Army Institustions

Main Military Schools, Training Centres and Depots

1. School/Centre/Depot, Location
2. Baloch Regimental Centre, Abbotabad
3. Frontier Force Regimental Centre
4. HQ, School of Mountain Warfare (mobile detachments, elements in Skardu)
5. Pakistan Military Academy
6. Azad Kashmir Regimental Centre, Attock
7. Special Service Group (SSG) (also at Cherat and the Parachute School, Peshawar
8. Corps of Military Police Centre, Dera Ismail Khan
9. Punjab Regimental Centre, Mardan
10. Schools of Army Education, Logistics and Intelligence Murree
11. Schools and Centres of Armour, Artillery, Service Corps, Nowshera
12. Parachute School (SSG) Peshawar
13. Sindh Regimental Centre, Petaro
14. Command and Staff College Quetta
15. School of Infantry and Tactics
16. Aviation Centre and School Rawalpindi
17. Military College of Electrical & Mechanical Engg
18. Army Medical College
19. Military College of Signals
20. Military College of Engineering Risalpur

Army Procurement

Main Battle Tanks

Al-Khalid
Pakistan's efforts to develop its own indigenous tank, the Al-Khalid, suffered initially from difficulties over the supply of power/transmission packs from a European source, As a result of co-operation with Ukraine over the T-80 Main Battle Tank (MBT), the Ukranian Malyshev Plant sold engine and gearbox units for the Al-Khalid to Pakistan in September 2000, and was contracted to provide a total of 315 packs. In November 2000 Pakistan announced that the Heavy Industries Taxila (HIT) facility would build a pre-production batch of Al-Khalids in co-operation with the China North Industries Corporation (NORINCO). The first 15 Al-Khalids appeared in July 2001. The production rate in 2004 was estimated by HIT to be 45-60 annually, dependent on budget allocation, and some 220 were in service as of May 2008. Development continues, with modifications in the fire control system and linkage.

Upgraded T-59
Though superseded by the Al-Khalid as the Pakistan Army's first line MBT, the Phase III Al-Zarrar version of the Type 59 has been upgraded and is adequate for training and emergency combat use. The program is centered on fitting a 125mm smoothbore main gun, an upgraded computerised fire control system and ATCOP TR3 laser range-finder, together with DNS 3 image intensifier. Both Thales and Sagem night vision equipment is under trial. Improved armour protection has also been fitted in the shape of an external anti-mine plate on the chassis and Explosive Reactive Armour (ERA). Unlike the Al-Khalid MBT, the 125mm main gun is not fitted with an auto-loader, so the Al-Zarrar has a fourth crew member for this purpose. The army has ordered 400 upgraded tanks of the holding od some 1,000, with the remainder being phased out as the Khalids enter service. The first batch of 80 was handed over in February 2004. it is unlikely Pakistan will seek to purchase MBTs from other sources in the forseeable future, and that it will concentrate on continuing close cooperation with China in this as in other aspects of military development.

Armoured Personnel Carriers
HIT has developed a number of M113A1 variants for the Pakistan Army. These include:
1. The Maaz is a modified M113A1 fitted with a Baktar Shikan anti-tank guided weapon (ATGW). The shape of the M113A1 has been modified, extending its nose slightly and adding additional diesel fuel tanks on the back.
2. Mouz - Modified M 113 fitted with RBS 70.
3. Talha - Modified M 113 APC.
4. Saad - Modified M 113 APC.
5. Al-Hamza - Infantry Fighting Vehicle (IFV) (25mm cannon).
6. Al-Qaswa - logistics vehicle.
7. Sakb - Command post vehicle.
8. Al-Hadeed - Recovery vehicle (modified Talha)

Pakistan army fields

Operational Art and Tactical Doctrine

From the time of the 65 war, through that of 71 and until the Indian Army excercise Brass Tacks in 1987, emphasis was on static defence of the LOC and the border. Penetration of Indian territory would be undertaken only on an opportunity basis. the doctrine was flawed, mainly because of lack of strategic depth in Pakistan, but no alternative was given serious consideration until it was realised that a "stand and fight" doctrine would probably result in deep penetration by Indian forces without Pakistani forces being able to manoeuver effectively. the Indian army would have gained and retained the initiative, enabling it to destroy Pakistani formations piecemeal as they reacted to Indian thrusts.

The "Riposte" is simple in concept: it is intended that the two strike corps conduct a limited advance along narrow fronts with the objective of occupying indian territory near the border, probably to a depth of 40 to 50 km. Pakistan considers that international pressure would result in a ceasefire after a maximum of three weeks of conflict, enough time to gain some territory to be used in subsequent bargaining. there would be acceptance of Indian penetration, which would be inevitable given the comparitive lack of mobility within the Infantry heavy divisions. Independent Armoured and Mechanized Brigades are intended for quick counter attack and exploitation and would add considerable weight to advances by the strike corps.

The "Riposte" is practiced at all levels. Major excercises involve the crossing of water obstacles and minefields at night with emphasis on subsequent break-out and rapid advance. So far as has been seen, the concept has been adequately translated into workable plans which are continuously being refined. However, complete mechanization of the strike corps and other formations was slowed by the effects of US sanctions and it will take some time for them to achieve desired mobility, although US army surplus equipment is now being rapidly delivered, and local manufacture and rebuilding of US supplied AFV/APC has received considerable impetus, thus improving the mechanization process.

The army took great interest in the Indian army/airforce excercise Vajra Shakti (Thunder Power, conducted in Punjab from 1-10 May 2005). in view of its emphasis on maintaining mobility while operating closed down against nuclear attack. Pakistan's own counter - nuclear preparedness is patchy, and it is doubtful that even the strike corps could fight through a nuclear battlefield.

India's doctrine of "Cold Start" involving swift penetration of Pakistan with the aim of isolating, destroying or capturing vital points (such as nuclear stores and other installations has resulted in some modification to the Riposte, in that acceptability of penetration could be fatal to counter-penetration plans. in the event of an indian advance reaching or crossing the line of the main Lahore-Karachi highway, it is likely there would be consideration of employment of tactical nuclear missiles.

Bases 
Major Army bases are located at:

Karachi

Mangla

Lahore

Multan 

Peshawar

Quetta

Rawalpindi

Bahawalpur


Training
Training is the overall responsibility of the Inspector General, Training and Evaluation (IG T&E) in GHQ. The army relies largely on the efficient regimental system whereby each infantry regiment has its own training center, as have other arms and services. Initial training of officers (now including females in other than the Medical Corps) is conducted mainly at the Pakistan Military Academy at Kakul, Abbotabad. Standards are adequate, although the course is too short, and emphasis has to be placed on instruction in the English language.

Regimental and special-to-arms and -services training is of a high standard but there is much learning by rote, which tends to reduce initiative. Instruction at army schools (such as the School of Infantry and Tactics at Quetta) is impressive and courses are conducted efficiently. This also applies to the Command and Staff College. Directing staff are high quality and the syallabus is sound. However, the culture of chappa- an anxiety to conform, resulting in emphasis on obtaining "correct" solutions from former students - produces careful, but imitative papers. Despite this, topic discussion is energetic, and the product is generally good.

Advanced technical training and graduate/post-graduate studies are carried out under the aegis of the National University of Sciences and Technology (NUST), which involves the Colleges of Medicine, Signals, Military Engg and Electrical and Mechanical Engg. These are linked with civilian, naval and airforce institutions and with Michigan State (US) and Cranfield (UK) universities.

Advanced courses for officers are conducted at National Defence University in Islamabad, of which the two main courses (August to June) are the National Defence Course (brigadiers and equivalent) and the Armed Forces War Course (lieutenant colonels and equivalent). Instruction is world standard.

Individual and collective training in units is conducted in an annual cycle, usually dictated by the timing of higher-level excercises. Sub-unit and unit excercises generally held in summer, with brigade and divisional manoeuveres after the harvest and in winter.
There has been emphasis on computer-based war gaming, with consequent improvement in staff work, especially in logistics. In the 1965 and 1971 wars, few formations were far from base facilities and supply dumps and it is only comparitively recently that battlefield recovery and practice in forward supply have been alotted the importance they deserve. Much training focuses on obstacle crossing, as there are extensive natural and manmade water barriers on both sides of the border, especially in Punjab.

Since 2001, following the invasion of Afghanistan, there has been a gradual than accelerating requirement to counter terrorism and insurgency, especially in, but far from limited to, Baluchistan and North West Frontier Province (NWFP). As the main task of the army was defence of the eastern border, and low level border control was almost exclusively the responsibility of the Pakistan Rangers and the Frontier Corps (the latter assisted by tribal irregulars), there was no particular emphasis on instruction in counter insurgency. When it became necessary to deploy formation HQ and units to the western regions it became apparent that such instruction was essential, and unit and sub-unit training was undertaken concurrently with modification of syllabi in army schools such as the School of Infantry and Tactics. It is expected that this emphasis will be maintained, given the senstivity of the western border regions and the decreasing likelihood of conflict with India (?).

Pakistan Army

Operational Concept 

Of Pakistan's nine corps HQ, six are sited close to the indian border. Those in Peshawar (II Corps) and Quetta (XII Corps) are heavily involved in internal security and counter insurgency operations in North West Frontier Province (NWFP) and Balochistan. X Corps HQ, Rawalpindi commands formations along the Line of Control (LOC).

In Karachi, V Corps (with some elements at present involved in internal security operations in Sindh and Balochistan Provinces), has the role of countering a thrust by India intended to cut the main Karach-Lahore road. This important road is being complemented by the new indus highway leading up the center of the country, an initiative prompted by economic and strategic considerations. the corps is also responsible for countering possible landings by indian marines or special forces.

The three heavy infantry formations, IV, XXX, and XXXI Corps are tasked with countering indian thrusts in their immediate areas.

Both I Corps (Mangla) and II Corps (Multan) are armour heavy "strike" corps, which would implement the doctrine of the riposte.

Army Strategic Forces Command is regarded as a corps and commanded by a lieutenant general with his HQ in Rawalpindi. it is responsible for training, deployment and activation of nuclear missile assets.

Order of Battle
The Pakistan Army does not make its Order of Battle public. the table below is based on a number of sources.

Corps and Sub-ordinate Formations with Locations.

Strategic Forces Command, Rawalpindi.
2 Missile Group, Probably Sargodha.
? Missile Group, n/a.

I Corps, Mangla
6 Armoured Division, Kharian.
17 Mechanized Infantry Division, Kharian
37 Mechanized Infantry Division, Gujranwala.

II Corps, Multan
1 Armoured Division, Multan
14 Infantry Division, Okara (deployed to South Waziristan Agency 2007)
40 Infantry Division, Okara

IV Corps, Lahore
10 Infantry Division, Lahore
11 Infantry Division, Lahore
3 Independent Armoured Brigade
212 Independent Infantry Brigade

V Corps, Karachi
16 Infantry Division, Hyderabad
18 Infantry Division, Hyderabad
Three Independent Armoured Brigades, Malir (?), Pano Aqil (?), Hyderabad (?)

X Corps, Rawalpindi
Force Command Northern Area, Gilget (equivalent of a division, possibly five infantry divisions)
12 Infantry Division, Murree
19 Infantry Division, Jhelum
23 Infantry Division, Gujrat
111 Independent Infantry Brigade, Rawalpindi

XI Corps, Peshawar
7 Infantry Division, Mardan
9 Infantry Division, Kohat

XII Corps, Quetta
41 Infantry Division, Quetta
33 Infantry Division, Quetta

XXX Corps, Gujranwala
8 Infantry Division, Sialkot
15 Infantry Division, Sialkot

XXXI Corps, Bahawalpur
35 Infantry Division, Bahawalpur
34 Infantry Division, Pano Aqil
105 Independent Brigade Group, Bahawalpur(?)

Special Forces 
The Special Services Group (SSG) is headquartered at Cherat and has a base at Attock. it is also responsible for the Airborne School at Peshawar. it consists of three battalions each of four companies.

Other SSG elements include:

Akbar Company (Combat Diver Unit)
Zarrar Company (Counter-terrorism)
Iqbal Company (Communications Unit)

Army Aviation Order of Battle

Unit, Base, Type and Role

1 Sqdn, Dhamial, JetRanger II/III, Liaison/Training

2 Sqdn, Lahore, UH-IH Iroquois, Mushshak, Liaison

3 Composite Sqdn, Multan, Mushshak, Liaison

4 Sqdn, Quetta, Mi-17, Support
Detachment of 4 Sqdn, Rahwali, Mi-17, Support

5 Sqdn, Dhamial, Alouette III, Observation/Liaison

6 Sqdn, Dhamial, Bell 412, Mi-17, Support
Emergency Relief Cell, Dhamial, AB-205A-1, Disaster Relief

7 Composite Sqdn, Faisal, O-1 Bird Dog, Mushshak, Liaison

8 Sqdn, Dhamial, SA-315B Lama, Observation/Liaison
Detachment 8 Sqdn, Skardu, Mushshak, Alouette III, Bell 412, Support

9 Composite Sqdn, Peshawar, Mushshak, Alouette III, Miscellaneous

13 Sqdn, Dhamial, Cessna 412, Commander 680/840, Y-12, VIP Transport

21 Sqdn, Multan, SA 330J Puma, UH-IH Iroquois, Support

24 Sqdn, Multan, SA 330J Puma, Support

25 Sqdn, Dhamial, SA 330J Puma, Helicopter Support
Detachment, Gilget, SA 330J Puma, Helicopter Support

31 Sqdn, Multan, AH-1F HueyCobra, Jet Ranger III, Attack/Liaison (deployed to FATA)

32 Sqdn, Multan, AH-1F HueyCobra, Jet Ranger III, Attack/Liaison (deployed to FATA)

Aviation School, Rahwali, Mushshak, Schweizer 300C, Alouette III, Bell 47G/OH-13S, JetRanger II/III.


Paramilitary Forces
Pakistan's paramilitary forces - in the main subordinate to the Ministry of the Interior in peacetime (but to GHQ in war) - number some 100,000 and free the army and navy from most of the responsibilities of policing borders and economic zones. their officers are provided by the regular forces. the army's already severe shortage of junior officers is exacerbated by this requirement and consideration should be given to creating an officer corps solely for paramilitary elements such as the Pakistan Rangers (who police the border with India) and the Frontier Corps (responsible for the western border with Afghanistan and Iran). In war, some of the higher calibre units would provide reinforcement for the army, as formed body of troops of company or even battalion size.

The Frontier Corps consists of 14 units based in the North West Frontier Province (NWFP) and 13 units based in Baluchistan, with HQ based in Peshawar and Quetta.

The Pakistan Rangers HQ is in Sialkot with subordinate HQ in Sialkot, Bahawalpur and Rahim Yar Khan. The Rangers are responsible for low level border security but can be deployed elsewhere as required by the internal security situation.

Reserves
There is an army reserve of 500,000 whose members have a triennial attendance obligation to the age of 45. Refresher training is as adequate as can be expected of a three week period, but reserve service seems popular. The 180,000 strong National Guard would be useful in guarding vulnerable points. It consists of the Mujahid Force of 60,000, organized in battalions, some with light air defence capability. the Janbaz Force of 100,000, whose members are intended to serve close to their homes; and the National Cadet Corps in universities and colleges. these elements have some value in providing poorly trained but enthusiastic reinforcements for rear area units.

An overview of Pakistan army

Army Aviation Corps.

VIP Flight Squadron, Rawalpindi - SA-330, KING-AIR 200, CITATION V, CESSNA 421, COMMANDER 690, COMMANDER 840, H-500 (special duties)

Aviation School and Centre, Rawalpindi (Qasim) - MUSHSHAK, ALOUETTE III, SCHWEIZER 300, BELL 206B, other on attachment.

2 Squadron, Lahore - MUSHSHAK, UH-1H.

3 Squadron, Multan - MUSHSHAK.

4 Squadron, HQ at Qasim (formerly known as Dhamial), - south of Rawalpindi. detachments at Rahwali, Gilget, Samugli (Quetta) - Mi-17.

5 Squadron, Qasim - ALOUETTE III.

6 Squadron, Qasim - UH-1H, Mi-17.

7 Squadron, Shahrae-Faisal - CESSNA O-1, MUSHSHAK.

8 Squadron, Qasim - SA 315/316 LAMA.

9 Squadron, Peshawar - CESSNA O-1(?), MUSHSHAK, ALOUETTE III

13 Squadron, Qasim - CESSNA O-1(?), MUSHSHAK, Y-12.

21 Squadron, Multan - PUMA, UH-IH.

24 Squadron, Multan - PUMA

25 Squadron, Dhamial (detachment at Gilget) - PUMA

31 Squadron, Multan - AH-1F COBRA ANTI-TANK.

32 Squadron, Multan - AH-1F COBRA ANTI-TANK.

Recent and Current Operations.

Internal Conflicts

The Pakistan Army maintains a high level of readiness in anticipation of any renewed conflict with India, but current military operations have focussed mainly on internal security and, more markedly, counter-insurgency operations.

Counter-terrorism/counter-insurgency operations are being carried out in the Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA) along the Afghan border, where over 100,000 army and Frontier Corps troops are deployed in North West Frontier Province (NWFP). The low level insurgency in Balochistan, while primarily confronted by the paramilitary Frontier Corps, also involves the army's X Corps, HQ Quetta (temporary).

An overview of Pakistan Army

An overview of Pakistan Army. Pakistan Army is the land-based service branch of the Pakistan Armed forces.it came into existence after the independence of Pakistan in 1947. Pakistan Army is not a profession but a way of life. It is for those who want leadership abilities and who have the dare to join it.Every person can join army whether he belong to medical field or engineering field. You should join armed forces because it is for those who love challenges,Armored corps for the ones who dare.Pakistan military has been ranked as the 11th strongest military in the world.Ranked seven spots after India's military,the report gives Pakistan a final military strength score of 0.41.further,the report reveals that Pakistan's active personnel number stands at 710,000 and has it more weaponry than Germany,Australia and Canada.The report ranks the strength of 20 countries according to weaponry, including tanks, aircraft, helicopters and submarines, each country represents.The US is listed as number one followed by Russia,China, Japan and India in the top five. Thread on the Pakistan army.It will cover the following Areas: ;
Summary.
Assessment.
Deployments, Tasks and Operations.
Army Aviation Corps.
Recent and Current Operations.
Command and Control.
Organization.
Divisions and Brigades.
Operational Concept.
Order of Battle.
Corps and Subordinate Formations
Strategic Forces Command.
Army Aviation Orbat.
Special Forces.
Para-Military Forces.
Reserves.
Operational Art and Tactical Doctrine.
Bases
Training
Main Military Schools, Training Centers and Depots.
Army Procurement. 
Equipment in Service.
Artillery.
Anti-Tank Weapons.
Air-Defence Weapons.
Infantry Weapons.
                                                                                                                                                                     Summary.
STRENGTH: 520,000 (Plus Reserves of some 500,000)

INFANTRY:
Infantry Division x 19
Force Command Northern Areas (Division Equivalent) x 1
Mechanized Infantry Division x 2
Independent Infantry / Mechanized Infantry Brigade x 6

ARMOUR:
Armoured Division x 2
Independent Armoured Brigade x 7
Independent Armoured Reconnaissance Regiment x 8

ARTILLERY:
Artillery Division x 2

ENGINEER:
Brigade x 7

SPECIAL FORCES:
Battalion x 3

AIR DEFENCE:
HQ x 1
Brigade x 8

ARMY AVIATION:
Squadron x 13

Assessment.
The Army is large, well trained, reasonably well equipped and has good morale. Senior Leadership is of a high quality and there is no evidence of religious extremism among senior officers, largely due to tight monitoring of promotions and selection boards by successive army chiefs, although it appears there may be some extremists in junior ranks.
The army's weaknessesses include a shortage of high-quality officers, lukewarm co-operation with the Pakistan Air Force (PAF), insufficient appreciation that Indian tactical airpower is probably its major threat, and difficulty in retraining to meet the military/insurgency threat in the western regions. Some planning has been based on unrealistic assessments of achievement of local air superiority over the forward edge of the battle area (although, given IAF difficulties in maintaining air superiority capability, the situation is not now as critical as it was in the late 1990s). There is emphasis on ground Air-Defence (AD) by surface-to-air missiles (such as the Swedish RBS70 and US Stinger) and extensive gun systems. Both strike corps have considerable AD assets intended to be deployed rapidly during obstacle crossings and breakout, and mechanization has been steadily improving.
Following the 1989 excercise Zarb-i-Momin (Believer's Blow), it was made clear to commanders that logistics mattered, that resupply was not to be considered "out of excercise" or "notional" and that all excercises had to have a credible logistics plan. Analysis of Zarb-i-Momin resulted in considerable restructuring, including the creation of Air Defence Command and Artillery Divisions. It was assessed that Command, Control, Communication, Computers and Intelligence (C4i) had serious defects, especially in the passage of tactical information from higher HQ to unit level, but improvement in this aspect has been slower than desired, mainly because of financial constraints. With the injection of US equipment, this situation is expected to improve.
Some use is made of satellite communications. Although it is accepted these are insecure, there have been notable advances in the development and production of secure systems, but these do not appear to be available other than its strike formations and special and independent forces. Subsequent excercises have tested the development matrix generated by Zarb-i-Momin, but budget limitations have precluded conduct of trials on the scale necessary to test, prove, and modify doctrine and procedures to the extent desired by commanders and GHQ.
On 3 November 2007, former Pakistani President and Chief of Army Staff Pervez Musharraf imposed emergency rule and suspended the country's constitution by putting into effect a Provisional Constitution Order (PCO). The military high command remained on side with Musharraf until he stepped down as the commander of the military amid domestic and international pressure on 28th November 2007. General Ashfaq Kayani was appointed his successor.

Deployments, Tasks and Operations.

Pakistan Army Corps:

I Corps, Mangla - A "strike" corps, it commands 6 Armoured Division, 8 Independent Armoured Brigade and two Mechanized Infantry Divisions (17 and 37). some elements have been deployed to North West Frontier Province (NWFP) to assist in countering militancy and securing the border with Afghanistan.

II Corps, Multan - A "strike" corps with a Mechanized Infantry Division (40), an Infantry Division (14) which was deployed to South Waziristan in 2007, an Armoured Division (1) and an Independent Armoured Brigade.

IV Corps, Lahore - The corps "mission" is to defend the area of Punjab province opposite Amritsar in India. it has two Infantry Divisions (10 and 11). two Independent Infantry Brigade Groups (partly mechanized), and one Independent Armoured Brigade Group.

V Corps, Karachi - The corps defends eastern and southern Sindh province. it has two Infantry Divisions (16, 18 partly mechanized) and three Independent Armoured Brigade Groups.

X Corps, Rawalpindi - Responsible for local security in the event of an emergency (the task of 111 Independent Infantry Brigade, Rawalpindi), and for Northern Pakistan and Pakistan-Administered Kashmir. HQ Force Commander Northern Areas (FCNA) is under administrative command of 10 Corps and opcom from GHQ. FCNA commands four Brigades with their HQ in Skardu, Astor, Siachen Glacier and Gilget. most infantry units are Northern Light Infantry Battalions (13), the three Infantry Divisions (12,19,23) have a total of 12 Brigades along the Line of Control (LOC).

XI Corps, Peshawar - Two Infantry Divisions (7 and 9) responsible for North West Frontier Province (NWFP), the Afghan Border, and for reinforcement of eastern formations; font-family: "arial" , "trebuchet ms" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 16.64px;">as required. currently involved in counter-insurgency operations, and heavily reinforced by units and formations from eastern corps.

font-family: "arial" , "trebuchet ms" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 16.64px;">XII Corps, Quetta - Two Infantry Divisions (33 and 41) responsible for western Sindh, the Afghan border, and for reinforcement of eastern formations as required (as took place during the India-Pakistan confrontation in 2002). also committed to internal security operations against the separatist Baloch National Army (BNA)

XXX Corps, Gujranwala - Two Infantry Divisions (8 and 15), two Independent Armoured Brigade Groups. responsibility for defence of the eastern front, south of IV Corps boundaries.

XXXI Corps, Bahawalpur - Provides depth defence and available for exploitation and counter attack. Commands 26 Mechanized Division and two Infantry Divisions (35 and 40), of which elements have been redeployed to the west.

Note: - Independent Armoured and Infantry Brigades are capable of extended operations without necessarily being reliant on a higher HQ for short-term logistic or intimate support. They can be used in counter-attack, exploitation of an advance, or rapid movement to reinforce formations under pressure.