 December 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201205073743/https://www.richardcpendry.com/operation-cyclone-afghanistan/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|last1=Pear|first1=Robert|last2=Times|first2=Special To the New York|date=1988-04-18|title=Arming Afghan Guerrillas: A Huge Effort Led by U.S. (Published 1988)|language=en-US|work=The New York Times|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1988/04/18/world/arming-afghan-guerrillas-a-huge-effort-led-by-us.html|access-date=2020-11-27|issn=0362-4331|archive-date=9 July 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210709124837/https://www.nytimes.com/1988/04/18/world/arming-afghan-guerrillas-a-huge-effort-led-by-us.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=Pakistan's Israel dilemma|url=https://www.mei.edu/publications/pakistans-israel-dilemma|access-date=2020-11-27|website=Middle East Institute|language=en}}</ref> In 1999, an extended period of intense border-skirmishing with India, the so-called [[Kargil War]], resulted in a massive redeployment of forces in [[Kashmir]].<ref name=A.P.H.Publ>{{cite book|last1=Dutt|first1=Sanjay|title=War and peace in Kargil sector|date=2000|publisher=A.P.H.Publ|location=New Delhi|isbn=978-81-7648-151-9}}</ref> {{As of|2014|post=,}} the military has been conducting [[counter-insurgency]] operations along the [[Insurgency in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa|border areas of Afghanistan]], while continuing to participate in several [[United Nations]] [[United Nations peacekeeping missions involving Pakistan|peacekeeping operations]].<ref>{{Cite web|title=U.S-Pakistan Military Cooperation|url=https://www.cfr.org/backgrounder/us-pakistan-military-cooperation|access-date=2020-11-27|website=Council on Foreign Relations|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=U.S. Relations With Pakistan|url=https://www.state.gov/u-s-relations-with-pakistan/|access-date=2020-11-27|website=United States Department of State|language=en-US|archive-date=3 May 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190503135709/https://www.state.gov/r/pa/ei/bgn/3453.htm|url-status=live}}</ref>

Since 1957, the armed forces have taken control from the [[Government of Pakistan|civilian government]] in various [[Military coups in Pakistan|military coups]]—ostensibly to restore order in the country, citing corruption and gross inefficiency on the part of the civilian leadership. While many [[Pakistanis]] have supported these seizures of power,<ref name="WP">{{cite news|url=https://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/washingtonpost/access/45610132.html?FMT=ABS&FMTS=ABS:FT&date=Oct+16%2C+1999&author=Pamela+Constable%3BKamran+Khan&pub=The+Washington+Post&edition=&startpage=A.19&desc=Army+Gets+A+Foothold+In+Pakistan%3B+Coup+Leader%2C+U.S.+Envoy+Discuss+New+Government|title=Army Gets A Foothold in Pakistan; Coup Leader, US Envoy Discuss New Government|newspaper=The Washington Post|access-date=29 March 2010|first=Pamela|last=Constable|author-link=Pamela Constable |date=16 October 1999|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110430050013/http://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/washingtonpost/access/45610132.html?FMT=ABS&FMTS=ABS:FT&date=Oct+16%2C+1999&author=Pamela+Constable%3BKamran+Khan&pub=The+Washington+Post&edition=&startpage=A.19&desc=Army+Gets+A+Foothold+In+Pakistan%3B+Coup+Leader%2C+U.S.+Envoy+Discuss+New+Government|archive-date=30 April 2011|url-status=dead}}</ref> others have claimed that the rampant political instability, lawlessness and corruption in Pakistan are the direct consequence of consistent [[Martial law|military rule]].<ref>{{cite web | publisher = Antisystemic | url = http://antisystemic.org/satribune/www.satribune.com/archives/200504/P1_ss3.htm | title = SA Tribune | date = April 2005 | access-date = 5 January 2010 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20101201010101/http://antisystemic.org/satribune/www.satribune.com/archives/200504/P1_ss3.htm | archive-date = 1 December 2010 | url-status = dead }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | publisher = Rediff | url = http://www.rediff.com/news/2003/sep/16pak3.htm | title = Pakistan | date = 17 September 2003 | access-date = 5 January 2010 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20130507091323/http://www.rediff.com/news/2003/sep/16pak3.htm | archive-date = 7 May 2013 | url-status = live }}</ref><ref name="Anthem Press">{{cite book|last1=Khan|first1=Shahrukh Rafi|last2=Akhtar|first2=Aasim Sajjad|title=The Military and denied development in Pakistan|date=2014|publisher=Anthem Press|location=London |isbn=978-1-78308-289-6}}</ref> The budget allocation for the Pakistan Armed Forces at over 20% of the annual budget of Pakistan. Elected officials and the lawmakers have been forced to come under military rule for over 30 years of Pakistan's existence.<ref name=":1">{{Cite news|last=Qadri|first=Mustafa|date=2009-05-03|title=Pakistan's army: as inept as it is corrupt {{!}} Mustafa Qadri|language=en-GB|work=The Guardian|url=https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2009/may/03/pakistan-taliban-military-swat|access-date=2020-02-26|issn=0261-3077}}</ref>

==Organization and Command Structure==
Leadership of the Pakistan Armed Forces is provided by the [[Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee]] (JCSC), which controls the military from the [[Joint Staff Headquarters (Pakistan)|Joint staff Headquarters]] (JS HQ), adjacent to the [[AHQ (PAF)|Air HQ]], [[NHQ (PN)|Navy HQ]], and [[General Headquarters (Pakistan Army)|Army General HQ]] (GHQ) in the vicinity of the [[Rawalpindi Cantonment|Rawalpindi Military District]], Punjab.<ref name="Frankfort, IL"/> The Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee is composed of the [[Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee|Chairman Joint Chiefs]], the [[Chief of Army Staff (Pakistan)|Chief of Army Staff]], the [[Chief of Air Staff (Pakistan)|Chief of Air Staff]] and the [[Chief of Naval Staff (Pakistan)|Chief of Naval Staff]].<ref name="Frankfort, IL"/>

At the JS HQ, it forms with the office of the [[Engineer-in-Chief (Pakistan Army)|Engineer-in-Chief]], [[Pakistan Navy Hydrographic Department|Navy Hydrographer]], [[Surgeon general|Surgeon-General]] of each inter-service, director of JS HQ, and [[Director-General]]s (DGs) of [[Inter-Services Public Relations]] (ISPR), [[Inter Services Selection Board (Pakistan)|Inter-Services Selection Board]] (ISSB), [[Inter-Services Intelligence]] (ISI), and the [[Strategic Plans Division Force]] (SPD Force).<ref name="New York University Press"/>{{clarify|date=January 2017}}

===Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee (JCSC)===
Following military failures in the [[Indo-Pakistani War of 1971]] and [[Bangladesh Liberation War]], federal studies on [[civil–military relations]] were held by a commission led by [[Hamoodur Rahman]], [[Chief Justice of Pakistan]].<ref name="Diane Publishing Co." /><ref name="New York University Press"/> Recommendations of the [[Hamoodur Rahman Commission]] helped establish the Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee to co-ordinate all military work and oversee joint missions and their execution during operations.<ref name="New York University Press"/><ref name="Westview Press">{{cite book|last1=Shafqat|first1=Saeed|title=Civil-military relations in Pakistan: from Zulfikar Ali Bhutto to Benazir Bhutto|date=1997|publisher=Westview Press|location=Boulder, Colo.|isbn=978-0-8133-8809-0}}</ref>

The chairmanship of the JCSC rotates among the three main service branches, with appointment by the [[Prime Minister of Pakistan|prime minister]] confirmed by the [[President of Pakistan|president]].<ref name="New York University Press"/> The chairman outranks all other four-star officers; however, he does not have operational command authority over the armed forces.<ref name="The United States Government">{{cite book|last1=U.S Govt.|title=Pakistan: A country study|year=1996|publisher=The United States Government|isbn=978-0-7881-3631-3|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=DRMTO7mn7hIC&q=joint+chiefs+of+staff+committee+pakistan&pg=PA287|display-authors=etal|access-date=18 October 2020|archive-date=5 February 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230205200229/https://books.google.com/books?id=DRMTO7mn7hIC&q=joint+chiefs+of+staff+committee+pakistan&pg=PA287|url-status=live}}</ref> In his capacity as chief military adviser, he assists the prime minister and the minister of defence in exercising their command functions.<ref name="The United States Government"/>

Technically, the JCSC is the highest military body; and its chairman serves as the principal staff officer (PSO) to the civilian prime minister, [[Cabinet of Pakistan|Cabinet]], [[National Security Council (Pakistan)|National Security Council]] (its adviser), and [[President of Pakistan|president]].<ref name="New York University Press"/> The JCSC deals with joint military planning, joint training, integrated joint logistics, and provides strategic directions for the armed forces; it periodically reviews the role, size, and condition of the three main service branches; and it advises the civilian government on strategic communications, industrial mobilisations plans, and formulating defence plans.<ref name="New York University Press"/> In many ways, the JCSC provides an important link to understand, maintain balance, and resolve conflicts between military and [[Politics of Pakistan|political circles]].<ref name="New York University Press">{{cite book|last1=Cheema|first1=Pervaiz Iqbal|title=The armed forces of Pakistan|date=2002|publisher=New York University Press|location=New York|isbn=978-0-8147-1633-5|chapter-url=https://books.google.com/books?id=cw_gduyRv5oC&q=joint+chiefs+of+staff+Committee+Pakistan&pg=PR15|chapter-format=google books|chapter=Administrative Set-up|access-date=18 October 2020|archive-date=5 February 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230205200229/https://books.google.com/books?id=cw_gduyRv5oC&q=joint+chiefs+of+staff+Committee+Pakistan&pg=PR15|url-status=live}}</ref> In times of peace, the JCSC's principle functions are to conduct planning of civil–military input; in times of war, the [[Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee|chairman]] acts as principal military adviser to the [[Prime Minister of Pakistan|prime minister]] in the supervision and conduct of [[joint warfare]].<ref name="The United States Government"/>

====Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee====
{| class=wikitable
!width="75" align="center" style="background:#F0E68C;"| Flag
!width="550" align="center" style="background:#F0E68C;"| Position 
!width="75" align="center" style="background:#F0E68C;"| Photo
!width="205" align="center" style="background:#F0E68C;"| Incumbent
!width="115" align="center" style="background:#F0E68C;"| Service branch
|-
|align="center"style="background:#FFFFE0"|[[File:Flag of the Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee.svg|85px]]
| align="center"style="background:#FFFFE0"|[[Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee]] (CJCSC)
| style="background:#FFFFE0|[[File:General-sahir-shamshad-mirza.jpg|border|92x92px]]
|align="center"style="background:#FFFFE0"|[[Four star general|General]] <br />'''[[Sahir Shamshad Mirza]]''' <br />[[File:US-O10 insignia.svg|55px]]
|align="center"style="background:#FFFFE0"|[[File:Pakistan Army Emblem.png|55px]]<br />[[Pakistan Army]]
|-
| align="center"style="background:#FFFFE0"|[[File:Flag of the Chief of the Army Staff (Pakistan).svg|85px]]
| align="center"style="background:#FFFFE0"|[[Chief of Army Staff (Pakistan)|Chief of the Army Staff]] (COAS)
| style="background:#FFFFE0"|[[File:General Asim Munir (Pakistan).jpg|border|93x93px]]
|align="center"style="background:#FFFFE0"| [[Field Marshal (Pakistan)|Field Marshal]] <br />'''[[Asim Munir (general)|Asim Munir]]''' <br />[[File:US-O11 insignia.svg|55px]]
|align="center"style="background:#FFFFE0"|[[File:Pakistan Army Emblem.png|55px]]<br />[[Pakistan Army]]
|-
| align="center"style="background:#FFFFE0"|[[File:Pakistan Navy Admiral.svg|75px]]
| align="center"style="background:#FFFFE0"|[[Chief of Naval Staff (Pakistan)|Chief of the Naval Staff]] (CNS)
| style="background:#FFFFE0|[[File:Chief of The Naval Staff Admiral Naveed Ashraf NI(M) Official.jpg|border|106x106px]]
|align="center"style="background:#FFFFE0"| [[Four star admiral|Admiral]] <br />'''[[Naveed Ashraf]]'''<br />[[File:US-O10 insignia.svg|55px]]
|align="center"style="background:#FFFFE0"|[[File:Pakistan Navy emblem.svg|55px]]<br />[[Pakistan Navy]]
|-
| align="center"style="background:#FFFFE0"|[[File:Pakistani Air Force Ensign.svg|75px]]
| align="center"style="background:#FFFFE0"|[[Chief of Air Staff (Pakistan)|Chief of the Air Staff]] (CAS)
| style="background:#FFFFE0"|[[File:AIR CHIEF MARSHAL ZAHEER AHMED BABER SIDHU.jpg|border|75px]]  
| align="center"style="background:#FFFFE0"|  [[Air Chief Marshal]] <br />'''[[Zaheer Ahmad Babar]]'''<br />[[File:US-O10 insignia.svg|55px]]
|align="center"style="background:#FFFFE0"|[[File:Badge of the Pakistan Air Force.svg|45px]]<br />[[Pakistan Air Force]]
|-
|}

==Service branches==
===Army===
{{Main|Pakistan Army}}
[[File:PakBatt-medal-12 (10225473763).jpg|thumb|Pakistani soldiers being decorated after a tour of duty with the UN in the DR Congo]]

After the [[Partition of India|partitioning of British India]] in 1947, the Pakistan Army was formed by Indian Muslim officers serving in the [[British Indian Army]].<ref name="Strategicus and Tacticus">{{cite book|last1=Amin|first1=Agha Humayun|title=India Pakistan wars-1947 to 1971: A Strategic and Operational Analysis|date=2010|publisher=Strategicus and Tacticus|location=u.s.|isbn=978-0-557-51984-2|page=723|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=c_VUBQAAQBAJ&q=pakistan+army+1947&pg=PA199|access-date=7 December 2014|archive-date=5 February 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230205200233/https://books.google.com/books?id=c_VUBQAAQBAJ&q=pakistan+army+1947&pg=PA199|url-status=live}}</ref> The largest branch of the nation's military, it is a professional, volunteer fighting force, with about 560,000 active personnel and 550,000 reserves (though estimates vary widely).<ref name=":0" /> Although, the Constitution provides a basis for the [[military draft|service draft]], conscription has never been imposed in Pakistan.<ref name="CRC Country briefs">{{cite web|title=CRC Country briefs|url=http://resourcecentre.savethechildren.se/sites/default/files/documents/2243.pdf|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141214040311/http://resourcecentre.savethechildren.se/sites/default/files/documents/2243.pdf|url-status=dead|archive-date=2014-12-14|publisher=CRC|access-date=7 December 2014|year=2004}}</ref> A single command structure known as [[General Headquarters (Pakistan Army)|General Headquarters]] (GHQ) is based at [[Rawalpindi Cantonment|Rawalpindi Cantt]], adjacent to the [[Joint Staff Headquarters (Pakistan)|Joint staff HQ]].<ref name="New York University Press" /> The army is commanded by the [[Chief of Army Staff (Pakistan)|Chief of Army Staff]] (COAS), by statute a four-star army general, appointed by the president with the consultation and confirmation of the prime minister.<ref name="pakistani.org">{{cite web|title=Article 243A in the Chapter II: Armed Forces in the Part XII of the Constitution of Pakistan|url=http://www.pakistani.org/pakistan/constitution/part12.ch2.html|access-date=18 January 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120205071402/http://www.pakistani.org/pakistan/constitution/part12.ch2.html|archive-date=5 February 2012|url-status=live}}</ref> {{As of|2022|post=,}} General [[Asim Munir (general)|Asim Munir]] was the chief of army staff.<ref name="auto">{{Cite web |title=Lt General Asim Munir set to become next army chief, govt announces |url=https://www.thenews.com.pk/latest/1013235-lt-general-asim-munir-set-to-become-next-army-chief-govt-announces |access-date=2022-11-24 |website=www.thenews.com.pk |language=en}}</ref> Army General [[Sahir Shamshad Mirza]] is the current Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee.<ref>{{Cite web |title=PM Shehbaz chooses Lt Gen Asim Munir as COAS, Lt Gen Sahir Shamshad as CJCSC |url=https://www.thenews.com.pk/latest/1013235-lt-general-asim-munir-set-to-become-next-army-chief-govt-announces |access-date=2022-11-24 |website=www.thenews.com.pk |language=en}}</ref> The army has a wide range of corporate (e.g.: [[Fauji Foundation]]), commercial (e.g.: [[Askari Bank]]), and political interests, and on many occasions has [[Military coups in Pakistan|seized control]] of the [[Government of Pakistan|civilian government]] to restore order in the country.<ref name="Pluto Press">{{cite book|last1=Siddiqa|first1=Ayesha|title=Military Inc.: inside Pakistan's military economy|date=2007|publisher=Pluto Press|location=London|isbn=978-0-7453-2545-3|edition=1. publ.}}</ref>

The [[Pakistan Army Aviation Corps|Army Aviation Corps]] reportedly operates about 250 aircraft, including approximately 40 [[AH-1 Cobra]] combat helicopters. The [[Army Strategic Forces Command (Pakistan)|Army Strategic Forces Command]] operates a wide range of missile systems in its arsenal.<ref name="Brookings Institution Press.">{{cite book|last1=Nolan|first1=Janne E.|title=Trappings of Power: Ballistic Missiles in the Third World|publisher=Brookings Institution Press.|isbn=978-0-8157-2038-6|date=1 December 2010}}</ref> In spite of the [[Pressler amendment]] enforced in the 1990s, the army has been focused on development of land-based weapon systems and production of military hardware.<ref name="Pakistan Military Consortium">{{cite web|last1=Shabbir|first1=Usman|title=Defence Industry of Pakistan|url=http://pakdef.org/industry/|publisher=Pakistan Military Consortium|access-date=7 December 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141210030823/http://pakdef.org/industry/|archive-date=10 December 2014}}</ref> Domestic innovation resulted in the successful development of [[Heckler & Koch MP5|G3A3]] rifles, [[Anza (missile)|Anza missile]] systems, and [[Al-Zarrar]] and [[Al-Khalid tank|Al-Khalid]] [[main battle tank]]s (MBTs).<ref name="Pakistan Military Consortium"/>

Since 1947, the army has waged [[Indo-Pakistani wars and conflicts|three wars]] with neighboring India, and several [[Afghanistan–Pakistan border skirmishes|border skirmishes with Afghanistan]].<ref>{{cite web|title=History of Pakistan Army|url=http://www.pakistanarmy.gov.pk/|access-date=18 January 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130114175609/http://pakistanarmy.gov.pk/|archive-date=14 January 2013}}</ref> Due to [[Geography of Pakistan|Pakistan's diverse geography]], the army has extensive combat experience in a variety of terrains.<ref name="Brassey's">{{cite book|last1=Collins|first1=John M.|title=Military geography for professionals and the public|date=1998|publisher=Brassey's|location=Washington, DC [u.a.]|isbn=978-1-57488-180-6|edition=1.}}</ref> The army has maintained a strong presence in the [[Arab world]] during the [[Arab–Israeli Conflict|Arab–Israeli Wars]], aided the [[Coalition of the Gulf War|Coalition Forces]] in the first [[Gulf War]], and played a major role in combat in the [[Bosnian War]] as well as rescuing trapped American soldiers in [[Mogadishu]], [[Somalia]] in 1993. Recently, major joint-operations undertaken by the army include [[Operation Black Thunderstorm]] and [[Operation Rah-e-Nijat]], against armed insurgents within Pakistan. The army has also been an active participant in [[United Nations peacekeeping missions involving Pakistan|UN peacekeeping missions]].<ref name="ISPR (Army division)">{{cite web|url=https://www.pakistanarmy.gov.pk/AWPReview/TextContent.aspx?pId=411&rnd=497 |title=Pakistan Army's Contribution in UN Missions|publisher=ISPR (Army division)|access-date=7 December 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141120074530/https://www.pakistanarmy.gov.pk/AWPReview/TextContent.aspx?pId=411&rnd=497|archive-date=20 November 2014}}</ref>

===Air Force===
{{Main|Pakistan Air Force}}
Brought into existence in 1947 with the establishment of the [[Pakistan Air Force Academy]], the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) is regarded as a "powerful defence component of the country's defence."{{Citation needed|date=May 2023}} The prefix "Royal" was added in 1947, but dropped when Pakistan became an [[Constitution of Pakistan of 1956|Islamic republic]] in 1956.<ref name="Shaheen Foundation-A">{{cite book|last1=Hussain|first1=Syed Shabbir|last2=Qureshi|first2=M. Tariq|title=History of the Pakistan Air Force, 1947–1982|date=1985|publisher=Shaheen Foundation|location=Lahore, Pakistan|isbn=978-0-19-648045-9|page=332}}</ref> The PAF is the seventh-largest air force and the largest in the [[Muslim world]], with about 943 combat fighter jets and over 200 trainer, transport, communication, helicopter, and force-multiplier aircraft. A single command structure [[Air Headquarters (Pakistan Air Force)|Air Headquarters]] (AHQ) is based at [[Islamabad]]. The air force is commanded by the [[Chief of Air Staff (Pakistan)|Chief of Air Staff]] (CAS), by statute a four-star air chief marshal, appointed by the president, with the consultation and confirmation of the prime minister.<ref name="pakistani.org"/> {{As of|2021|March|post=,}} Air Chief Marshal [[Zaheer Ahmad Babar]] is the CAS.<ref name="NewsTribe: New PAF chief">{{cite web|url=http://tribune.com.pk/story/855151/air-marshal-sohail-aman-appointed-as-the-new-air-chief|title=Air Marshal Sohail Aman appointed as the new air chief – The Express Tribune|date=18 March 2015|website=The Express Tribune|access-date=31 May 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160617164856/http://tribune.com.pk/story/855151/air-marshal-sohail-aman-appointed-as-the-new-air-chief/|archive-date=17 June 2016|url-status=live}}</ref>

In many important events in Pakistan's history, the air force has played a pivotal, influential, and crucial role in the nation's defence and national security, and promoted a sense of security in civil society.<ref name="Dunya News, 2014-B">{{cite news|last1=News desk|title=PAF is playing pivotal role in Zarb-e-Azb operation: Air Chief|url=http://dunyanews.tv/index.php/en/Pakistan/238086-PAF-is-playing-pivotal-role-in-ZarbeAzb-operatio|access-date=7 December 2014|work=Dunya News |year=2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150904011516/http://dunyanews.tv/index.php/en/Pakistan/238086-PAF-is-playing-pivotal-role-in-ZarbeAzb-operatio|archive-date=4 September 2015|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="Express Tribune, 3 December 2014">{{cite news|last1=Hassan|first1=Saad|title=Outnumbered but not outfoxed|url=http://tribune.com.pk/story/800977/outnumbered-not-outfoxed-paf-knows-how-to-defend-pakistan/|access-date=7 December 2014|work=The Express Tribune|publisher=Express Tribune, 3 December 2014|date=3 December 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141213014420/http://tribune.com.pk/story/800977/outnumbered-not-outfoxed-paf-knows-how-to-defend-pakistan/|archive-date=13 December 2014|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="Dawn Newspapers">{{cite news|last1=AFP|title=PAF fully equipped to defend country's aerial frontiers|url=http://www.dawn.com/news/1134256|access-date=7 December 2014 |work=Dawn|location=Pakistan|date=6 December 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141210012657/http://www.dawn.com/news/1134256|archive-date=10 December 2014|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="PAF Grand Strategy">{{cite web|last1=RMS Azam|title=Wings Over Chagai: PAF and Chagai Nuclear tests|url=http://www.grandestrategy.com/2009/03/wings-over-chagai-story-of-israels.html|archive-url=https://archive.today/20141207102332/http://www.grandestrategy.com/2009/03/wings-over-chagai-story-of-israels.html|archive-date=7 December 2014|publisher=PAF Grand Strategy|access-date=7 December 2014}}</ref> Its military significance and importance in public perception contribute to the PAF's dominance over the other major service branches.<ref name="The Pakistan Air Force's National interests">{{cite book|last1=Singh|first1=R.S.N.|title=The military factor in Pakistan|date=2008|publisher=Frankfort, IL|location=New Delhi|isbn=978-0-9815378-9-4|chapter-url=https://books.google.com/books?id=wCm2DFZblOYC&q=Pakistan+Air+Force+largest+seventh+air+force&pg=PA338|access-date=7 December 2014|chapter=The Pakistan Air Force's National interests|archive-date=5 February 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230205200233/https://books.google.com/books?id=wCm2DFZblOYC&q=Pakistan+Air+Force+largest+seventh+air+force&pg=PA338|url-status=live}}</ref> The PAF officially uses the slogan: "Second to None; fully abreast with the requisite will and mechanism to live by its standards in the coming millennium and beyond."<ref name="IDEAS on PAF">{{cite web|last1=IDEAS staff|title=IDEAS on PAF|url=http://ideaspakistan.gov.pk/paf.php|publisher=IDEAS on PAF|access-date=7 December 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141204043352/http://www.ideaspakistan.gov.pk/paf.php|archive-date=4 December 2014|url-status=dead}}</ref>

[[File:F-16 Red Flag 2010 Pakistan Air Force 9 sqn Griffins.jpg|thumb|PAF [[General Dynamics F-16 Fighting Falcon|F16s]] in tight formation in [[Nevada]], U.S., {{circa}} 2010.]]
Historically, the air force has been heavily dependent on U.S., Chinese, and French aircraft technology to support its growth, despite impositions of the Pressler amendment.<ref name="Shaheen Foundation-A" /> While [[F-16 Falcon|F-16s]] continue to be a backbone of the air force,<ref name="Express News">{{cite news |title=PAF inducts new batch of F-16s|url=http://tribune.com.pk/story/711498/flown-in-from-jordan-paf-inducts-new-batch-of-f-16s/|access-date=7 December 2014|work=Express News|date=22 May 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141005101203/http://tribune.com.pk/story/711498/flown-in-from-jordan-paf-inducts-new-batch-of-f-16s/|archive-date=5 October 2014|url-status=live}}</ref> the local development and quick production of the [[JF-17 Thunder|JF-17]] have provided an alternative route to meet its aerial combat requirements.<ref name="Indian Express News, 2013">{{cite news|last1=Bipindra|first1=N.C.|title=Pakistan's firepower gets Russia edge on the sly|url=http://www.newindianexpress.com/nation/Pakistans-firepower-gets-Russia-edge-on-the-sly/2013/07/07/article1671555.ece|access-date=7 December 2014 |work=Indian Express News |date=7 July 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141223125709/http://www.newindianexpress.com/nation/Pakistans-firepower-gets-Russia-edge-on-the-sly/2013/07/07/article1671555.ece|archive-date=23 December 2014}}</ref> According to PAF accounts, the air force plans to retire several of its ageing French-licensed [[Dassault Mirage III|Mirage III]] and [[Dassault Mirage 5|Mirage 5]] fighter jets.<ref name="Grand Strategy">{{cite web|author=<!-- Unknown author -->|title=Project ROSE|url=http://www.grandestrategy.com/2013/06/the-paf-mirage-rose-upgrade.html|archive-url=https://archive.today/20141124014336/http://www.grandestrategy.com/2013/06/the-paf-mirage-rose-upgrade.html|archive-date=24 November 2014|website=grandstrategy.com|publisher=Grand Strategy|access-date=24 November 2014|date=22 June 2013}}</ref>

[[File:Pakistan Air Force JF-17 Thunder flies in front of the 26,660 ft high Nanga Parbat.jpg|thumb|left|Pakistan's domestically produced [[JF-17 Thunder]], developed jointly by [[Pakistan Aeronautical Complex|PAC]] and [[Chengdu Aircraft Corporation|CAC]]]]

Joint production with the [[People's Liberation Army Air Force|Chinese Air Force]] of a light-weight [[Multirole combat aircraft|multi-role combat aircraft]] and further avionics development of the JF-17 is ongoing at the [[Pakistan Aeronautical Complex]] (PAC). As of 2016, 70 JF-17s are operational and have replaced 50 Mirage IIIs and F-7Ps. The PAF plans to replace all F-7Ps and Mirage III/5 aircraft by 2020.<ref>{{cite web|title=Confirmed: Pakistan Air Force now operates 70 JF-17 fighter jets|url=https://thediplomat.com/2016/12/confirmed-pakistan-air-force-now-operates-70-jf-17-fighter-jets/|website=The Diplomat|access-date=19 May 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161214063528/https://thediplomat.com/2016/12/confirmed-pakistan-air-force-now-operates-70-jf-17-fighter-jets/|archive-date=14 December 2016|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Pakistan Air Force Chief sets expectations for near and long-term force goals.|url=http://quwa.org/2017/03/29/pakistan-air-force-chief-sets-expectations-near-long-term-force-goals/|website=quwa.org|publisher=Quwa Defence News & Analysis Group|access-date=19 May 2017|date=29 March 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170507130301/http://quwa.org/2017/03/29/pakistan-air-force-chief-sets-expectations-near-long-term-force-goals/|archive-date=7 May 2017|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="Shaheen Foundation-B">{{cite book|last1=Sheikh, PAF|first1=Air Marshal Rashid|title=The story of the Pakistan Air Force, 1988–1998: a battle against odds|date=2001|publisher=Shaheen Foundation|location=Pakistan|isbn=978-969-8553-00-5|page=432}}</ref> The F-7PG will be replaced later, and the JF-17 fleet may eventually be expanded to 300 aircraft.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.dailytimes.com.pk/default.asp?page=2008%5C11%5C29%5Cstory_29-11-2008_pg5_4|archive-url=https://archive.today/20121221081739/http://www.dailytimes.com.pk/default.asp?page=2008%5C11%5C29%5Cstory_29-11-2008_pg5_4|title=IDEAS 2008 secures orders worth $40m|archive-date=21 December 2012|website=Daily Times}}</ref> Realizing the importance of [[fifth generation fighter aircraft]], the PAF successfully negotiated for the procurement of approximately 36 Chinese [[Chengdu J-10|FC-20]] fighter jets – a deal worth around US$1.4&nbsp;billion, signed in 2009.<ref name="Associate Press of Pakistan, 2009">{{cite news|last1=APP|title=PAF to acquire 36 5th-generation combat aircraft from China: PAF Chief|url=http://www.app.com.pk/en_/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=59626&Itemid=1|access-date=7 December 2014|work=Associate Press of Pakistan|date=19 November 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141213085906/http://www.app.com.pk/en_/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=59626&Itemid=1|archive-date=13 December 2014}}</ref><ref name="Singapore Times">{{cite news|last1=Govindasamy|first1=Siva|title=Pakistan signs deal for Chinese J-10 fighters|url=http://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/pakistan-signs-deal-for-chinese-j-10-fighters-334681/|access-date=7 December 2014|work=Singapore Times|publisher=Singapore Times, 2009|date=13 November 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141209120418/http://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/pakistan-signs-deal-for-chinese-j-10-fighters-334681/|archive-date=9 December 2014|url-status=live}}</ref> It was expected that the FC-20s would be delivered in 2015.<ref name="News International, 2012">{{cite news|title=Defence industry likely to reach $10.4&nbsp;billion by 2015|url=http://www.thenews.com.pk/Todays-News-3-143080-Defence-industry-likely-to-reach-$104-billion-by-2015|access-date=7 December 2014|work=News International |date=16 November 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141211065241/http://www.thenews.com.pk/Todays-News-3-143080-Defence-industry-likely-to-reach-$104-billion-by-2015|archive-date=11 December 2014|url-status=live}}</ref> In close co-ordination with [[Turkish Aerospace Industries]], the PAC engaged in a mid-life update (MLU) program of its [[F-16]]A/Bs, approximately 26 of which are in service.<ref name="ISPR (Air Force Division)">{{cite web|last1=air force staff press|title=PAF F-16 Block 15 Aircraft arrives after Mid Life Upgrade, Islamabad|url=http://www.paf.gov.pk/F-16_Mid_life_upgrade.html|publisher=ISPR (Air Force Division)|access-date=7 December 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141209044522/http://www.paf.gov.pk/F-16_Mid_life_upgrade.html|archive-date=9 December 2014}}</ref> In 2010, the air force procured at least 18 newly built [[F-16]]C/D Block 52s under the Peace Gate-II{{clarify|date=January 2017}} by the United States.<ref name=F-16s.net>{{cite web |title=F-16s in Pakistan Air Force|url=http://www.f-16.net/f-16_users_article14.html|website=F-16s.net|access-date=7 December 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110529022627/http://www.f-16.net/f-16_users_article14.html|archive-date=29 May 2011|url-status=live}}</ref>

In 2009, the PAF enlisted two types of [[airborne early warning and control]] (AEW&C) systems aircraft: four [[Erieye]]-equipped [[Saab 2000]]s from Sweden, and a Chinese AWACS based on the [[Shaanxi Y-8|Shaanxi Y-8F]] cargo aircraft.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.dawn.com/2008/04/04/nat5.htm|title=PAF inducts SAAB system into fleet|date=4 April 2008|website=Dawn|location=Pakistan|access-date=21 February 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081228230651/http://www.dawn.com/2008/04/04/nat5.htm|archive-date=28 December 2008|url-status=live}}</ref> Four [[Ilyushin Il-78]] aerial tankers, capable of refueling F-16, Mirage III, Mirage 5, JF-17, and FC-20 fighters, have been acquired second-hand from Ukrainian surplus stocks.<ref>[http://www.flightglobal.com/articles/1999/02/24/48468/improvise-and-modernise.html Improvise and modernise-24 February 1999-Flight International] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120117112458/http://www.flightglobal.com/articles/1999/02/24/48468/improvise-and-modernise.html |date=17 January 2012 }}. ''Flightglobal''. (24 February 1999). Retrieved 8 September 2010.</ref><ref>{{usurped|1=[https://web.archive.org/web/20070707171404/http://www.pakistantimes.net/2007/04/20/top4.htm Top Story: New Fighter Squadron added to Pakistan Air Force]}}. Pakistan Times. Retrieved 8 September 2010.</ref><ref>[http://news.webindia123.com/news/ar_showdetails.asp?id=704201030&cat=&n_date=20070420 PAF gets new Mirage fighter squadron – News – Webindia123.com] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110718013313/http://news.webindia123.com/news/ar_showdetails.asp?id=704201030&cat=&n_date=20070420 |date=18 July 2011 }}. News.webindia123.com (20 April 2007). Retrieved 8 September 2010.</ref> The fleet of [[Shenyang J-5|FT-5]] and [[T-37 Tweet|T-37]] trainers is to be replaced with approximately 75 [[K-8 Karakorum]] intermediate jet training aircraft.{{Citation needed|date=May 2023}} Other major developments continue to be under development by the local aerospace industries;<ref name="Defence News, 2014">{{cite web|last1=Ansari|first1=Usman|title=Thunder Resonates as Modernization Inches Forward in Pakistan|url=http://www.defensenews.com/article/20140210/DEFREG/302100032/Thunder-Resonates-Modernization-Inches-Forward-Pakistan|archive-url=https://archive.today/20140210174356/http://www.defensenews.com/article/20140210/DEFREG/302100032/Thunder-Resonates-Modernization-Inches-Forward-Pakistan|archive-date=10 February 2014|publisher=Defence News, 2014|access-date=7 December 2014|url-status=dead}}</ref> some of its electronic systems were exhibited in [[International Defence Exhibition and Seminar|IDEAS 2014]] held in [[Karachi]].<ref name="Express News, IDEAS">{{cite news|last1=Agencies|title=IDEAS 2014 opens: Govt focusing on export of defence ware, says PM|url=http://tribune.com.pk/story/800511/ideas-2014-opens-govt-focusing-on-export-of-defence-ware-says-pm/|access-date=7 December 2014|work=Express News |date=3 December 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141213012305/http://tribune.com.pk/story/800511/ideas-2014-opens-govt-focusing-on-export-of-defence-ware-says-pm/|archive-date=13 December 2014|url-status=live}}</ref>{{relevance inline|date=January 2017}} Since the 1960s, the PAF has held regular combat exercises, such as [[Exercise Saffron Bandit]] and Exercise High Mark, modelled on the [[USAF Weapons School]]; many authors believe the PAF is capable of mastering the methods of "[[toss bombing]]" since the 1990s.<ref name=Lancer>{{cite book|last1=Verma|first1=Anand K.|title=Reassessing Pakistan: role of two nation theory|date=2001|publisher=Lancer|location=New Delhi|isbn=978-81-7062-287-1|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=zJEp2I5BIIAC&q=pakistan+air+force+toss+bombing&pg=PA252|access-date=18 October 2020|archive-date=5 February 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230205200205/https://books.google.com/books?id=zJEp2I5BIIAC&q=pakistan+air+force+toss+bombing&pg=PA252|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="Trafford On Demand Pub">{{cite book|last1=Barvarz|first1=Fartash|title=Islamic atomic bomb cookbook|date=2010|publisher=Trafford on Demand Pub|location=[S.l.]|isbn=978-1-4269-2366-1|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=EO1RVGGL9jEC&q=pakistan+air+force+toss+bombing&pg=PA17|access-date=7 December 2014|archive-date=5 February 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230205200220/https://books.google.com/books?id=EO1RVGGL9jEC&q=pakistan+air+force+toss+bombing&pg=PA17|url-status=live}}</ref>

===Navy===
{{Main|Pakistan Navy}}
[[File:Zulfiqar3.jpg|thumb|[[F-22P Zulfiquar-class frigate|F-22P ''Zulfiquar''-class frigate]]s, built in [[Karachi Shipyard|KSEW]].]]
The Pakistan Navy was formed in 1947 by the Indian Muslim officers serving in the [[Royal Indian Navy]]. The prefix "Royal" was soon added but dropped in 1956 when Pakistan became an [[Constitution of Pakistan of 1956|Islamic republic]].<ref name="Spantech & Lancer">{{cite book|last1=Goldrick|first1=James|title=No easy answers: the development of the navies of India, Pakistan, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka, 1945–1996|date=1997|publisher=Spantech & Lancer|location=Hartford, Wi|isbn=978-1-897829-02-8|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=6XW7kKHQeQoC&q=history+of+pakistan+navy&pg=PA44|access-date=8 December 2014|archive-date=5 February 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230205200222/https://books.google.com/books?id=6XW7kKHQeQoC&q=history+of+pakistan+navy&pg=PA44|url-status=live}}</ref> Its prime responsibility is to provide protection of nation's sea ports, [[marine border]]s, approximately 1,000&nbsp;km (650&nbsp;mi) of coastline, and supporting national security and peacekeeping missions.<ref name="IDEAS on Navy">{{cite web|last1=IDEAS on Navy|title=IDEAS on Navy|url=http://ideaspakistan.gov.pk/pak_navy.php|publisher=IDEAS on Navy|access-date=8 December 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141204043431/http://ideaspakistan.gov.pk/pak_navy.php|archive-date=4 December 2014}}</ref> With approximately 30,000 active duty personnel and [[List of active ships of the Pakistan Navy|commissioned warships]], its operational scope has expanded to greater national and international responsibility in countering the threat of sea-based global terrorism, drug smuggling, and trafficking issues.<ref>Pakistan Navy (official website)- PN Dimensions; {{cite web |url=http://www.paknavy.gov.pk/chron_history.html |title=Pakistan Navy Official Website |access-date=7 November 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161029192738/http://www.paknavy.gov.pk/chron_history.html |archive-date=29 October 2016}}; retvd 5 5 14</ref>

[[File:Larkana (PB 157)-090309-N-4774B-055.jpg|thumb|left|PNS ''Larkana'' in Karachi]]
A single command structure known as [[Naval Headquarters (Pakistan Navy)|Naval Headquarters]] (NHQ) is based at the [[Rawalpindi Cantonment|Rawalpindi Cantt]], adjacent to the Joint Staff HQ. The navy is commanded by the [[Chief of Naval Staff (Pakistan)|Chief of Naval Staff]] (CNS), who is by statute a four-star admiral, appointed by the president, with the required consultation and confirmation of the prime minister.<ref name="pakistani.org"/> {{As of|2020|October|post=,}} Admiral [[Muhammad Amjad Khan Niazi]] is the [[Chief of Naval Staff (Pakistan)|chief of naval staff]].<ref name="Express Tribune">{{cite news|last1=Webdesk|title=Admiral Zakaullah takes charge as new navy chief|url=http://tribune.com.pk/story/772136/admiral-zakaullah-takes-charge-as-new-navy-chief/|access-date=8 December 2014|work=The Express Tribune|date=7 October 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141210081945/http://tribune.com.pk/story/772136/admiral-zakaullah-takes-charge-as-new-navy-chief/|archive-date=10 December 2014|url-status=live}}</ref>

[[File:OuessantBrest2005.jpg|thumb|The Navy operates the domestically built [[Agosta-class submarine|''Agosta'' 90B]] submarines.]]
[[Navy Day]] is celebrated on 8 September to commemorate its service in the Indo-Pakistani War of 1965.{{citation needed|date=July 2017}} According to author [[Tariq Ali]], the navy lost one-half of its force in the Indo-Pakistani War of 1971.<ref>{{cite book |author=Tariq Ali |author-link=Tariq Ali |year=1983 |title=Can Pakistan Survive? The Death of a State |publisher=Penguin Books |page=95 |isbn=978-0-14-02-2401-6 |quote=In a two-week war, Pakistan lost half its navy.}}</ref> The Navy heavily depended on American-built naval technology and operated a large infrastructure from 1947 to 1971.<ref name="Spantech & Lancer"/> The [[Pressler amendment]] forced an embargo in the 1990s, during which the navy developed [[air independent propulsion]] (AIP) technology purchased from France and built the [[Agosta-class submarine|''Agosta''-class submarine]]s; two of these (as well as one of the new frigates) were built at Pakistan's facilities in Karachi.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nti.org/analysis/articles/pakistan-submarine-capabilities/|title=Pakistan Submarine Capabilities – NTI|website=Nti.org|access-date=10 December 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181002020202/https://www.nti.org/analysis/articles/pakistan-submarine-capabilities/|archive-date=2 October 2018|url-status=live}}</ref> The navy's surface fleet consists of helicopter carriers, [[destroyer]]s, [[frigates]], [[amphibious assault ships]], [[patrol ship]]s, mine-countermeasures, and miscellaneous vessels.<ref name="Pakistan's Small Navy Packs A Punch"/> Established in 1972, the [[Pakistan Naval Air Arm|Naval Air Arm]] provides fleet air defence, maritime reconnaissance, and anti-submarine warfare capability. Mirage 5 aircraft donated by the PAF are flown by the Navy, equipped with [[Exocet]] anti-ship missiles.<ref name="Pakistan's Small Navy Packs A Punch">{{cite web|last1=Editorial|title=Pakistan's Small Navy Packs A Punch|url=http://pakdef.org/pakistans-small-navy-packs-a-punch/|publisher=Pakistan's Small Navy Packs A Punch|access-date=8 December 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160324025000/http://pakdef.org/pakistans-small-navy-packs-a-punch/|archive-date=24 March 2016|url-status=dead}}</ref> The Navy's fleet of [[Lockheed P-3 Orion|P-3C Orion]] turboprop aircraft, equipped with [[Signals intelligence|electronic intelligence]] (ELINT) systems, play a pivotal role in the Navy's gathering of intelligence.<ref name="Naval Aviation">{{cite news|title=Naval Aviation|url=http://pakdef.org/naval-aviation/|access-date=8 December 2014|publisher=Naval Aviation|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141122134526/http://pakdef.org/naval-aviation/|archive-date=22 November 2014|url-status=dead}}</ref> Since 2001, the navy has emphasised its role and expanded its operational scope across the country with the establishment of [[Naval Strategic Forces Command (Pakistan)|Naval Strategic Forces Command]], based in [[Islamabad]].

[[File:Pakistan Navy Westland Sea King Asuspine-1.jpg|thumb|left|A Pakistan Navy's [[Westland Sea King]].]]
In the 1990s, the navy lost its opportunity to equip itself with latest technology and negotiated with the [[Royal Navy]] to acquire ageing [[Tariq-class destroyer|''Tariq''-class destroyer]]s in 1993–94, which continue to be extensively upgraded.<ref name="Pakistan's Small Navy Packs A Punch"/> During the same time, the Navy engaged in a process of self-reliance and negotiated with China for assistance.<ref name="Pakistan's Small Navy Packs A Punch"/> This ultimately led the introduction of [[F-22P Zulfiquar-class frigate|F-22P ''Zulfiquar''-class frigate]]s, which were designed and developed at the [[Karachi Shipyard]] and Engineering Works (KSEW); at this same time, the [[Agosta-class submarine|''Agosta''-90B]] submarines were also built.<ref name="Pakistan's Small Navy Packs A Punch"/> [[Pakistan's role in the War on Terror]] led to a rapid modernisation, which saw the induction of the [[USS McInerney (FFG-8)|PNS ''Alamgir'']] anti-submarine warship in 2011.<ref name="nation.com.pk">{{Cite web|url=https://www.nation.com.pk/19-Oct-2008/bush-okays-antisubmarine-frigate-for-pak|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081201123811/http://www.nation.com.pk/pakistan-news-newspaper-daily-english-online/Politics/19-Oct-2008/Bush-okays-antisubmarine-frigate-for-Pak|title=Bush okays anti-submarine frigate for Pak|date=19 October 2008 |url-status=live|archive-date=1 December 2008}}</ref> The submarines remain to be backbone of the navy,<ref>The Diplomat."Pakistan's Oversized Submarine Ambitions" by Andrew Detsch, 9 October 2013;https://thediplomat.com/2013/10/pakistans-oversized-submarine-ambitions/ {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140508030958/https://thediplomat.com/2013/10/pakistans-oversized-submarine-ambitions/ |date=8 May 2014 }} retvd 5 7 14</ref> which has been developing a [[nuclear submarine]].<ref name="Defence news, navy">{{cite news|last1=staff|title=Pakistani Navy to Develop Nuclear-Powered Submarines: Reports|url=http://www.defensenews.com/article/20120211/DEFREG03/302110003/Pakistani-Navy-Develop-Nuclear-Powered-Submarines-Reports|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130813113712/http://www.defensenews.com/article/20120211/DEFREG03/302110003/Pakistani-Navy-Develop-Nuclear-Powered-Submarines-Reports|archive-date=13 August 2013|access-date=8 December 2014|work=Defence News|date=2 February 2012|url-status=dead}}</ref> Since 2001, media reports have been surfaced that the Navy has been seeking to enhance its strategic strike capability by developing naval variants of the nuclear [[cruise missile]].<ref name="Routledge., 2014">{{cite book|last1=Khan|first1=Zafar|title=Pakistan's Nuclear Policy: A Minimum Credible Deterrence|date=2014|publisher=Routledge., 2014|location=u.s|isbn=978-1-317-67601-0|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=XW8KBAAAQBAJ&q=pakistan+navy+nuclear&pg=PA87|access-date=8 December 2014|archive-date=5 February 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230205200207/https://books.google.com/books?id=XW8KBAAAQBAJ&q=pakistan+navy+nuclear&pg=PA87|url-status=live}}</ref> The Babur cruise missile has a range of {{convert|700|km}} and is capable of using both conventional and nuclear warheads.<ref name="cns.miis.edu">{{cite web|url=http://cns.miis.edu/other/wmdi071008d.htm|title=INDIA AND PAKISTAN MISSILE RACE SURGES ON – CNS|website=Cns.miis.edu|access-date=21 February 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090715101449/http://cns.miis.edu/other/wmdi071008d.htm|archive-date=15 July 2009|url-status=live}}</ref> Future developments of Babur missiles include capability of being launched from submarines, surface ships, and a range extension to {{convert|1000|km}}. An air-launched version, ''[[Hatf-VIII (Ra'ad)|Ra'ad]]'', has been successfully tested.<ref name="cns.miis.edu"/>

Since the 1990s, the navy has been conducting joint [[Pakistan military exercises|naval exercises]] and has participated in multinational task forces such as [[Combined Task Force 150|CTF-150]] and [[Combined Task Force 151|CTF-151]].<ref name="US CENTCOM">{{cite web |title=Pakistan assumes the command of CTF 151|url=http://www.centcom.mil/en/news/press-releases/pakistan-assumes-command-of-combined-task-force-151|website=US CENTCOM|access-date=8 December 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150904011519/http://www.centcom.mil/en/news/press-releases/pakistan-assumes-command-of-combined-task-force-151|archive-date=4 September 2015}}</ref>

{{Gallery
|title=Aircraft in the Navy
|width=160 | height=170 |align=center
|footer=[[Pakistan Naval Air Arm|Naval Air Arm]] copyright, [[Commons.wikimedia.org|Commons]]
|File:JF-17 background Mirage 5 ROSE foreground.jpg
 |alt1=JF-17 background Mirage 5 ROSE foreground
 |{{small|A Navy [[Dassault Mirage 5|Mirage-5E]] (with [[Sky blue]] markings underneath) with [[JF-17 Thunder|JF-17]], which are flown by navy [[Fighter pilot|pilots]] but remain under air force.<ref name="Defence news, Usman">{{cite web|last1=Ansar|first1=Usman|title=Adm. Asif Sandila, Chief of Naval Staff, Pakistan Navy|url=http://www.defensenews.com/article/20120220/DEFREG03/302200008/Interview-Adm-Asif-Sandila-Chief-Naval-Staff-Pakistan-Navy|archive-url=https://archive.today/20141211003800/http://www.defensenews.com/article/20120220/DEFREG03/302200008/Interview-Adm-Asif-Sandila-Chief-Naval-Staff-Pakistan-Navy|archive-date=11 December 2014|publisher=Defence news, Usman|access-date=11 December 2014|url-status=dead}}</ref>}}
|File:Pakistan Navy Orion Asuspine.jpg
 |alt2=Pakistan Navy Orion Asuspine.jpg
 |{{small|A Navy [[Lockheed P-3 Orion|P3C-Orion]] in flight}}
|File:US Navy 110928-N-QL471-015 A Pakistan navy SA-319B Alouette III helicopter lands aboard the aircraft carrier USS George H.W. Bush (CVN 77).jpg
 |alt3=A Pakistan navy SA-319B Alouette III helicopter lands aboard the aircraft
 |{{small| A Pakistan navy SA-319B [[Alouette III]] helicopter lands aboard the aircraft carrier [[USS George H.W. Bush]] }}
|File:Pakistan Navy Breguet 1150 Atlantic Asuspine-1.jpg
 |alt4=Pakistan Navy Breguet 1150 Atlantic Asuspine-1.jpg
 |{{small|A Pakistan Navy [[Breguet Atlantique|Breguet Atlantic Asuspine-1]] taxied.}}
}}

==== Marines ====
{{Main|Pakistan Marines}}
[[File:Official logo of the Pakistan Marines.jpg|thumb|Badge logo of Pakistan Marines.]]

Recommended by the Navy, based on [[Royal Marines]], the [[Pakistan Marines]] were established on 1 July 1971 to undertake [[Riverine Warfare|riverine operations]] in [[East Pakistan]].<ref name="Marine Badges" /> The Marines saw their first combat actions in [[Operation Barisal|amphibious operations]] during the [[Bangladesh Liberation War]], fighting against the Indian Army.<ref name="Dawn News channels">{{cite web|last1=Khan|first1=Wajhat|title=Overview of Pakistan Marines|date=4 August 2011 |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3bNl_xTcZZQ|publisher=Dawn News channels|access-date=8 December 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150708182930/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3bNl_xTcZZQ|archive-date=8 July 2015|url-status=live}}</ref> Due to poor combat performance in the war, high losses and casualties, and inability to effectively counter the Indian Army, the Marines were decommissioned by 1974. However, Marines continued to exist in its rudimentary form until 1988 to meet fundamental security requirements of Pakistan Navy units.{{Citation needed|date=May 2023}} In 1990, the Marines were recommissioned under Commander M. Obaidullah.<ref name="Marine Badges"/>

[[File:US Navy 091012-N-8132M-245 Marines assigned to the 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit (22nd MEU), along with Marines from Kuwait and Pakistan, conduct an amphibious assault demonstration during Exercise Bright Star 2009.jpg|thumb|left|Pakistan Marines in close co-ordination with the [[US Marines]] Corps, 2009.]]
The Marines are the uniform service branch within the Navy whose leadership comes directly from the Navy.<ref name="Dawn News channels"/><ref name="Dawn News,2014"/> It shares the [[Naval ranks and insignia of Pakistan|Navy's rank code]], but conducts its combined combat training with army at [[Pakistan Military Academy]] Kakul and School of Infantry in Quetta.<ref name="Marine Badges"/><ref name="ISPR Navy-A">{{cite AV media |date=4 December 2010 |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7JtnB1FDqNY |title=Pakistan Marines |publisher=ThePakistanNavy |via=[[YouTube]] |access-date=24 August 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181223105037/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7JtnB1FDqNY |archive-date=23 December 2018 |url-status=live}}</ref>

Its single command structure is based at the [[Manora Fort, Karachi|Manora Fort]] in [[PNS Qasim|Qasim Marine Base]] in [[Karachi]] and the Marines are under the command of the Commander Coast (COMCOAST), by statute a two-star rear-admiral.<ref name="The Nation, 2013">{{cite news |title=Rear Admiral Syed Bashir new PN Coastal Commander|url=http://nation.com.pk/islamabad/16-Oct-2014/rear-admiral-syed-bashir-new-pn-coastal-commander|access-date=8 December 2014|work=The Nation |date=16 October 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141202081612/http://nation.com.pk/islamabad/16-Oct-2014/rear-admiral-syed-bashir-new-pn-coastal-commander|archive-date=2 December 2014|url-status=live}}</ref> According to the ISPR, the Marines are deployed at the southeastern regions of Pakistan to avoid infiltration and undercover activities from the Indian Army.<ref name="Dawn News,2014">{{cite news|last1=Khan|first1=Wajahat S.|title=Introduction to a silent force|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8WsUh7yp51U|access-date=5 January 2015 |work=Dawn News |date=1 September 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150601143359/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8WsUh7yp51U|archive-date=1 June 2015|url-status=live}}</ref>

As of current appointment,{{when|date=January 2017}} Rear Admiral Bashir Ahmed is currently serving as the Commandant of Marines. A small number of Marine Battalions are deployed at the [[Sir Creek]] region<ref name="Daily Times, Pakistan">{{cite news|last1=Associate Press|title=Admiral Zakaullah visits forward bases|url=http://www.dailytimes.com.pk/national/19-Nov-2014/admiral-zakaullah-visits-forward-bases|access-date=8 December 2014|newspaper=Daily Times |location=Pakistan |date=19 November 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150318080329/http://www.dailytimes.com.pk/national/19-Nov-2014/admiral-zakaullah-visits-forward-bases|archive-date=18 March 2015}}</ref> to deter the Indian Army, and coordinated the relief efforts in the [[2010 Pakistan floods]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/av/world-south-asia-10919568/amid-the-pakistan-floods-a-village-slowly-drowning|title=A village slowly drowning|date=9 August 2010|publisher=BBC|access-date=20 June 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171231091934/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/av/world-south-asia-10919568/amid-the-pakistan-floods-a-village-slowly-drowning|archive-date=31 December 2017|url-status=live}}</ref> Almost an entire combat contingent of Marines were deployed in [[Sindh]] and [[Punjab (region)|Southern Punjab]] to lead the flood-relief operations in 2014.<ref name="ISPR Navy-B">{{cite web|last1=ISPR Staff officer|title=pakistan marines to the rescue in northern sindh|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GXwpum4vhSA|publisher=ISPR Navy|access-date=5 January 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150904011516/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GXwpum4vhSA|archive-date=4 September 2015|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="Al Jazeera, Pakistan">{{cite news|last1=Hashim|first1=Asad|title=In Pictures: Floods ravage Pakistan|url=http://www.aljazeera.com/indepth/inpictures/2014/09/pictures-floods-ravage-pakistan-20149178953497809.html|access-date=5 January 2015|work=Al Jazeera |date=17 September 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150213110832/http://www.aljazeera.com/indepth/inpictures/2014/09/pictures-floods-ravage-pakistan-20149178953497809.html|archive-date=13 February 2015|url-status=live}}</ref>

For intelligence purposes, the army immediately raised the combat battalion of the Marines, from the officers of the Navy, in 1999.<ref name="Bloomsbury Press"/> Major intelligence activities are gathered from the Sir Creek region by the Marines, where an entire battalion is deployed to conduct reconnaissance.<ref name="Marine Badges">{{cite web|url=http://www.marinebadges.com/collection/pakistan/ |title=Components of Pakistan Marines|website=marinebadges.com|publisher=Marine Badges|url-status=live|access-date=5 January 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141220091031/http://www.marinebadges.com/collection/pakistan/|archive-date=20 December 2014}}</ref><ref name="Bloomsbury Press">{{cite book|last1=Aid|first1=Matthew M.|title=Intel wars: the secret history of the fight against terror|date=2012|publisher=Bloomsbury Press|location=New York|isbn=978-1-60819-481-0|edition=1st U.S.|url=https://archive.org/details/intelwarssecreth0000aidm}}</ref>

===Paramilitary forces===
{{main|Civil Armed Forces|Pakistan National Guard}}

==== Civil Armed Forces ====
The [[Civil Armed Forces]] (CAF) of Pakistan comprise several paramilitary organizations, separate and functionally distinct from the regular Pakistan Armed Forces. Operating under the purview of the Ministry of Interior in peacetime, the CAF shoulders the crucial responsibility of maintaining internal security. This encompasses assisting civilian law enforcement agencies in tasks like crime prevention, border control and public order maintenance. The CAF additionally plays a vital role in counter-insurgency and counter-terrorism operations, along with tackling anti-smuggling activities. During natural disasters, the CAF collaborates closely with the military to provide relief and support. In times of war, the CAF falls under the direct command of the [[Ministry of Defence (Pakistan)|Ministry of Defence]] and the Pakistan Armed Forces. Estimates from 2024 place the strength of the CAF at approximately 291,000 personnel.<ref>The Military Balance 2010, p. 367, International Institute for Strategic Studies (London, 2010).</ref> With the exception of the Frontier Constabulary, command positions within the CAF are typically filled by officers on secondment from the Pakistan Army.

==== Pakistan National Guard ====
Pakistan National Guard is a [[military reserve force]] and a component of the [[Pakistan Army]]. Functioning as a "second line of defense" alongside the Pakistan Army Reserve and the [[Civil Armed Forces]], the National Guard's primary roles include internal security, disaster relief and wartime support for the regular army. Established on 1 January 1948, it comprises approximately 185,000 personnel with its headquarters at the [[General Headquarters (Pakistan Army)|General Headquarters (GHQ)]] in [[Rawalpindi]].<ref>{{Cite book |last1=Cheema |first1=Pervaiz I. |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=CX6xCwAAQBAJ |title=Pakistan's Defence Policy 1947-58 |last2=Riemer |first2=Manuel |date=1990-08-22 |publisher=Springer |isbn=978-1-349-20942-2 |language=en}}</ref>

==Personnel==
[[File:Pakistan Navy Ship (PNS) Shahjahan & Tippi Sultan.jpeg|thumb|[[PNS Shah Jahan (D-186)|PNS Shah Jahan]] (middle) and [[PNS Tippu Sultan (D-185)|PNS Tippu Sultan]] (front) of the Pakistan Navy]]

===Troop strength===
{{As of|2024|post=,}} estimations by national and international bodies were that approximately 660,000 people<ref name=":0" /> were on active duty in the three main service branches, with an additional 291,000 serving in paramilitary forces<ref name=":0" /> and 550,000 in reserve.{{citation needed|date=August 2022}} It is an all-volunteer military, but [[Selective Service System|conscription]] can be enacted at the request of the president with the approval of the [[Majlis-e-Shoora|parliament of Pakistan]].<ref>[http://pakistani.org/pakistan/constitution/part3.ch2.html Article 63(m)(iv)] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160204191633/http://www.pakistani.org/pakistan/constitution/part3.ch2.html |date=4 February 2016 }} of the Chapter 2: Parliament in the Part III: The Federation of Pakistan of the [[Constitution of Pakistan]]</ref> The military is the sixth largest in the world and has troops deployed around the globe in military assistance and peacekeeping operations.<ref name="ISPR (Army division)" />

Pakistan is the only predominantly Muslim country in which [[Women in the Pakistan Armed Forces|women serve]] as high-ranking officers and in combat roles, and a sizeable unit of female army and air force personnel has been actively involved in military operations against Taliban forces.<ref name="DNA India, 2014">{{cite news|last1=John|first1=Josephine|title=Meet Pakistan's only female fighter pilot who bombed Taliban hideouts in North Waziristan|url=http://www.dnaindia.com/world/report-meet-pakistan-s-only-female-fighter-pilot-who-bombed-taliban-hideouts-in-north-waziristan-1997183|access-date=5 January 2015|work=DNA India |date=22 June 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150105123930/http://www.dnaindia.com/world/report-meet-pakistan-s-only-female-fighter-pilot-who-bombed-taliban-hideouts-in-north-waziristan-1997183|archive-date=5 January 2015|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="Washington Post, 2013">{{cite news|last1=Fisher|first1=Max|title=Map: Which countries allow women in front-line combat roles?|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/worldviews/wp/2013/01/25/map-which-countries-allow-women-in-front-line-combat-roles/|access-date=5 January 2015|newspaper=The Washington Post|publisher=Washington Post, 2013|date=25 January 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150105145129/http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/worldviews/wp/2013/01/25/map-which-countries-allow-women-in-front-line-combat-roles/|archive-date=5 January 2015|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name=Wonderlistings>{{cite web|last1=Khan|first1=Ejaz|title=10 Most Attractive Female Armed Forces|url=http://www.wonderslist.com/10-most-attractive-female-armed-forces/|publisher=Wonderlistings|access-date=5 January 2015|date=24 June 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150103124114/http://www.wonderslist.com/10-most-attractive-female-armed-forces/|archive-date=3 January 2015|url-status=live}}</ref>

Members of the Pakistani military hold a rank, either that of [[Officer (armed forces)|officer]] or [[Enlisted rank|enlisted]], and can be promoted.<ref name="Carnegie Endowment for International Peace" />

The following table summarizes current Pakistani military staffing:

{| border="1"  style="border-collapse:collapse;"
|+Pakistani Military Troop Levels
! style="background:#aabccc;"|Service
! style="background:#aabccc;"|Total active-duty personnel
! colspan="2" style="background:#aabccc;" |Total reserve
|-
|[[Pakistan Army|Army]]
| style="text-align:center;"|560,000
| style="text-align:center;"|550,000
| rowspan="6" |<ref name=":0" />
|- style="background:#fff;"
|[[Pakistan Navy|Navy]]
| style="text-align:center;"|30,000
| style="text-align:center;"|5,000
|- style="background:#fff;"
|[[Pakistan Air Force|Air Force]]
| style="text-align:center;"|70,000
| style="text-align:center;"|8,000
|- style="background:#fff;"
|[[Pakistan National Guard|National Guard]]
| style="text-align:center;"|185,000
| style="text-align:center;"|None
|- style="background:#fff;"
|[[Civil Armed Forces]]
| style="text-align:center;"|291,000+
| style="text-align:center;"|None
|- style="background:#fff;"
|[[Strategic Plans Division Force|SPD Force]]
| style="text-align:center;"|25,000+ 
| style="text-align:center;"|Unknown
|}

===Uniforms===
[[File:Pak-army-sol.jpg|thumb|A Pakistan Army soldier in combat gear during training.]]
[[File:MILITARY UNIFORMS Insignia Organization 1959-1962 US Armed Forces Information DA Pam 355-120 042 PAKISTAN ARMY AIR FORCE NAVY Archive.org No known copyright.jpg|thumb|MILITARY UNIFORMS Insignia Organization 1959-1962 US Armed Forces Information for Pakistan Armed Forces]]
From 1947 to the early 2000s, Pakistan's military uniforms closely resembled those of their counterparts in the [[Her Majesty's Armed Forces|British armed services]].<ref name="P.R. Blood US Congress Publications">{{cite book|last1=Blood|first1=Peter R.|title=Pakistan: A Country Stud|date=1996|publisher=P.R. Blood US Congress Publications|location=U.S.|isbn=978-0-7881-3631-3|page=295|chapter-url=https://books.google.com/books?id=DRMTO7mn7hIC&q=pakistan+air+force+uniforms&pg=PA295|access-date=13 December 2014|chapter=Uniforms, Ranks, Insignia}}</ref> The [[Pakistan Army|Army]] uniform consisted of plain yellowish [[khaki]], which was the standard issue as both the [[combat uniforms|combat uniform]] (ACU) and the [[Army Service Uniform|service uniform]] (ASU).{{citation needed|date=June 2020}} The [[Pakistan Air Force]] (PAF) uniform was primarily based on the [[Royal Air Force uniform]], with bluish-grey as its reporting colour markings.<ref name="P.R. Blood US Congress Publications"/> The [[Pakistan Navy|Navy]] uniform was likewise based on the [[Royal Navy uniform]], with predominant colours of navy blue and white.{{citation needed|date=June 2020}}

In 2003, the service uniforms for each major service branch were revised and orders were made to issue new uniforms roughly based on the [[United States military|American]] military.{{citation needed|date=June 2020}} With [[Pakistan Marines|Marines]] reestablished in 2004, the [[Universal Camouflage Pattern]] (UCP) uniforms are now worn by each service in respect to their colours; the [[flag of Pakistan]] patch worn on the shoulder became compulsory.<ref name="Jang Newspapers, 2002">{{cite news|title=Combat Uniforms to be changed in the Armed Forces|work=Jang Newspapers |date=2 June 2002}}</ref>

In the military, the [[service dress]], however, remains yellowish khaki for the Army; plain white service dress for the Navy (excluding the Marines).<ref name="Camopedia"/> The Air Force abandoned its rank and uniform structure in 2006, and introduced its own uniform insignia which closely resembled that of the [[Turkish Army]].<ref name="Camopedia"/>

The Army's standard UCP is based on a [[Pixelization|pixelated]] version of the region's arid desert patterns.<ref name="Camopedia">{{cite web|last1=Staff.|title=Pakistani Camouflage Patterns|url=http://camopedia.org/index.php?title=Pakistan|publisher=Camopedia|access-date=13 December 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141213061354/http://camopedia.org/index.php?title=Pakistan|archive-date=13 December 2014|url-status=live}}</ref> The army's UCP varies depending on the type of missions and deployment it is being used for.<ref name="Camopedia"/> The Navy's UCP is based on a design that incorporates sparse black and medium grey shapes on a light grey background.<ref name="Camopedia"/> The Marines have a [[woodland]] pattern featuring light brown, olive green and dark blue shapes on a tan or light olive background.<ref name="Camopedia"/> Slight colour variations have been noted. Other than a greenish [[flight suit]] and a standard service dress, the Air Forces's [[Airman Battle Uniform]] (ABU) camouflage features a variation of the six-colour desert pattern.<ref name="Camopedia"/> In each service's UCP, the name of the service branch, rank, and gallantry badges are worn on the chest; insignia are worn on the shoulders with the compulsory flag-of-Pakistan patch.<ref name="Jang Newspapers, 2002"/>

{{hidden begin|border=1px #aaa solid|titlestyle=text-align:center;|title=Uniforms and Camouflage codes of the Pakistan Armed Forces, 1947–present}}
<gallery class=center mode=packed heights=150 style="line-height:130%">
File:Joseph P. Hoar 1994.jpg |alt=Standard yellowish khakis as both [[Combat uniforms|ACU]] and the [[Army Service Uniform|ASU]], 1994. |Standard yellowish [[khaki]] (on right) as both [[Combat uniforms|ACU]] and the [[Army Service Uniform|ASU]], 1994.
File:Mian Muhibullah Kakakhel in young age as a Flight Lieutenant in Pakistan Air Force.jpg |alt=A Pakistan Air Force service uniform, 1974. |A Pakistan Air Force service uniform, 1974
File:Tamgha-i-Imtiaz awarded by Admiral Noman Bashir, Chief of Naval Staff.jpg |alt=A traditional white navy [[service dress]] |A traditional white navy [[service dress]], 2008
File:Gen Fazle Haq.jpg |alt=Earliest army [[Combat uniforms|ACU]] in the 1980s. |Earliest ACU in the 1980s
File:US Navy 091012-N-8132M-245 Marines assigned to the 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit (22nd MEU), along with Marines from Kuwait and Pakistan, conduct an amphibious assault demonstration during Exercise Bright Star 2009.jpg |alt=Pakistan Marines' Universal Camouflage Pattern |[[Pakistan Marines|Marines]] (as laying down) standard [[Universal Camouflage Pattern|UCP]].
File:Lt Gen David Halverson with Lt General Raheel Sharif.jpg |alt=Comparison of US Army and Pakistan Army's UCP |Comparison of [[United States Army|US Army]] and Pakistan Army's UCP, 2013.
File:US Navy 110612-N-OT964-194 Chief Navy Diver Aaron Knight, assigned to Commander Task Group (CTG) 56.1.jpg |alt=One of Pakistan Navy's previous bluish UCP in 2010.|One of Pakistan Navy's previous UCP in 2010. The Navy changed its camouflage in 2013.
File:US Navy 050510-N-9693B-005 Sailors aboard the Pakistani Naval ship (PNS) Tariq (DDG 181) stand watch during a Visit, Board, Search and Seizure (VBSS) drill in the Gulf of Oman.jpg |alt=Pakistan Navy's sailors wearing anti-flash gear while operating a [[Guided missile frigate]], [[USS McInerney (FFG-8)|PNS ''Alamgir'']] |Pakistan Navy's sailors wearing anti-flash gear while operating a [[Guided missile frigate]], [[USS McInerney (FFG-8)|PNS ''Alamgir'']].
File:Pakistani F2000.JPEG|alt=Pakistan Air Forces's Special Service Wing in its current Camouflage.|[[Pakistan Air Force]]'s [[Special Service Wing]] (SSW) in its current camouflage.
File:Pakistan Air Force F-16 Red Flag 2010 group photo.jpg|alt=The [[Pakistan Air Forces|PAF]]'s fighter pilots with the greenish [[G suit|g-suit]] in comparison to [[USAF]].|The [[Pakistan Air Force|PAF]]'s fighter pilots with the greenish [[G suit|g-suit]] in comparison to [[USAF]]; the same pattern is used by the [[Pakistan Navy]].
</gallery>
Source: [[Inter-Services Public Relations|ISPR]] works, [[Wikimedia Commons|Commons]]
{{hidden end}}

===Rank and insignia structure===
{{See also|Army ranks and insignia of Pakistan|Air Force ranks and insignia of Pakistan|Naval ranks and insignia of Pakistan|British heritage of Pakistan}}

As Pakistan became independent, the [[British military rank insignia|British military ranks and insignia]] were initially commissioned by the armed forces as part of a legacy of [[British colonial period|British colonialism]].<ref name="M.E. Sharpe">{{cite book|last1=Brzezinski|first1=Zbigniew|last2=Sullivan|first2=Paige |title=Russia and the Commonwealth of Independent States: documents, data, and analysis|date=1996|publisher=M.E. Sharpe|location=Armonk, N.Y.|isbn=978-1-56324-637-1}}</ref> Within a few months of its founding in 1947, the military had inherited all professional qualifications of the British military in India.<ref name="Carnegie Endowment for International Peace">{{cite book|last1=Haqqani|first1=Husain|title=Pakistan between mosque and military|date=2005|publisher=Carnegie Endowment for International Peace|location=Washington, D.C.|isbn=978-0-87003-285-1}}</ref><ref name="United States Government Printing">{{cite book|last1=Nyrop|first1=Richard F.|title=Area handbook for Pakistan|date=1984|publisher=United States Government Printing|isbn=978-0-16-001608-0|page=374}}</ref>

In respect to the [[British Indian Army|British Indian military]], the [[Ministry of Defence Pakistan|Ministry of Defence]] (MoD) authorised the three [[junior commissioned officer]] (JCO) pay grades between the [[enlisted rank]]s and [[commissioned officers]].<ref name="Oxford University Press, 1998">{{cite book|last1=Cohen|first1=Stephen P.|title=The Pakistan Armed Forces: 1998 edition with a new foreword and epilogue|date=1999|publisher=Oxford University Press, 1998|location=Karachi;Oxford|isbn=978-0-19-577948-6|edition=2. impr.}}</ref> The JCO grades are equivalent to the [[Types of Government Servants in Pakistan|civil bureaucracy's pay scales]] for those who rise by promotion from among enlisted recruits. The JCO grades in the Pakistani military are a continuation of the former [[Viceroy of India]]'s commissioned pay grades during the [[British Rule of India|British colonial period]].<ref name="Facts On File">{{cite book|last1=Gerges|first1=James Wynbrandt |title=A brief history of Pakistan|date=2008|publisher=Facts on File|location=New York|isbn=978-0-8160-6184-6|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=xQGwgJnCPZgC&q=pakistani+military+ranks+british&pg=PA120|access-date=5 January 2015|archive-date=5 February 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230205200137/https://books.google.com/books?id=xQGwgJnCPZgC&q=pakistani+military+ranks+british&pg=PA120|url-status=live}}</ref> Promotion to the JCO, however, remains a lucrative and powerful incentive for the enlisted military personnel; thus, if JCO ranks are ever phased out, it will probably be a slow process.<ref name="Facts On File"/>

==Current deployments==
===Within Pakistan===
{{Main|War in North-West Pakistan order of battle|Pakistan's role in the War on Terror}}
[[File:Comparative Army Corps Distribution. India and Pakistan.jpg|thumb|Approximately 70% of military forces are deployed near the eastern border with India, {{circa}} 1997.]]

It is estimated that approximately 60–70% of Pakistan's military personnel are deployed along the [[India–Pakistan border|Indo-Pakistani border]].<ref>{{cite web | work = The News | place = PK | url = http://www.thenews.com.pk/daily_detail.asp?id=174334 | title = Where is the Pakistan army? | access-date = 10 May 2009 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20090429012930/http://www.thenews.com.pk/daily_detail.asp?id=174334 | archive-date = 29 April 2009 | url-status = live }}</ref> In the aftermath of the United States [[War in Afghanistan (2001–present)|invasion of Afghanistan]], more than 150,000 personnel were shifted towards the [[Tribal Areas of Pakistan|Tribal Areas]] adjacent to Afghanistan.<ref>{{cite news | publisher = BBC | place = UK | url = http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/8043185.stm | title = Pakistan steps up Swat offensive | date = 11 May 2009 | access-date = 11 May 2009 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20090513031942/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/8043185.stm | archive-date = 13 May 2009 | url-status = live }}</ref> Since 2004, Pakistan's military forces have been engaged in [[War in North-West Pakistan|military efforts]] against [[al-Qaeda]] extremists.

In comparison with [[International Security Assistance Force|multinational]] and US forces, Pakistan's military has suffered the highest number of casualties in the war on terror, both in confrontations with al-Qaeda and during [[Pakistan–United States skirmishes|border skirmishes with the United States]]. After the [[2008 Mumbai attacks]] and the subsequent standoff with India, several combat divisions were redeployed to Eastern and [[Sindh|Southern Pakistan]].

In addition to its military deployments, the armed forces also assist the government in responding to natural disasters such as the [[2005 Kashmir earthquake]] and the [[2010 Pakistan floods|nationwide floods of 2010]].

===Overseas===
{{Main|Pakistan Armed Forces deployments}}

A large number of Pakistan Armed Forces personnel are deployed overseas as part of the United Nations' peacekeeping missions. As of May 2019, 5,083 personnel were serving abroad, making Pakistan the sixth-largest contributor of personnel to UN peacekeeping missions.<ref name=peacekeeping />

==Foreign military relations==
{{Main|Foreign relations of Pakistan}}

===China===
{{Main|China–Pakistan relations}}
China's relationship with Pakistan holds great importance for both countries in terms of common interest and geopolitical strategy. The alliance was initially formed to counter the regional influence and military threat posed by India and the Soviet Union. In recent years, with the strategic cooperation [[India–United States relations|between the United States and India]] has deepened further, China and Pakistan have signed several military cooperation agreements.<ref>{{Cite web |title=China and Pakistan ink military MOU to counter US-India pact |url=https://asia.nikkei.com/Politics/International-relations/China-and-Pakistan-ink-military-MOU-to-counter-US-India-pact |access-date=2023-05-15 |website=Nikkei Asia |language=en-GB}}</ref>
[[File:Pakistan Air Force Chengdu JF-17 Gu.jpg|thumb|right|A PAC JF-17 taking off from [[Zhuhai Jinwan Airport]], China]]

China has been a steady source of [[military equipment]] and has cooperated with Pakistan in setting-up weapons production and modernisation facilities. The two countries are actively involved in several joint projects to enhance each other's military needs, including development and production of the [[JF-17 Thunder]] fighter jet, the [[Hongdu JL-8|K-8 Karakorum]] advanced training aircraft, the [[Al-Khalid tank]], [[airborne early warning and control]] (AEW&C) systems, and many other projects. The two countries have held several joint military exercises to enhance co-operation between their armed forces.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2022-07-11 |title=China and Pakistan launch naval drills aimed at countering US strategy |url=https://www.scmp.com/news/china/military/article/3184897/china-and-pakistan-launch-naval-drills-aimed-countering-us-indo |access-date=2023-05-15 |website=South China Morning Post |language=en}}</ref> A 2023 report by the [[United States Institute of Peace]] argues that China and Pakistan's military relationship has "advanced from an episodic partnership to a threshold alliance", Pakistan "increasingly sourced from China, especially the higher-end combat strike and power projection capabilities; and Pakistan continues to retire older U.S. and European origin platforms". But both sides need to do more to make this threshold relationship a full-fledged ally.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Iqbal |first=Anwar |date=2023-03-28 |title=Beijing's opponents 'may not allow' alliance with Pakistan |url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1744608 |access-date=2023-05-16 |website=DAWN.COM |language=en}}</ref>

===Other Asian countries===
[[File:Defense.gov photo essay 100121-F-6655M-208.jpg|thumb|{{small|The Pakistan Army personnel saluting in British-style, palms facing outward, to American Defense Secretary Robert Gates in 2010.}}]]

Prior to 1971, Pakistan's military had a strong presence in [[East Pakistan]] and an active [[Evolution of Pakistan Eastern Command plan|theatre-level military command]]. After Bangladesh's independence from Pakistan, full diplomatic relations were not restored until 1976.<ref name="DS">{{cite web|url=http://countrystudies.us/bangladesh/107.htm|title=Bangladesh – Pakistan|website=countrystudies.us|access-date=12 June 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090706090854/http://countrystudies.us/bangladesh/107.htm|archive-date=6 July 2009|url-status=live}}</ref> Relations improved considerably under the [[Bangladesh]] military governments of [[President of Bangladesh|President]] [[Lieutenant general (Bangladesh)|Lieutenant General]] [[Ziaur Rahman]] and Lieutenant General [[Hussain Muhammad Ershad]], as Bangladesh had grown distant from its former war ally, India.<ref name="DS"/><ref name="ZR">{{cite web|url=http://countrystudies.us/bangladesh/21.htm|title=Bangladesh – The Zia Regime and Its Aftermath, 1977–82|website=countrystudies.us|access-date=12 June 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161113093702/http://countrystudies.us/bangladesh/21.htm|archive-date=13 November 2016|url-status=live}}</ref> Common concerns over India's regional power have influenced strategic co-operation, leading to a gift of several [[squadron (aviation)|squadrons]] of [[Shenyang J-6|F-6 fighter aircraft]] to the [[Bangladesh Air Force]] in the late 1980s.<ref name="V">{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/2158900.stm|title=Analysis: Bangladesh's emotional scars|date=29 July 2002|publisher=BBC|access-date=12 June 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130221075558/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/2158900.stm|archive-date=21 February 2013|url-status=live}}</ref>

After being condemned by India, Great Britain, and the United States between 2004 and 2006 for repressing democracy, the [[Nepalese monarchy]] developed military ties with China and Pakistan, who offered extensive support, arms, and equipment for the monarchy's struggle to stay in power in the face of a [[Nepalese civil war|Maoist insurgency]].<ref name="IP">{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/4389647.stm|title=Nepal, Pakistan in economy talks|date=29 March 2005|publisher=BBC|access-date=12 June 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121206180512/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/4389647.stm|archive-date=6 December 2012|url-status=live}}</ref>

When India proved reluctant to supply [[Sri Lanka]] with weapons, the insurgency-plagued island nation turned to Pakistan. In May 2000, with separatist [[Tamil Tiger]] rebels about to recapture their former capital of [[Jaffna]], Pakistan President [[Musharraf]] provided millions of dollars of much-needed armament to the Sri Lankan government.<ref>[http://www.asiantribune.com/oldsite/show_news.php?id=163]{{dead link|date=July 2013}}</ref> In May 2008, Lt-Gen Fonseka of the [[Sri Lanka Army]] held talks with his Pakistan Army counterparts regarding the sale of military equipment, weapons, and ammunition. The sale of 22 [[Al-Khalid tank|Al-Khalid]] main battle tanks to the Sri Lanka Army was finalised during these talks, in a deal worth over US$100&nbsp;million.<ref>[http://www.netspikes.com/news/pakistannews/pakistan's-crucial-role-in-the-death-of-tamil-tigers/]{{dead link|date=April 2018|bot=Redalert2fan|fix-attempted=yes}}</ref> In April 2009, Sri Lanka requested $25&nbsp;million worth of 81&nbsp;mm, 120&nbsp;mm and 130&nbsp;mm mortar ammunition, to be delivered within a month, which proved decisive in the defeat of the Tamil Tigers.<ref>[http://www.thaindian.com/newsportal/uncategorized/sri-lankas-sos-to-pakistan-for-urgent-arms-supplies_10033531.html Sri Lanka's SOS to Pakistan for urgent arms supplies – Thaindian News] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120407004011/http://www.thaindian.com/newsportal/uncategorized/sri-lankas-sos-to-pakistan-for-urgent-arms-supplies_10033531.html |date=7 April 2012}}. Thaindian.com (2 April 2008). Retrieved 12 July 2013.</ref>

Since the 1970s, Pakistan and [[North Korea]] have cooperated extensively on the development of ballistic missile and nuclear weapons technologies. Pakistan’s strong alliance with China and the legacy of a major scandal linking the Pakistani military to North Korea’s nuclear program have prevented Islamabad from joining UN efforts to diplomatically isolate the DPRK.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Samuel |first=Ramani |date=2016-08-30 |title=The Long History of the Pakistan-North Korea Nexus |url=https://thediplomat.com/2016/08/the-long-history-of-the-pakistan-north-korea-nexus/ |access-date=2024-11-02 |website=The Diplomat |language=en-US}}</ref>

===NATO states and Russia===
{{Main|NATO–Pakistan relations|Pakistan–United States military relations|Pakistan–Russia relations}}
[[File:Mike Mullen reviews Pakistani troops.jpg|thumb|American [[Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff|Chairman of Joint Chiefs]] Admiral [[Mike Mullen]] reviews Pakistani troops during a ceremony honouring Mullen's arrival in Islamabad in 2008.]]

Throughout its history, Pakistan has had a fluctuating military relationship with the United States.<ref name="sipri.org"/> During times of co-operation, U.S. military funding and training have enhanced the Pakistan Armed Forces; in contrast, severing of U.S. support at critical junctures has led to bitter disillusionment. The Pakistani military, which generally prefers a balance with China or America, is not ready to sever ties with the United States,<ref>{{Cite web |last=Khokhar |first=Riaz |title=Pakistan is making a mistake in ignoring the US for China |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/opinions/2023/4/10/pakistan-is-making-a-mistake-in-ignoring-the-us-for-china |access-date=2023-05-15 |website=www.aljazeera.com |language=en}}</ref> despite [[2022–2023 Pentagon document leaks|leaked Pentagon intelligence]] suggesting that Pakistani diplomats are negative about ties with it.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Pakistan faces more 'difficult choices' after pivot-to-China leak |url=https://asia.nikkei.com/Politics/International-relations/Pakistan-faces-more-difficult-choices-after-pivot-to-China-leak |access-date=2023-05-15 |website=Nikkei Asia |language=en-GB}}</ref>

In support of the United States' [[US Attack on Afghanistan|2001 invasion of Afghanistan]], Pakistan's armed forces received large amounts of military aid, funding, and training. According to [[Ministry of Finance (Pakistan)|Ministry of Finance]] calculations, in the three years prior to the [[11 September attacks]], Pakistan received approximately $9&nbsp;million in American military aid; in the three years after, the amount increased to $4.2&nbsp;billion.<ref>{{Cite news |author1=Nathaniel Heller |author2=Sarah Fort |author3=Marina Walker Guevara |author4=Ben Welsh |title=Pakistan's $4.2 Billion 'Blank Check' for U.S. Military Aid, After 9/11, funding to country soars with little oversight |publisher=[[Center for Public Integrity]] |date=27 March 2007 |url=http://www.publicintegrity.org/icij/default.aspx |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20041027075253/http://www.publicintegrity.org/icij/Default.aspx |archive-date=27 October 2004 |access-date=27 March 2007 |url-status=dead }}</ref>

Pakistan has maintained military-to-military relations with the [[Member states of NATO|30 member states]] of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization ([[NATO]]).<ref name="NATO Topics">{{cite web|title=NATO's relations with Pakistan|url=http://www.nato.int/cps/en/natolive/topics_50071.htm|publisher=NATO Topics|access-date=15 July 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130524060439/http://www.nato.int/cps/en/natolive/topics_50071.htm|archive-date=24 May 2013|url-status=live}}</ref> NATO regards its relations with Pakistan as "partners across the globe."<ref name="NATO Topics"/> With the support of US Secretary of State [[Colin Powell]], Pakistan was designated a "[[major non-NATO ally]]" in 2004.<ref>{{cite news|title=US to designate Pakistan non-NATO ally: Powell|url=http://english.peopledaily.com.cn/200403/18/eng20040318_137869.shtml|access-date=15 July 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131212195844/http://english.peopledaily.com.cn/200403/18/eng20040318_137869.shtml|archive-date=12 December 2013|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="New York Times, Pakistan">{{cite news|last=Rohde|first=David|title=U.S. Will Celebrate Pakistan as a 'Major Non-NATO Ally'|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2004/03/19/international/asia/19POWE.html|access-date=15 July 2013|newspaper=New York Times, Pakistan|date=19 March 2004|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131224184333/http://www.nytimes.com/2004/03/19/international/asia/19POWE.html|archive-date=24 December 2013|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="arms control">{{cite news|author1=Karen Yourish Roston|author2=Delano D'Souza|name-list-style=amp|title=Despite Khan, Military Ties With Pakistan to Grow|url=http://www.armscontrol.org/act/2004_04/Pakistan|access-date=15 July 2013|newspaper=arms control|date=April 2004|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131103094032/http://armscontrol.org/act/2004_04/Pakistan|archive-date=3 November 2013|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="BBC Pakistan">{{cite news|title=US boosts Pakistan military ties|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/3522174.stm|access-date=15 July 2013|publisher=BBC Pakistan|date=18 March 2004 <!-- , 15:18 GMT -->|display-authors=etal|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131214102807/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/3522174.stm|archive-date=14 December 2013|url-status=live}}</ref> However, after [[Withdrawal of United States troops from Afghanistan (2020–2021)|the United States troops withdraws Afghanistan]] in 2021, U.S. "clearly distanced" itself from Pakistan,<ref>{{cite web |title=US 'clearly distanced' itself from Pakistan, says former military chief Mike Mullen |url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1682971/us-clearly-distanced-itself-from-pakistan-says-former-military-chief-mike-mullen |website=DAWN |date=2 April 2022 |access-date=2 April 2022}}</ref> and all U.S. military aid has been canceled.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Akmal |first=Dawi |date=2022-03-16 |title=US-Pakistan Relations Ebb After Afghanistan Withdrawal |url=https://www.voanews.com/a/us-pakistan-relations-ebb-after-afghanistan-withdrawal/6488429.html |access-date=2023-05-17 |website=VOA |language=en}}</ref>

Since the 2000s, military relations have improved between the Russian armed forces and the Pakistan armed forces.<ref name="Pakistan Today">{{cite news |title=Pakistan, Russia to boost military cooperation|url=http://www.pakistantoday.com.pk/2013/08/05/news/national/pakistan-russia-to-boost-military-cooperation/|access-date=18 August 2013|newspaper=Pakistan Today|date=5 August 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130824143652/http://www.pakistantoday.com.pk/2013/08/05/news/national/pakistan-russia-to-boost-military-cooperation/|archive-date=24 August 2013|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="The Hindu">{{cite news|last=Sandeep Dikshit|title=Growing Russia-Pakistan ties a reality that India will have to live with|url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/growing-russiapakistan-ties-a-reality-that-india-will-have-to-live-with/article3975260.ece|access-date=18 August 2013|newspaper=The Hindu|date=9 October 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140204020030/http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/growing-russiapakistan-ties-a-reality-that-india-will-have-to-live-with/article3975260.ece|archive-date=4 February 2014|url-status=live}}</ref> Russia and Pakistan have held Joint Tactical Exercise Friendship since 2016.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Pakistan kicks off joint Exercise Friendship-2024 with Russia |url=https://tass.com/defense/1856049/amp |access-date=2024-11-02 |website=Tass}}</ref>

===Middle Eastern countries===
{{Main|Pakistan–Saudi Arabia relations|Iran–Pakistan relations|Pakistan–Turkey relations|Pakistan and the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation}}
[[File:Ships during the exercise Arabian Shark '08.jpg|thumb|Pakistan Navy ships deployed in the [[Arabian Sea]], near [[Oman]].]]

Pakistan's close ties to the nations of the Middle East, based on geography and shared religion, have led to periodic military deployments since the 1960s. The [[Arab world]] countries – many of them wealthy but with small populations and limited militaries – have historically depended on regional armies to provide a protective umbrella and military muscle in times of instability and crisis.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://english.alarabiya.net/views/2011/05/12/148835.html |title=The impact of Jordan on Arab Gulf States |access-date=12 May 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110517003728/http://english.alarabiya.net/views/2011/05/12/148835.html |archive-date=17 May 2011 |url-status=dead }}</ref> The Pakistani military has retained a particularly close relationship with [[Saudi Arabia]] which has been a sporadically generous patron: much of the military equipment bought from the United States by Pakistan in the 1980s was paid for by Saudi Arabia. The [[United Arab Emirates]] (UAE) and [[Kuwait]] also have been important sources of financial support.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/south_asia/4333218.stm |work=BBC News |title=Race to save earthquake survivors |date=12 October 2005 |access-date=20 May 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20051220133717/http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/south_asia/4333218.stm |archive-date=20 December 2005 |url-status=live }}</ref>

Pakistani military personnel have been posted as military advisers and instructors to the militaries of [[Military of Saudi Arabia|Saudi Arabia]], [[Military of Jordan|Jordan]], [[Military of Syria|Syria]], [[Military of Libya|Libya]], [[Military of Kuwait|Kuwait]], and the [[Military of United Arab Emirates|UAE]]. Pakistan Air Force, Navy, and Army personnel played crucial roles in building the [[Military of United Arab Emirates|UAE military]]. Many Arab military officials have been educated at Pakistan's military staff colleges and universities. A combat division commanded by Major-General [[Muhammad Zia-ul-Haq|Zia-ul-Haq]] was instrumental in putting down the Palestinian [[Black September in Jordan|Black September]] revolt against King Hussein in [[Jordan]] in the early 1970s.

[[File:Parallel steps - Navy Guards replacing the Older Ones at Mazar-e-Quaid during Pakistan's Independence Day.jpg|thumb|left|Navy guards marching in 2009.]]
Pakistan has enjoyed strong military co-operation with the [[Military of Iran|Iranian military]] since the 1950s. Iranian leader [[Mohammad Reza Shah]] provided free fuel to PAF fighter jets in the [[Indo-Pakistani War of 1965]], allowing Pakistani planes to land at [[Islamic Republic of Iran Air Force|Iranian Air Force]] bases, refuel, and take off. The military relationship continued even after the [[Iranian revolution]], as Pakistan was among the first countries to recognise the new Iranian government. In the aftermath of the [[Iran hostage crisis|hostage crisis]] in [[Tehran]], the United States severed its ties with Iran, leading Iran to send its military officers and personnel to be educated at Pakistani military academies. Relations became difficult following the [[Soviet–Afghan War]], when hundreds of foreign fighters (mostly Sunni Arabs) arrived in Pakistan to take part in the [[Afghan Jihad]]. Pakistan President [[Muhammad Zia-ul-Haq|Zia-ul-Haq]]'s military administration policy reflected extremist views towards the [[Shias|Shiites]] and caused [[Sectarianism in Pakistan|religious tensions]] to rise between [[Sunni]] and Shiites in Pakistan, much to the discomfort of Iran. During the [[Iran–Iraq War]], the [[Arab world|Arab countries]] and the United States, who were [[International aid to combatants in the Iran–Iraq War|supporting]] Iraq, pressured Pakistan to discontinue its covert support and military funding for Iran.

The 1980s were a difficult time in military relations for both countries, as Iran was blamed for the rising ethnic tensions between Sunnis and Shiites in Pakistan. The relationship further deteriorated in the 1990s when the [[Afghan Taliban|Taliban]], with Pakistan's support, began [[Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan (1996–2001)|their rule of Afghanistan]]. In 1998, Iran and Afghanistan were on the verge of war over the [[1998 Iranian diplomats murder in Afghanistan|assassination of Iranian diplomats]]. Iran's relations with India improved during this time, with both supporting the [[Northern Alliance]] against the Taliban.

The situation began to normalise in 2000, with Pakistan and Iran reinstating [[Iran–Pakistan trade relations|trade relations]]. In the wake of the [[11 September attacks]] in the United States and the fall of the Taliban government in Afghanistan, the two countries began rebuilding their military ties. Over the years, diplomatic delegations have been exchanged, and Pakistan has agreed to sell military equipment to Iran. In addition, Pakistan has maintained strong military-to-military ties with [[Turkey]], and would like to use these, as well as its Iranian connections, as a bridge to the new Muslim states of Central Asia.

Bilateral relations deteriorated after Pakistan refused to participate in the [[Saudi Arabian–led intervention in Yemen|Saudi-led intervention in Yemen]], but it subsequently participated in the "[[Islamic Military Counter Terrorism Coalition]]" (IMCTC) alliance in 2015.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Al Qaed |first=Anas |date=2023-01-31 |title=Pakistan's "Defense Diplomacy" Offers Inroads with the Gulf Monarchies |url=https://gulfif.org/pakistans-defense-diplomacy-offers-inroads-with-the-gulf-monarchies/ |access-date=2023-05-15 |website=Gulf International Forum |language=en}}</ref>

==Special operations forces==
{{Main|Special Service Group|Special Service Group Navy|Special Service Wing}}
[[File:Pakistan Navy Special Service Group member silhouetted aboard Pakistan Navy Ship PNS Babur.jpg|thumb|A member of Pakistan Navy Special Service Group aboard Pakistan Navy Ship PNS ''Babur''.]]

After the [[Indo-Pakistani War of 1947]], recommendations for establishing an elite commando division within the army were accepted.{{citation needed|date=October 2015}} Commissioned in 1956 with help from [[US Army Special Forces]], the Pakistan Army's [[Special Services Group]] (SSG) is an elite special operations division; its training and nature of operations are roughly equivalent to British [[Special Air Service]] (SAS) and US Army Special Forces and [[Delta Force]].{{citation needed|date=October 2015}} Tentative estimates of the division's size are put at four battalions but the actual strength is kept highly classified.{{citation needed|date=October 2015}}

With the successful commissioning of Special Services Group, the Pakistan Navy accepted recommendations for commissioning its own special operational unit shortly after the [[Indo-Pakistani War of 1965]].<ref name="Amber Books publications co.">{{cite book|last1=Ryan|first1=Mike|last2=Mann|first2=Chris|last3=McKinney|first3=Alexander |title=The encyclopedia of the world's special forces: tactics, history, strategy, weapons|date=2003|publisher=Amber Books |location=London |isbn=978-1-907446-89-4|page=1000|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=6-XuBQAAQBAJ&q=special+services+group&pg=PT250|access-date=30 December 2014|archive-date=5 February 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230205200137/https://books.google.com/books?id=6-XuBQAAQBAJ&q=special+services+group&pg=PT250|url-status=live}}</ref> Established as [[Special Service Group Navy]] (SSGN) in 1966, it is an elite and secretive commando division whose training and combat operations are similar to the Royal Navy's [[Special Boat Service]] and US Navy's [[U.S. Naval Special Warfare Development Group|Special Warfare Development Group]] (DEVGRU) and Sea, Air, Land ([[US Navy SEALs|SEAL]]) teams.<ref name="Amber Books publications co."/> Operatives' identities and actual static strength are kept secret and classified.<ref name="Amber Books publications co."/> Very few details of their missions are publicly known.<ref name="Amber Books publications co."/>

A small unit of [[Pakistan Marines]] have, since 1990, operated reconnaissance units to deter the [[Indian Army]]'s actions in the [[Sir Creek]] region.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.pakistanaffairs.pk/threads/13516-Pakistan-s-Marines-Special-Military-Operations|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140504105252/http://www.pakistanaffairs.pk/threads/13516-Pakistan-s-Marines-Special-Military-Operations|archive-date=4 May 2014|title=Pakistan's Marines Special Military Operations|date=4 May 2014|access-date=10 December 2018}}</ref><ref name="GEO News reports">{{cite news|last1=Illyas|first1=Sohaib|title=A Day with Marines|url=http://www.dailymotion.com/video/x14bxd4_amazing-report-of-pakistani-marine-forces_news|access-date=30 December 2014 |work=GEO News |date=6 September 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150110074959/http://www.dailymotion.com/video/x14bxd4_amazing-report-of-pakistani-marine-forces_news|archive-date=10 January 2015}}</ref> Other battalions of Marines are trained to carry out operations with airborne, heliborne, submarine, and waterborne insertions and extractions.<ref name="Dunya News">{{cite news|last1=News Desk|title=Dunya News special report on Marines|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ERGXJygqqz0|access-date=30 December 2014|work=Dunya News |date=6 September 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150719150548/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ERGXJygqqz0|archive-date=19 July 2015|url-status=live}}</ref>

The [[Special Service Wing]] (SSW) is the newest special operations force, re-established by the Pakistan Air Force in 2004, in the wake of challenges posed by the [[War in Afghanistan (2001–present)|Afghanistan war]].<ref name="Air Force ISPR"/> The unit was active earlier by the name of Special Air Warfare Wing and had seen action during the [[Indo-Pakistani war of 1965|Indo-Pakistani War of 1965]] and [[Indo-Pakistani War of 1971|1971]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=2010-04-09 |title=PAF flexes its muscles |url=http://www.thenews.com.pk/top_story_detail.asp?Id=28202 |access-date=2024-02-27 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100409040308/http://www.thenews.com.pk/top_story_detail.asp?Id=28202 |archive-date=9 April 2010 }}</ref> The SSW is designed to execute difficult aerial and land operations, serving as equivalent to the US Air Force's [[List of United States Air Force special operations squadrons#Special Tactics Squadrons|Special Tactics Squadron]] units.<ref name="Air Force ISPR">{{cite AV media |date=18 May 2010 |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ctYcz2bk-V0 |title=S.S.W -Special Service Wing of Pakistan Air Force |publisher=Pakistan Defence |via=[[YouTube]] |access-date=24 August 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160308205001/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ctYcz2bk-V0 |archive-date=8 March 2016 |url-status=live}}</ref> Following the secretive tradition of its counterparts in other services, the actual number of its serving personnel is kept classified.

==UN peacekeeping forces==
{{Main|United Nations peacekeeping missions involving Pakistan}}
In 2009, Pakistan was the single largest contributor of UN peacekeeping forces, with more than 11,000 Pakistani military personnel serving in UN peacekeeping operations worldwide.<ref>[http://english.aljazeera.net/news/americas/2009/01/2009124102523525626.html UN says peacekeepers overstretched – Americas] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090124205919/http://english.aljazeera.net/news/americas/2009/01/2009124102523525626.html |date=24 January 2009 }}. Al Jazeera. Retrieved 12 July 2013.</ref>

The table below shows the current deployment of Pakistani Forces in UN Peacekeeping missions.

{| border="1"  style="border-collapse:collapse;"
|- style="background:#aabccc;"
! style="width:10%;"| '''Start of operation'''
! style="width:25%;"| '''Name of operation'''
! colspan="2;" style="width:20%;"| '''Location'''
! style="width:20%;"| '''Conflict'''
! style="width:40%;"| '''Contribution'''
|- bgcolor=
|1999
|United Nations Organization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo ([[MONUC]])
|{{Flagicon|Democratic Republic of the Congo}}
|[[Democratic Republic of Congo]]
|[[Second Congo War]]
|3,556 Troops.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.ispr.gov.pk/Multimedia/UN%20Peace%20Keeping/MONUC.htm |publisher=Peace Keeping Deployments (ISPR) |title=UN Mission in Democrative Republic of Congo (MONUC) |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070926231955/http://www.ispr.gov.pk/Multimedia/UN%20Peace%20Keeping/MONUC.htm |archive-date=26 September 2007 |access-date=21 March 2014 |url-status=dead }}</ref>
|- bgcolor=
|2003
|United Nations Mission in Liberia ([[UNMIL]])
|{{Flagicon|Liberia}}
|[[Liberia]]
|[[Second Liberian Civil War]]
|2,741 Troops.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.ispr.gov.pk/Multimedia/UN%20Peace%20Keeping/UNMIL.htm |publisher=Peace Keeping Deployments (ISPR) |title=UN Mission in Liberia (UNMIL) |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070926232017/http://www.ispr.gov.pk/Multimedia/UN%20Peace%20Keeping/UNMIL.htm |archive-date=26 September 2007 |access-date=21 March 2014 |url-status=dead }}</ref>
|- bgcolor=
|2004
|United Nations Operation in Burundi [[United Nations Operation in Burundi|ONUB]]
|{{Flagicon|Burundi}}
|[[Burundi]]
|[[Burundi Civil War]]
|1,185 Troops.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.ispr.gov.pk/Multimedia/UN%20Peace%20Keeping/ONUB.htm |publisher=Peace Keeping Deployments (ISPR) |title=UN Mission in Burundi (ONUB) |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070926231927/http://www.ispr.gov.pk/Multimedia/UN%20Peace%20Keeping/ONUB.htm |archive-date=26 September 2007 |access-date=21 March 2014 |url-status=dead }}</ref>
|- bgcolor=
|2004
|United Nations Operation in Côte d'Ivoire ([[UNOCI]])
|{{Flagicon|Ivory Coast}}
|[[Ivory Coast]]
|[[First Ivorian Civil War]]
|1,145 Troops.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.ispr.gov.pk/Multimedia/UN%20Peace%20Keeping/ONUCI.html |publisher=Peace Keeping Deployments (ISPR) |title=UN Mission in Ivory Coast (ONUCI) |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070926231942/http://www.ispr.gov.pk/Multimedia/UN%20Peace%20Keeping/ONUCI.html |archive-date=26 September 2007 |access-date=21 March 2014 |url-status=dead }}</ref>
|- bgcolor=
|2005
|United Nations Mission in the Sudan ([[UNMIS]])
|{{Flagicon|Sudan}}
|[[Sudan]]
|[[Second Sudanese Civil War]]
|1,542 Troops.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.ispr.gov.pk/Multimedia/UN%20Peace%20Keeping/UNMIS.html |publisher=Peace Keeping Deployments (ISPR) |title=UN Mission in Sudan (UNMIS) |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070926232010/http://www.ispr.gov.pk/Multimedia/UN%20Peace%20Keeping/UNMIS.html |archive-date=26 September 2007 |access-date=21 March 2014 |url-status=dead }}</ref>
|- bgcolor=
|
|Staff/observers
|
|
|
|191 observers.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.ispr.gov.pk/Multimedia/UN%20Peace%20Keeping/UnPeaceKeepingMulti.htm |publisher=Peace Keeping Deployments (ISPR) |title=UN Peace Keeping Missions |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070624205045/http://ispr.gov.pk/Multimedia/UN%20Peace%20Keeping/UnPeaceKeepingMulti.htm |archive-date=24 June 2007 |access-date=21 March 2014 |url-status=dead }}</ref>
|}

* The total number of troops serving in peacekeeping missions was 10,173 {{as of|2007|March|lc=y|post=.}}

== Involvement in Pakistani civil society ==
{{Main|2009 refugee crisis in Pakistan|Operation Madad (Pakistan Navy)|International response to the 2005 Kashmir earthquake}}
According to the views of British scholar [[Anatol Lieven]], the Pakistan Armed Forces play a vital role in keeping the Pakistani state together, promoting a spirit of unity and nationhood, and providing a bastion of selfless service to the nation.<ref name="Open Democracy">{{cite web|last=Anatol Lieven|title=Understanding Pakistan's military|url=http://www.opendemocracy.net/anatol-lieven/understanding-pakistan%E2%80%99s-military|work=Anatol Lieven views written in Open Democracy|publisher=Open Democracy|access-date=20 August 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130414172826/http://www.opendemocracy.net/anatol-lieven/understanding-pakistan%E2%80%99s-military|archive-date=14 April 2013|url-status=live}}</ref> As an institution, the armed forces have been integrated into Pakistani civil society since the establishment of the country in 1947.<ref name="Hamid Hussain, opinion in Defence Journal"/> The military has been involved in building much of the country's infrastructure (such as [[List of dams and reservoirs in Pakistan|dams]], bridges, canals, [[List of power stations in Pakistan|power stations]], and [[Project-706|energy projects]]) and civil–military input from all sections of the armed forces has helped to build a stable society and professionalism in the armed forces.<ref name="Hamid Hussain, opinion in Defence Journal">{{cite news|last=Hamid Hussain|title=Professionalism and Discipline of Armed Forces in a Society with Repeated Military Interventions – Case of Pakistan Armed Forces|url=http://www.defencejournal.com/2003/jan/military.htm|access-date=20 August 2013|newspaper=Hamid Hussain, opinion in Defence Journal|date=4 January 2003|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150923213406/http://www.defencejournal.com/2003/jan/military.htm|archive-date=23 September 2015|url-status=dead}}</ref>[[File:JGSDF International disaster relief activities in Pakistan.jpg|thumb|Pakistan military troops in relief efforts missions in 2005.]]

In times of natural disasters such as [[Pakistan flood|floods]] and [[2005 Kashmir earthquake|earthquakes]], army engineers, medical and logistics personnel, and the armed forces generally have played a major role in rescue, relief, and supply efforts.<ref name="Daily Beast News">{{cite news|last=correspondents|title=Pakistan military steps-in on Flood relieft|url=http://www.thedailybeast.com/newsweek/2010/08/16/pakistan-s-military-steps-in-on-flood-relief.html|access-date=4 July 2013|newspaper=Daily Beast News|date=16 August 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121015164857/http://www.thedailybeast.com/newsweek/2010/08/16/pakistan-s-military-steps-in-on-flood-relief.html|archive-date=15 October 2012}}</ref> In 2010, armed forces personnel donated one day of salary for their flood-effected brethren.<ref name="Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR)">{{cite web|last=ISPR|title=Pakistan Armed Forces' flood relief efforts|url=http://www.pakistanarmy.gov.pk/awpreview/AnnouncementDetails.aspx?AnnouncementID=20|publisher=Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR)|access-date=4 July 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140503190729/https://www.pakistanarmy.gov.pk/awpreview/AnnouncementDetails.aspx?AnnouncementID=20|archive-date=3 May 2014}}</ref>

In 1996, Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff, General [[Jehangir Karamat]], described the Pakistan Armed Forces' relations with civilian society:

{{blockquote|text=In my opinion, if we have to [have a] repeat of past events, then we must understand that military leaders can pressure only up to a point. Beyond that, their own position starts getting undermined, because the military is, after all, a mirror image of the civil society from which it is drawn.<ref name="Taylor and Francis-e-Library">{{cite book|last=Mazhar Aziz|title=Military control in Pakistan: the parallel state|year=2008|publisher=Taylor and Francis-e-Library|location=Milton Park, Didcot, Oxfordshire, UK|isbn=978-0-415-43743-1|pages=80–81|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=tIwXnkZOyoMC&q=dismissal+of+general++karamat&pg=PA81|access-date=18 October 2020|archive-date=5 February 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230205200137/https://books.google.com/books?id=tIwXnkZOyoMC&q=dismissal+of+general++karamat&pg=PA81|url-status=live}}</ref>}}

[[File:Defense.gov photo essay 110719-F-GQ530-253.jpg|left|thumb|[[Pakistan Air Force]] airmen participating in relief operations.]]
According to 2012 reports of the [[National Reconstruction Bureau]] (NRB), around 91.1% of civilian infrastructure in the [[Federally Administered Tribal Area]] was built by the armed forces in a policy based on sustainable development plans, to improve the livelihood of ordinary people of the region.<ref name="Pakistan Tribune">{{cite news|last=Zaheerul Hassan|title=Pakistan Armed Forces & War on Terror|url=http://paktribune.com/articles/Pak-Armed-Forces-%5E-War-on-Terror-242960.html|access-date=20 August 2013|newspaper=Pakistan Tribune|date=29 August 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130529093438/http://paktribune.com/articles/Pak-Armed-Forces-%5E-War-on-Terror-242960.html|archive-date=29 May 2013|url-status=live}}</ref> According to Air Force statistics, the air force conducted approximately 693 relief operations in Pakistan and abroad during the fiscal period 1998–2008.<ref name="PAF ISPR Relief">{{cite web|last1=ISPR|title=Relief Operations by PAF|url=http://www.paf.gov.pk/relief_operation.html|publisher=PAF ISPR Relief|access-date=4 December 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141204171253/http://www.paf.gov.pk/relief_operation.html|archive-date=4 December 2014}}</ref> The Air Force carried and distributed thousands of tons of wheat, medicines, emergency shelters, and provided assistance to rehabilitate the disaster-effected areas of the country.<ref name="PAF ISPR Relief"/>

[[File:US Navy 100605-N-3973P-124 Pakistani navy Surgeons and Hospital Corpsman 2nd Class Nicholas Marcotte use a raven litter stretcher to transport Hospital Corpsman 2nd Class William West during a medical training exercise.jpg|thumb|150px|Pakistan Navy medical specialists conducting medical training while abroad on sea mission.]]
During the wave of [[List of floods in Pakistan|floods]] from 2010 to 2014, the Navy launched [[Operation Madad (Pakistan Navy)|relief operations]] nationwide and provided healthcare, medicines, relief efforts, and coordinated the distribution of food in the flood-effected areas.<ref name="Navy ISPR">{{cite news|last1=Navy ISPR|title=Operation Maddad|url=http://paknavy.gov.pk/opsmadad.htm|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101116125041/http://www.paknavy.gov.pk/opsmadad.htm|archive-date=16 November 2010|access-date=4 December 2014|publisher=Navy ISPR|url-status=dead}}</ref> In the Navy's own admission, it had provided {{convert|43850|kg}} of food and relief goods to flood victims; this included 5,700&nbsp;kg of ready-to-cook food, 1,000&nbsp;kg of dates and 5,000&nbsp;kg of food dispatched to Sukkur. The Pakistan Naval Air Arm had air dropped more than 500&nbsp;kg of food and relief goods in Thal, Ghospur, and Mirpur areas.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.thenews.com.pk/archive/print/509039-pervaiz-asks-media-to-keep-national-interest-supreme|title=Pervaiz asks media to keep national interest supreme|website=The News International|access-date=10 April 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180411025908/https://www.thenews.com.pk/archive/print/509039-pervaiz-asks-media-to-keep-national-interest-supreme|archive-date=11 April 2018|url-status=live}}</ref>

Engineering units of the Navy built more than 87 houses distributed to the local [[internally displaced person]]s (IDPs). About 69,000 affected IDPs were treated in Navy medical camps.<ref>[http://www.onepakistan.com/news/local/karachi/81137-pn-model-village-handed-over-to-idps.html PN Model Village handed over to IDPs] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111009003349/http://www.onepakistan.com/news/local/karachi/81137-pn-model-village-handed-over-to-idps.html |date=9 October 2011 }}</ref>

== Commemoration and parades ==
The ''[[Defence Day|Youm-e-Difa]]'' (English: Defence Day) – Pakistan's day in remembrance of fallen soldiers of the [[Indo-Pakistani war of 1965]] – is observed on 6 September.<ref name="Lodhi, Defence Journal">{{cite web|last1=Lodhi|first1=Safdar|title=The Spirit of 6th September|url=http://www.defencejournal.com/sept99/spirit-6thsept.htm|publisher=Lodhi, Defence Journal|access-date=8 December 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150904214249/http://www.defencejournal.com/sept99/spirit-6thsept.htm|archive-date=4 September 2015|url-status=dead}}</ref> Memorial services are held in the presence of Pakistan's top military and civil officials.<ref name="The Pakistan Times, 2014">{{cite news|last1=News Desk|title=Pakistan observes Defence Day|url=http://www.pakistantoday.com.pk/2014/09/06/national/pakistan-observes-defence-day/|access-date=8 December 2014|work=The Pakistan Times|publisher=The Pakistan Times, 2014|date=6 September 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140909023821/http://www.pakistantoday.com.pk/2014/09/06/national/pakistan-observes-defence-day/|archive-date=9 September 2014|url-status=live}}</ref> Wreaths of flowers are laid on the graves of the fallen soldiers and ceremonies are held across the country.<ref name="The Nation, 2012">{{cite news|last1=Editorial|title=Defence Day|url=http://nation.com.pk/editorials/07-Sep-2012/defence-day|access-date=8 December 2014|work=The Nation|publisher=The Nation, 2012|date=7 September 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141119212406/http://nation.com.pk/editorials/07-Sep-2012/defence-day|archive-date=19 November 2014|url-status=live}}</ref> The change of guard ceremony takes place at [[Mazar-e-Quaid]], where the cadets of inter-services academies present Guard of Honour and take the charge.<ref name="Lodhi, Defence Journal"/> Additionally, the ''[[Air Force Day (Pakistan)|Youm-e-Fizaya]]'' (Air Force Day) is celebrated on 7 September, and the ''[[Navy Day#Pakistan|Youm-e-Bahriya]]'' (Navy Day) on 8 September.<ref name="Dunya News, 2014-A">{{cite news|last1=News desk|title=Pakistan observes Naval Day|url=http://dunyanews.tv/index.php/en/Pakistan/191303-Pakistan-observes-Naval-Day|access-date=8 December 2014|work=Dunya News |date=8 September 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150904011517/http://dunyanews.tv/index.php/en/Pakistan/191303-Pakistan-observes-Naval-Day|archive-date=4 September 2015|url-status=live}}</ref>

The Pakistan Armed Forces parades take place on 23 March, which is celebrated as ''[[Pakistan Day|Youm-e-Pakistan]]'' (Pakistan Day). All main service branches parade on [[Constitution Avenue, Islamabad|Constitution Avenue]] in [[Islamabad]], where the weapon exhibitions are televised.<ref name="ISPR Pakistan">{{cite web|last1=ISPR Pakistan|title=23 March Parade|url=https://www.pakistanarmy.gov.pk/awpreview/imageenlarged.aspx?galleryid=32&imageid=82|website=ISPR Pakistan|access-date=8 December 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141213233701/https://www.pakistanarmy.gov.pk/awpreview/imageenlarged.aspx?galleryid=32&imageid=82|archive-date=13 December 2014}}</ref>

==Nuclear weapons==
{{Main|Pakistan and weapons of mass destruction|Nuclear doctrine of Pakistan|N-deterrence|Youm-e-Takbir|Strategic Plans Division Force}}

Pakistan's development of [[nuclear weapons]] began in 1972, following the [[Indo-Pakistani War of 1971]], with the government adopting a [[policy of deliberate ambiguity]] which was practised and observed from 1972 to 1998.<ref>{{Cite journal|last=Cheema|first=Pervaiz Iqbal|date=2011|title=Anatomizing Pakistan's Motivations for Nuclear Weapons|journal=Pakistan Horizon|volume=64|issue=2|page=10| jstor=24711174 |issn=0030-980X}}</ref> Amid pressure built after [[Pokhran-II|India's nuclear test]] in 1998, Pakistan successfully conducted its first publicly announced nuclear tests in 1998: [[Chagai-I]] and [[Chagai-II]].<ref name="New York University Press" /> With these tests, Pakistan became the seventh nation to achieve the status of a nuclear power.<ref name="Brookings Institution Press, Riedel">{{cite book|last1=Riedel|first1=Bruce|title=Avoiding Armageddon: America, India, and Pakistan to the brink and back|date=2013|publisher=Brookings Institution Press, Riedel|location=Washington D.C .|isbn=978-0-8157-2408-7}}</ref>[[File:4 Babur Cruise Missiles on a Truck at IDEAS 2008.jpg|thumb|The [[Babur (cruise missile)|Babur missile system]] deployed in IDEAS 2008 convention in 2008.|301x301px]]

Under a public policy guidance, strategic weapons and projects are researched and developed entirely by civilian scientists and engineers, who also develop a wide range of delivery systems. On military policy issues, Pakistan issues directives towards "[[Pre-emptive nuclear strike|first use]]"<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nti.org/f_wmd411/f2i3.html|title=The Nuclear Doctrines of India and Pakistan |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070927003311/http://www.nti.org/f_wmd411/f2i3.html |archive-date=27 September 2007 |date=November 2006|publisher=[[Nuclear Threat Initiative]]}}</ref> and maintains that its [[Pakistan and its Nuclear Deterrent Program|program]] is based on [[Nuclear deterrence theory|nuclear deterrence]], to peacefully discourage attack by India and other countries with large conventional-force advantages over Pakistan.<ref>{{cite news |last=Qadir |first=Shaukat |date=8 February 2003 |title=Nuclear war in South Asia |url=http://archives.dailytimes.com.pk/editorial/08-Feb-2003/nuclear-war-in-south-asia |newspaper=[[Daily Times (Pakistan)|Daily Times]] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304022546/http://archives.dailytimes.com.pk/editorial/08-Feb-2003/nuclear-war-in-south-asia |archive-date=4 March 2016 |access-date=27 June 2015 |url-status=dead }}</ref> According to United States military sources, Pakistan has achieved survivability in a possible [[Indo-Pakistani Nuclear conflict|nuclear conflict]] through [[second strike capability]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.dawn.com/wps/wcm/connect/dawn-content-library/dawn/news/world/11-pakistan-enhances-second-strike-n-capability--us-report--il--12 |title=World &#124; Pakistan enhances second strike N-capability: US report |work=Dawn |location=Pakistan |access-date=21 August 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090721120736/http://www.dawn.com/wps/wcm/connect/dawn-content-library/dawn/news/world/11-pakistan-enhances-second-strike-n-capability--us-report--il--12 |archive-date=21 July 2009 |url-status=live }}</ref> Since the early 1990s, Pakistan's nuclear strategists have emphasised attaining "second strike" capability in spite of their "first use" policy.<ref name="Read How You Want">{{cite book|last1=Abernethy|first1=Mark|title=Second strike|date=2011|publisher=Read How You Want|location=[Sydney, N.S.W.]|isbn=978-1-4596-0375-2|edition=EasyRead large print}}</ref> Statements and physical actions by Pakistan have cited the survivability through a second strike, forming a naval-based [[command and control]] system to serve as "the custodian of the nation's second-strike capability."<ref name="Nuclear Threat Initiatives, NTI">{{cite web |title=Pakistan Cites Second-Strike Capability|url=http://www.nti.org/gsn/article/pakistani-navy-announcement-seen-sign-second-strike-capability/|access-date=1 January 2015|website=Nuclear Threat Initiative|date=24 May 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150101114826/http://www.nti.org/gsn/article/pakistani-navy-announcement-seen-sign-second-strike-capability/|archive-date=1 January 2015}}</ref>

In January 2000, the head of United States Central Command, General [[Anthony Zinni]], told [[NBC]] that longtime assumptions that India had an edge in the South Asian strategic balance of power were questionable at best. Said Zinni: "Don't assume that the Pakistanis' nuclear capability is inferior to the Indians".<ref name="Dawn Archives January 2000">{{cite news|last=Haider|first=Moin|title=Pakistan has edge over India in Nuclear Capability|url=http://www.lib.virginia.edu/area-studies/SouthAsia/SAserials/Dawn/2000/jun10.html#hase|access-date=23 December 2012|newspaper=Dawn Archives January 2000|date=10 January 2000|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091015175639/http://www.lib.virginia.edu/area-studies/SouthAsia/SAserials/Dawn/2000/jun10.html#hase|archive-date=15 October 2009|url-status=dead}}</ref>

Despite international pressure, Pakistan has refused to sign either the [[Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty]] or the [[Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty]]. Initiatives taken towards consolidating strategic infrastructure led to the establishment, in 2000, of the [[National Command Authority (Pakistan)|National Command Authority]] (NCA), which oversees the policy, military control, development, and deployment of the country's tactical and strategic nuclear arsenals. The command and control of the strategic arsenal are kept under an inter-service strategic command{{clarify|date=January 2017}} which reports directly at the [[Joint Staff Headquarters (Pakistan)|Joint staff HQ]].<ref name="Shaheen Foundation-A" />

Since its establishment in 2000, the chairperson of the NCA has been the Prime Minister of Pakistan.<ref name="United States Congress Publications, Paul K. Kerr"/> The NCA supervises and forms a tight control of the strategic organisations related to the research and development in [[Weapons of Mass Destruction]] (WMD).<ref name="United States Congress Publications, Paul K. Kerr"/> Pakistan has an extremely strict [[Nuclear command and control|command and control]] system over its strategic assets, which is based on [[Command and control|C4ISTAR]] (Command, Control, Communications, and Computing of Intelligence, Surveillance, Target Acquisition and Reconnaissance).<ref name="United States Congress Publications, Paul K. Kerr">{{cite book|last1=Kerr|first1=Paul K.|last2=Nikiten|first2=Mary K.|title=Pakistan's Nuclear Weapons: Proliferations and Safety issues|date=2010|publisher=United States Congress Publications, Paul K. Kerr|location=Washington D.C. [u.s.]|isbn=978-1-4379-2194-6|page=20|chapter-url=https://books.google.com/books?id=OcwdPLSJncMC&q=naval+strategic+force+command&pg=PA9|access-date=1 January 2015|chapter-format=Google Books|chapter=§Command and Control|archive-date=5 February 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230205200144/https://books.google.com/books?id=OcwdPLSJncMC&q=naval+strategic+force+command&pg=PA9|url-status=live}}</ref> Pakistan's strategic command structure has a three-tier system which forms by combining the [[National Command Authority (Pakistan)|National Command Authority]], Strategic Plans Division and each of three Inter-Services strategic force commands. The SPD's own force called [[Strategic Plans Division Force|SPD Force]] is responsible for security of nuclear weapons while the strategic forces commands of the [[Air Force Strategic Command (Pakistan)|air force]], [[Army Strategic Forces Command (Pakistan)|army]], and [[Naval Strategic Forces Command (Pakistan)|navy]] exercise the deployments and eventual usage of the WMDs.<ref name="United States Congress Publications, Paul K. Kerr"/> However, the executive decisions, operational planning's, and controls over the WMDs remains vested with the NCA under the [[Prime Minister of Pakistan]].<ref name="United States Congress Publications, Paul K. Kerr"/>

==Defence Intelligence==
{{See also|Pakistani Intelligence community}}

Traditionally, the bulk of intelligence work in Pakistan has been carried out by the [[Inter-Services Intelligence]] (ISI), [[Intelligence Bureau (Pakistan)|Intelligence Bureau]] (IB), [[Military Intelligence (Pakistan)|Military Intelligence]] (MI) and the [[Federal Investigation Agency]] (FIA) as well as the others in the [[Pakistani intelligence community]]. To provide better co-ordination and eliminate competition, the [[National Intelligence Coordination Committee (Pakistan)|National Intelligence Coordination Committee]] was established in 2020.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Syed |first=Baqir Sajjad |date=2020-11-24 |title=PM okays creation of liaison body for spy agencies |url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1592030 |access-date=2024-02-27 |website=DAWN.COM |language=en}}</ref>

==Military academies==
{{main|Military academies in Pakistan}}
The military academies are:

*[[Pakistan Military Academy]]
*[[Pakistan Air Force Academy]]
*[[Pakistan Naval Academy]]

There are also a number of engineering, professional, and [[Higher education in Pakistan|higher education]] military institutes:

*[[National Defence University, Islamabad|National Defence University]]
*[[Pakistan Command and Staff College|Command and Staff College]]
*[[PAF Air War College]]
*[[Combat Commanders' School]]
*[[Pakistan Navy War College|Pakistan Naval War College]]
*[[Military College of Engineering (Pakistan)|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 (Pakistan Air Force)|Air University]]
*[[Foundation University, Islamabad|Fauji University]]
*[[Bahria University]]

==Military justice system==
{{Main|Judge Advocate General Branch}}

Pakistan's military justice system rests on the inter-services administrated [[Judge Advocate General Branch]] (JAG); all military criminal cases are overseen by the high-ranking officials of joint tribunals of the military.<ref name="Naval Institute Press">{{cite book|editor1-last=Fidell|editor1-first=Eugene R.|editor2-last=Sullivan|editor2-first=Dwight H.|title=Evolving military justice|year=2002|publisher=Naval Institute Press (1973)|location=Annapolis, Md.|isbn=978-1-55750-292-6|chapter=The Military Justice Administration in the Pakistan Air Force (PAF)|chapter-url=https://books.google.com/books?id=G3tYljWV_zEC&q=Evolving+military+justice|access-date=21 March 2014|archive-date=5 February 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230205200146/https://books.google.com/books?id=G3tYljWV_zEC&q=Evolving+military+justice|url-status=live}}</ref> Each major service branch has its own service law: [[Pakistan Army|Army Justice Act]], promulgated in 1952; the [[Pakistan Air Force|PAF Justice Act]], established in 1953; and the [[Pakistan Navy|Navy Ordinance]], enacted in 1961.<ref name="U.S. Government sources">{{cite book|title=Judge Advocate General System in Pakistan Armed Forces|publisher=U.S. Government sources|isbn=978-0-7881-3631-3|display-authors=etal|date=December 1996}}</ref> The identities of active-duty uniformed JAG officials are kept classified and no details of such individuals are made available to media.<ref name="Naval Institute Press"/>

All three sets of service laws are administered by the individual major service branches under the central reporting supervision of the [[Ministry of Defence (Pakistan)|Ministry of Defence]] (MoD).<ref name="U.S. Government sources"/> The army has a four-tier system while the air force and navy have three-tier systems.<ref name="U.S. Government sources"/> The two top levels of all three-tier systems are the general court-martial and district court-martial; the third level comprises the field general court-martial in the army, air force, and navy. The fourth-level tier of the army comprises the summary court-martial.<ref name="U.S. Government sources"/> The differences in tier levels reflect whether their competence extends to officers or enlisted personnel, and the severity of the punishment that may be imposed.<ref name="U.S. Government sources"/>

Pakistan's [[Supreme Court of Pakistan|Supreme Court]] and the [[Court system of Pakistan|civilian courts]] cannot question decisions handed down by the military judges, and double jeopardy is prohibited.<ref name="U.S. Government sources"/> In cases where a member of the military is alleged to have committed a crime against a civilian, then the MoD and [[Ministry of Justice (Pakistan)|Ministry of Justice]] (MoJ) determine the prosecution of the case to be tried, whether military or civilian courts have jurisdiction.<ref name="U.S. Government sources"/> Former servicemen in civilian life who are accused of felonies committed while on active duty are liable for prosecution under the jurisdiction of military courts.<ref name="U.S. Government sources"/> These courts are empowered to dispense a wide range of punishments including death.<ref name="U.S. Government sources"/> All sentences of imprisonment are served in military prisons or detention barracks.<ref name="U.S. Government sources"/>

==Military budget==
[[File:Pakistan gdp growth rate.svg|thumb|GDP Rate of Growth 1951–2009]]
{{main|Military Budget of Pakistan}}
Faced with defence and security issues involving much larger opponents on both its eastern and western borders, the [[Ministry of Defence (Pakistan)|Ministry of Defence]] and [[Ministry of Finance (Pakistan)|Ministry of Finance]] require a disproportionate share of the nation's resources to maintain even a [[N-deterrence|minimally effective]] defensive stance.<ref name="U.S. Government sources" /> Since 1971, the military budget of the armed forces grew by 200% in support of armed forces contingency operations.<ref name="U.S. Government sources" /> During the administrations of Prime Ministers [[Benazir Bhutto]] and [[Nawaz Sharif]], approximately 50–60% of scientific research and funding went to military efforts.<ref name="U.S. Government sources" />

In 1993, Benazir Bhutto's defence budget for the year was set at PKR 94 billion (US$3.3 billion), which represented 27% of the government's circular spending and 8.9% of GDP, in calculations shown by the United States military.<ref name="U.S. Government sources" /> Despite criticism from the country's influential political-science sphere,<ref name="India Today">{{cite news|last=Sethi|first=Najam|title=Pakistan cannot afford fat military budgets|url=http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/pakistan-cannot-afford-fat-army-budgets/1/132712.html|access-date=22 August 2013|newspaper=India Today|date=11 March 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131101234211/http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/pakistan-cannot-afford-fat-army-budgets/1/132712.html|archive-date=1 November 2013|url-status=live}}</ref> the government increased the military budget by an additional 11% for the fiscal year 2015–16.<ref name="autogenerated2">{{cite news |title=Defence budget up by 10% to Rs 627&nbsp;billion|url=http://nationalinterest.org/feature/pakistans-new-military-budget-by-the-numbers-13257|access-date=26 November 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151121072956/http://nationalinterest.org/feature/pakistans-new-military-budget-by-the-numbers-13257|archive-date=21 November 2015|url-status=live}}</ref>

== Defence industry ==
{{main|Defence industry of Pakistan|List of military equipment manufactured in Pakistan}}
At the time of the creation of Pakistan, the country had virtually no military industry or production capability. In 1949–50, the contribution of the industrial sector to the [[Gross national product|GNP]] was only 5.8%, of which 4.8% was attributed to small-scale industries.<ref name="Ministry of Defence Production Press release">{{cite web |last=Ministry of Defence Production Press release |title=Ministry of Defence Production:Background |url=http://www.modp.gov.pk/gop/index.php?q=aHR0cDovLzE5Mi4xNjguNzAuMTM2L21vZHAvLi9mcm1EZXRhaWxzLmFzcHg%2Fb3B0PWJhc2ljJmlkPTE%3D |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140307012924/http://www.modp.gov.pk/gop/index.php?q=aHR0cDovLzE5Mi4xNjguNzAuMTM2L21vZHAvLi9mcm1EZXRhaWxzLmFzcHg%2Fb3B0PWJhc2ljJmlkPTE%3D |archive-date=7 March 2014 |access-date=20 August 2013 |work=The Govt. of Pakistan |publisher=Ministry of Defence Production Press release}}</ref> The new nation's only major heavy-industry operation was the [[Karachi Shipyard]] and Engineering Works (KSEW), which was focused on civil maritime construction. All military industrial materials and weapons systems were either inherited or purchased from the United Kingdom.<ref name="Ministry of Defence Production Press release" />
[[File:Manufacturing_by_Province.jpg|left|thumb|Industrial manufacturing in Pakistan from 1973 to 2000.]]
By 1951, Prime Minister [[Liaquat Ali Khan]] had established the [[Pakistan Ordnance Factory]] (POF) in [[Wah Cantonment|Wah Military District]], with a civilian chemist, Dr. [[Abdul Hafeez (chemist)|Abdul Hafeez]], serving as director and senior scientist.<ref name="Ministry of Defence Production Press release" /> The POF was oriented towards the production of small arms, ammunition, and chemical explosives.<ref name="Ministry of Defence Production Press release" /> During the period of reliance on United States supply, from 1955 to 1964, there was little attention given to domestic production. Almost all military weapons and equipment were provided by the United States, as part of Pakistan's membership in [[South East Asian Treaty Organization]] (SEATO) and [[Central Treaty Organization]] (CENTO).<ref name="Ministry of Defence Production Press release" /> By 1963, the [[Defence Science and Technology Organization]] (DESTO) was formed by POF Director Hafeez for the purposes of military [[research and development]].<ref name="Ministry of Defence Production Press release" /> After U.S. military assistance was cut off in the Indo-Pakistani War of 1965 (followed by the disastrous 1971 War{{relevance inline|date=January 2017}}), Pakistan turned to China for help in expanding its military industrial and production capabilities, including the modernisation of the facilities at Wah.[[File:Bomb Shells produced at POF WAH.jpg|thumb|Chemical explosives and shells produced by [[Air Weapons Complex|AWC]], [[Defence Science and Technology Organization|DESTO]], and [[Pakistan Ordnance Factory|POF]] used by the Pakistani military.]]

During the Indo-Pakistani War of 1971, the [[US Congress]] scrutinized its [[Foreign aid to Pakistan|military aid to Pakistan]] despite efforts by U.S. President [[Richard Nixon]].<ref>Burne, Lester H. Chronological History of U.S. Foreign Relations: 1932–1988. Routledge, 2003. {{ISBN|978-0-415-93916-4}}.</ref> After the war, programs on self-reliance and domestic production were launched with the establishment of the [[Ministry of Defence Production]] (MoDP) in 1972, aiming to promote and co-ordinate the patchwork of military production facilities which had developed since independence.<ref name="Ministry of Defence Production Press release"/> New military policy oversaw the establishment of [[Heavy Industries Taxila]] (HIT) in [[Taxila (modern)|Taxila]] and the [[Pakistan Aeronautical Complex]] (PAC) in [[Kamra, Pakistan|Kamra]], north of [[Islamabad]]. The militarisation of the [[Karachi Shipyard]] Engineering Works (KSEW) took place the same year. The PAC reverse-engineered several [[Shenyang F-6|F–6J]], [[Chengdu J-7|F–7P]], [[Dassault Mirage III|Mirage III]], and [[Dassault Mirage 5|Mirage 5]] fighter jets (of the Chinese and French), built the [[Mushshak]] trainer (based on the Swedish [[Saab Safari|SAAB Safari]]), and maintained radar and avionics equipment. After the success of the Mushshak, the Super Mushshak and the state-of-art [[Hongdu JL-8|Karakoram-8]] advanced training jet were produced. The MoDP includes several other specialised organizations devoted to research and development, production and administration.<ref name="Ministry of Defence Production Press release"/>

[[File:MP4 a and G3 produced at POF WAH under licensed.jpg|left|thumb|Rifles and firearms produced by POF displayed at an arms exhibition.]]
In 1987, the KSEW began developing submarine technology and rebuilding the [[Karachi Naval Dockyard|submarine base]] near [[Port Qasim]]. In the 1990s, concerns over Pakistan's secretive development of nuclear weapons led to the "[[Pressler amendment]]" (introduced by US Senator [[Larry Pressler]]) and an economic and military embargo. This caused a great panic in the Pakistan Armed Forces and each major service branch launched its own military-industrial programs.

By 1999, the KSEW had built its first long-range attack submarine, the [[Agosta-class submarine|''Agosta'' 90B]], which featured [[air-independent propulsion]] (AIP) technology purchased from France in 1995. By early 2000, a joint venture with China led to the introduction of the [[JF-17 Thunder|JF-17]] fighter jet (developed at PAC) and the [[Al-Khalid tank|Al-Khalid main battle tank]], built and assembled at HIT. Since 2001, Pakistan has taken major steps toward becoming self-sufficient in aircraft overhaul and modernisation and tank and helicopter sales.<ref name="Ministry of Defence Production Press release"/>

After the success of its major projects in the defence industry, the [[Defence Export Promotion Organization (Pakistan)|Defence Export Promotion Organization]] (DEPO) was created to promote Pakistani defence equipment to the world by hosting the [[International Defence Exhibition and Seminar]] (IDEAS), which is held biennially at the [[Karachi Expo Center|Karachi expo center]]. Pakistan's defence exports were reportedly worth over US $200million in 2006, and have continued to grow since.<ref>[http://www.dailytimes.com.pk/default.asp?page=2006\11\22\story_22-11-2006_pg7_26 Leading News Resource of Pakistan] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130221072455/http://www.dailytimes.com.pk/default.asp?page=2006%5C11%5C22%5Cstory_22-11-2006_pg7_26 |date=21 February 2013 }}. Daily Times (22 November 2006). Retrieved 12 July 2013.</ref>

== Awards and honours ==
{{main|Awards and decorations of the Pakistan Armed Forces}}

=== Wartime Gallantry Awards ===
{| class="wikitable"
|{{Ribbon devices|number=0|type=award-star|ribbon=Nishan-e-Haider.png|width=130}}
|'''[[Nishan-e-Haider]]''' ''(Order of the Lion)''
|-
|{{Ribbon devices|number=0|type=award-star|ribbon=Hilal-e-Jurat.png|width=130}}
|'''[[Hilal-i-Jur'at|Hilal-e-Jurat]]''' ''(Crescent of Courage)''
|-
|{{Ribbon devices|number=0|type=award-star|ribbon=Sitara-e-Jurat.png|width=130}}
|'''[[Sitara-e-Jurat]]''' ''(Star of Courage)''
|-
|{{Ribbon devices|number=0|type=award-star|ribbon=Tamgha-e-Jurat.png|width=130}}
|'''[[Tamgha-i-Jurat|Tamgha-e-Jurat]]''' ''(Medal of Courage)''
|-
|{{Ribbon devices|number=0|type=award-star|ribbon=Imtiazi Sanad.png|width=130}}
|'''[[Imtiazi Sanad]]''' ''(Mentioned in Despatches)''<ref name="honours">{{cite web |title=Honours and Awards |url=http://www.pakistanarmy.gov.pk/AWPReview/TextContent.aspx?pId=32&rnd=182 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120531012800/http://www.pakistanarmy.gov.pk/AWPReview/TextContent.aspx?pId=32&rnd=182 |archive-date=31 May 2012 |access-date=6 June 2009 |publisher=Pakistan Army}}</ref>
|}
{| class="wikitable" style="margin: 1em auto; text-align:center;"
! colspan="4" |Order of Wear
|-
|{{Ribbon devices|number=0|type=award-star|ribbon=Nishan-e-Haider.png|width=130}}
'''<small>[[Nishan-e-Haider]]</small>'''

'''''<small>(</small>'''<small>Order of the Lion)</small>''
|{{Ribbon devices|number=0|type=award-star|ribbon=Hilal-e-Imtiaz (Civilian).png|width=130}}
'''<small>[[Nishan-e-Imtiaz]]</small>'''

'''[[Nishan-e-Imtiaz|<small>(Civilian)</small>]]'''
|{{Ribbon devices|number=0|type=award-star|ribbon=Nishan-e-Imtiaz.png|width=130}}
'''<small>[[Nishan-e-Imtiaz]]</small>'''

'''[[Nishan-e-Imtiaz|<small>(Military)</small>]]'''
|{{Ribbon devices|number=0|type=award-star|ribbon=Hilal-e-Jurat.png|width=130}}
'''[[Hilal-i-Jurat|<small>Hilal-e-Jurat</small>]]'''

''<small>(Crescent of Courage)</small>''
|- align="center"
|{{Ribbon devices|number=0|type=award-star|ribbon=Hilal-e-Shujaat.png|width=130}}
'''[[Civil decorations of Pakistan|<small>Hilal-e-Shujaat</small>]]'''

''<small>(Crescent of Bravery)</small>''
|{{Ribbon devices|number=0|type=award-star|ribbon=Hilal-e-Imtiaz (Civilian).png|width=130}}
'''<small>[[Nishan-e-Imtiaz|Hilal-e-Imtiaz]]</small>'''

'''[[Nishan-e-Imtiaz|<small>(Civilian)</small>]]'''
|{{Ribbon devices|number=0|type=award-star|ribbon=Hilal-e-Imtiaz.png|width=130}}
'''[[Hilal-i-Imtiaz|<small>Hilal-e-Imtiaz</small>]]'''

'''[[Hilal-i-Imtiaz|<small>(Military)</small>]]'''
|{{Ribbon devices|number=0|type=award-star|ribbon=Sitara-e-Jurat.png|width=130}}
'''<small>[[Sitara-e-Jurat]]</small>'''

'''''<small>(</small>'''<small>Star of Courage)</small>''
|- align="center"
|{{Ribbon devices|number=0|type=award-star|ribbon=Hilal-e-Shujaat.png|width=130}}
[[Civil decorations of Pakistan|'''<small>Sitara-e-Shujaat</small>''']]

''<small>(Star of Bravery)</small>''
|{{Ribbon devices|number=0|type=award-star|ribbon=Sitara-e-Imtiaz.png|width=130}}
'''<small>[[Sitara-e-Imtiaz]]</small>'''

'''[[Sitara-e-Imtiaz|<small>(Military)</small>]]'''
|{{Ribbon devices|number=0|type=award-star|ribbon=President's Award for Pride of Performance.png|width=130}}
'''<small>[[Pride of Performance|President's Award for]]</small>'''

<small>'''[[Pride of Performance]]'''</small>
|{{Ribbon devices|number=0|type=award-star|ribbon=Sitara-e-Basalat.png|width=130}}
'''<small>[[Sitara-e-Basalat]]</small>'''

''<small>(Star of Good Conduct)</small>''
|-
|{{Ribbon devices|number=0|type=award-star|ribbon=Sitara-e-Eissar.png|width=130}}
'''<small>[[Awards and decorations of the Pakistan Armed Forces#Commemorative medals|Sitara-e-Eisaar]]</small>'''

''<small>(Star of Sacrifice)</small>''
|{{Ribbon devices|number=0|type=award-star|ribbon=Tamgha-e-Jurat.png|width=130}}
'''<small>[[Tamgha-e-Jurat]]</small>'''

'''''<small>(</small>'''<small>Medal of Courage)</small>''
|{{Ribbon devices|number=0|type=award-star|ribbon=Hilal-e-Shujaat.png|width=130}}
'''[[Civil decorations of Pakistan|''<small>Tamgha-e-Shujaat</small>'']]'''

''<small>(Medal of Bravery)</small>''
|{{Ribbon devices|number=0|type=award-star|ribbon=Tamgha-e-Imtiaz.png|width=130}}
'''[[Sitara-e-Imtiaz|<small>Tamgha-e-Imtiaz</small>]]'''

'''[[Sitara-e-Imtiaz|<small>(Military)</small>]]'''
|-
|{{Ribbon devices|number=0|type=award-star|ribbon=Tamgha-e-Basalat.png|width=130}}
'''''<small>[[Tamgha-e-Basalat]]</small>'''''

''<small>(Medal of Good Conduct)</small>''
|{{Ribbon devices|number=0|type=award-star|ribbon=Tamgha-e-Eisaar.png|width=130}}
'''<small>[[Tamgha-e-Eisaar]]</small>'''

''<small>(Medal of Sacrifice)</small>''
|{{Ribbon devices|number=0|type=award-star|ribbon=Imtiazi Sanad.png|width=130}}
[[Awards and decorations of the Pakistan Armed Forces#Wartime gallantry medals|'''<small>Imtiazi Sanad</small>''']]

''<small>(Mentioned in Despatches)</small>''
|{{Ribbon devices|number=0|type=award-star|ribbon=Tamgha-e-Diffa.png|width=130}}
'''[[Awards and decorations of the Pakistan Armed Forces#Campaign / war medals|<small>Tamgha-e-Diffa</small>]]'''

<small>''(General Service Medal)''</small>
|-
|{{Ribbon devices|number=0|type=award-star|ribbon=Sitara-e-Harb 1965 War Ribbon.png|width=130}}
'''[[Awards and decorations of the Pakistan Armed Forces#Campaign / war medals|<small>Sitara-e-Harb 1965 War</small>]]'''

<small>''(War Star 1965)''</small>
|{{Ribbon devices|number=0|type=award-star|ribbon=Sitara-e-Harb 1971 War.png|width=130}}
'''[[Awards and decorations of the Pakistan Armed Forces#Campaign / war medals|<small>Sitara-e-Harb 1971 War</small>]]'''

<small>''(War Star 1971)''</small>
|{{Ribbon devices|number=0|type=award-star|ribbon=Tamgha-e-Jang 1965 War.png|width=130}}
'''[[Awards and decorations of the Pakistan Armed Forces#Campaign / war medals|<small>Tamgha-e-Jang 1965 War</small>]]'''

<small>''(War Medal 1965)''</small>
|{{Ribbon devices|number=0|type=award-star|ribbon=Tamgha-e-Jang 1971 War.png|width=130}}
'''[[Awards and decorations of the Pakistan Armed Forces#Campaign / war medals|<small>Tamgha-e-Jang 1971 War</small>]]'''

<small>''(War Medal 1971)''</small>
|-
|{{Ribbon devices|number=0|type=award-star|ribbon=Tamgha-e-Baqa (1998).png|width=130}}
'''[[Awards and decorations of the Pakistan Armed Forces#Commemorative medals|<small>Tamgha-e-Baqa</small>]]'''

<small>''([[Chagai-I|Nuclear Test Medal]])''</small>
|{{Ribbon devices|number=0|type=award-star|ribbon=Tamgha-e-Istaqlal (2002).png|width=130}}
<small>'''[[Awards and decorations of the Pakistan Armed Forces#Campaign / war medals|Tamgha-e-Istaqlal Pakistan]]'''</small>

<small>''([[2001–2002 India–Pakistan standoff|Escalation with India Medal]])''</small>
|{{Ribbon devices|number=0|type=award-star|ribbon=Tamgha-e-Azm.png|width=130}}
<small>'''[[Awards and decorations of the Pakistan Armed Forces#Campaign / war medals|Tamgha-e-Azm]]'''</small>

<small>''(Medal of Conviction)''</small>
|{{Ribbon devices|number=0|type=award-star|ribbon=Tamgha-i-Khidmat (Class-I).png|width=130}}
'''<small>[[Tamgha-i-Khidmat|Tamgha-e-Khidmat (Class-I)]]</small>'''

<small>''(Medal of Service Class I)''</small>
|-
|{{Ribbon devices|number=0|type=award-star|ribbon=Tamgha-i-Khidmat (Class-II).png|width=130}}
'''<small>[[Tamgha-i-Khidmat|Tamgha-e-Khidmat (Class-II)]]</small>'''

<small>''(Medal of Service Class I)''</small>
|{{Ribbon devices|number=0|type=award-star|ribbon=Tamgha-i-Khidmat (Class-III).png|width=130}}
'''<small>[[Tamgha-i-Khidmat|Tamgha-e-Khidmat (Class-III)]]</small>'''

<small>''(Medal of Service Class I)''</small>
|{{Ribbon devices|number=0|type=award-star|ribbon=10 years Service Medal.png|width=130}}
'''<small>[[Awards and decorations of the Pakistan Armed Forces#Long service medals|10 Years Service Medal]]</small>'''
|{{Ribbon devices|number=0|type=award-star|ribbon=20 years Service Medal.png|width=130}}
'''<small>[[Awards and decorations of the Pakistan Armed Forces#Long service medals|20 Years Service Medal]]</small>'''
|-
|{{Ribbon devices|number=0|type=award-star|ribbon=30 years Service Medal.png|width=130}}
'''<small>[[Awards and decorations of the Pakistan Armed Forces#Long service medals|30 Years Service Medal]]</small>'''
|{{Ribbon devices|number=0|type=award-star|ribbon=35 years Service Medal.png|width=130}}
'''<small>[[Awards and decorations of the Pakistan Armed Forces#Long service medals|35 Years Service Medal]]</small>'''
|{{Ribbon devices|number=0|type=award-star|ribbon=40 years Service Medal (Pakistan Armed Forces).png|width=130}}
'''<small>[[Awards and decorations of the Pakistan Armed Forces#Long service medals|40 Years Service Medal]]</small>'''
|{{Ribbon devices|number=0|type=award-star|ribbon=Pakistan Independence Medal 1947.png|width=130}}
<small>'''[[Pakistan Medal|Pakistan Tamgha]]'''</small>

<small>''([[Pakistan Medal]])''</small>
|-
|{{Ribbon devices|number=0|type=award-star|ribbon=Tamgha-e-Sad Saala Jashan-e-Wiladat-e-Quaid-e-Azam.png|width=130}}
<small>'''[[Awards and decorations of the Pakistan Armed Forces#Commemorative medals|Tamgha-e-Sad Saala Jashan-e-]]'''</small>

<small>'''[[Awards and decorations of the Pakistan Armed Forces#Commemorative medals|Wiladat-e-Quaid-e-Azam]]'''</small>
|{{Ribbon devices|number=0|type=award-star|ribbon=Republic Medal 1956 (Pakistan).png|width=130}}
<small>'''[[Awards and decorations of the Pakistan Armed Forces#Commemorative medals|Tamgha-e-Jamhuria]]'''</small>

<small>''(Republic Commemoration Medal)''</small>
|{{Ribbon devices|number=0|type=award-star|ribbon=Hijri Tamgha.png|width=130}}
<small>'''[[Awards and decorations of the Pakistan Armed Forces#Commemorative medals|Hijri Tamgha]]'''</small>

<small>''(Hijri Medal)''</small>
|{{Ribbon devices|number=0|type=award-star|ribbon=Jamhuriat Tamgha 1988.png|width=130}}
<small>'''[[Awards and decorations of the Pakistan Armed Forces#Commemorative medals|Jamhuriat Tamgha]]'''</small>

<small>''(Democracy Medal)''</small>
|-
|{{Ribbon devices|number=0|type=award-star|ribbon=Qarardad-e-Pakistan Tamgha Pakistan.svg|width=130}}
<small>'''[[Awards and decorations of the Pakistan Armed Forces#Commemorative medals|<u>Qarardad-e-Pakistan Tamgha</u>]]'''</small>

<small>''(Resolution Day Golden Jubilee Medal)''</small>
|{{Ribbon devices|number=0|type=award-star|ribbon=Independence Day Golden Jubilee Medal, 2006.svg|width=130}}
<small>'''[[Awards and decorations of the Pakistan Armed Forces#Commemorative medals|Tamgha-e-Salgirah Pakistan]]'''</small>

<small>''(Independence Day''</small>

<small>''Golden Jubilee Medal)''</small>
|{{Ribbon devices|number=0|type=award-star|ribbon=Command and Staff College Quetta Centenary Medal.svg|width=130}}
<small>'''[[Pakistan Command and Staff College|Command & Staff College Quetta]]'''</small>

<small>'''Instructor's Medal'''</small>
|{{Ribbon devices|number=0|type=award-star|ribbon=Command and Staff College Quetta Centenary Medal 2007.png|width=130}}
<small>'''[[Pakistan Command and Staff College|Command & Staff College Quetta]]'''</small>

<small>'''Student Medal'''</small>
|}

==See also==
{{div col|colwidth=20em}}
* [[List of missiles of Pakistan]]
* [[Defence industry of Pakistan]]
* [[Military exercises of Pakistan]]
* [[Pakistan Armed Forces Band]]
* [[Pakistan Armed Forces deployments]]
* [[Women in the Pakistan Armed Forces]]
* [[Space & Upper Atmosphere Research Commission]]
{{div col end}}

==References==
{{Reflist}}

==Further reading==
* {{cite book| title=The Military Balance 2018| author1=International Institute for Strategic Studies| author-link1=International Institute for Strategic Studies| date=14 February 2018| publisher=[[Routledge]]| location=[[London]]| isbn=978-1-85743-955-7| ref=IISS2018}}
* {{Cite book |last= Shah |first= Aqil |year= 2014 |title= The Army and Democracy: Military Politics in Pakistan |location= Cambridge, MA |publisher= [[Harvard University Press]] |isbn= 978-0-674-72893-6 }}
* Ayub, Muhammad (2005). An army, Its Role and Rule: A History of the Pakistan Army from Independence to Kargil, 1947–1999. RoseDog Books. {{ISBN|978-0-8059-9594-7}}.

==External links==
* {{Commons category-inline}}
* {{Wikiquote-inline}}

===Official websites===
* {{Official website|http://ispr.gov.pk/|name=ISPR}}
* {{Official website|http://www.pakistanarmy.gov.pk|name=Pakistan Army}}
* {{Official website|http://www.paknavy.gov.pk|name=Pakistan Navy}}
* {{Official website|http://www.paf.gov.pk|name=Pakistan Air Force}}
* {{Official website|http://pakistancoastguards.gov.pk|name=Pakistan Coast Gurds}}
* {{Official website|https://pmsa.gov.pk/|name=Pakistan Maritime Security Agency}}
* {{Official website|http://mod.gov.pk|name= Ministry of Defence}}
* {{Official website|https://www.interior.gov.pk|name=Ministry of Interior}}

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{{DEFAULTSORT:Pakistani Armed Forces}}
[[Category:1947 establishments in Pakistan]]
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[[Category:Military units and formations established in 1947]]
[[Category:Pakistan federal departments and agencies|Armed Forces]]