Editing Pakistan Armed Forces (section)

==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>