The ‘Know Your Region’ series is designed to support unit and individual professional military education on the Indo-Pacific region. It’s important for all serving members of our military to have a foundational knowledge of the countries and issues in the Indo-Pacific.

On this Page:

  • Summary
  • A Short History
  • Military Cooperation
    • China
    • America
    • Turkey
    • Australia

Summary

The Pakistan Armed Forces is the 6th largest military in the world, with approximately 600,000 active-duty personnel and hundreds of thousands more reservists. Its structure comprises three primary branches: the Army, Navy, and Air Force, with the Army being the largest numbering roughly 560,000 soldiers. The three services are backed by several additional forces, including the National Guard and the Civil Armed Forces. There is also a Strategic Plans Division Force, which is responsible for the maintenance and safeguarding of Pakistan's nuclear weapons.

The military has significant capabilities. In addition to nuclear weapons, it also has advanced aircraft and a wide range of armoured vehicles and naval ships. Pakistan is known for having one of the world’s most disciplined and battle-hardened forces, largely due to its involvement in numerous internal and external conflicts, as well as peace keeping missions.

A Short History

Pakistan's military was formed at the time of independence in 1947, inheriting part of the British Indian Army. From the very beginning, the military was thrust into action, fighting its first war with India over the disputed territory of Kashmir in 1947-48. This conflict ended with a ceasefire brokered by the United Nations, but the Kashmir issue has remained a source of tension between Pakistan and India ever since. In 1965, the two countries fought another full-scale war over the disputed territory, marked by tank battles and air combat. Although the war ended in a stalemate, both sides claimed victory, and it served to deepen animosity and distrust.

The 1971 war with India was a significant turning point. The conflict, which originated from internal political turmoil in East Pakistan, led to a civil war and eventually Indian military intervention in support of the Bangladeshi independence forces. The defeat of the Pakistan military and capture of 63,000 PoWs resulted in the fall of East Pakistan and the creation of Bangladesh as an independent nation. This was a major blow to Pakistan's military, and its national identity.

In the following years, the Pakistan Armed Forces continued to play a key role in the nation’s defence and in regional conflicts. During the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan in 1979, Pakistan became a frontline state, supporting Afghan mujahideen fighters through a proxy war against the Soviet Union, with significant backing from the US and Saudi Arabia. This period, known as the Afghan Jihad, shaped Pakistan's military and intelligence apparatus, particularly the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI). In the aftermath of the 9/11 attacks, Pakistan becoming a major US ally in the War on Terror, engaging in military operations against terrorist groups such as al-Qaeda and the Taliban, especially in the tribal regions bordering Afghanistan.

In addition to fighting external conflicts, the Pakistan military has conducted several internal security operations against separatists, as well as counter-insurgency campaigns against Islamist militants in the Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA) and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Operations Zarb-e-Azb (2014) and Radd-ul-Fasaad (2017), were critical in reducing the presence of terrorist networks within the country, although militancy remains an issue.

The Pakistan Armed Forces have always had an active role in Pakistani politics. Three military coups in 1958, 1977, and 1999 led to periods of military rule under generals Ayub Khan, Zia-ul-Haq, and Pervez Musharraf, respectively. The military has often justified its involvement by citing political instability or corruption, but it has led to strained civil-military relations. The military remains one of the most powerful institutions in Pakistan, especially in terms of national security and foreign policy. In recent years there have been attempts to balance civil governance with military influence; however, the separation of powers has proven difficult to achieve.

Military Cooperation

Military Cooperation has been a major part of Pakistan’s defence strategy to enhance security and deepen diplomatic relations. Pakistan maintains strong military ties with several key partners, including China, America, Turkey, and the countries of the Middle East, particularly Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

On the global stage, Pakistan has contributed significantly to United Nations peacekeeping missions, sending large contingents of troops to various conflict zones, including Africa and the Balkans.

China

China has been Pakistan's closest military ally, providing substantial support in defence technologies and arms supplies, including joint ventures like the JF-17 Thunder fighter jet. According to Stockholm International Peace Research Institute, Pakistan is China's biggest arms buyer, counting for nearly 47% of Chinese arms exports. China is the largest investor in Pakistan's Gwadar Deep Sea Port, which is strategically located at the mouth of the Strait of Hormuz. It is viewed warily by both the U.S. and India as a possible launchpad for the Chinese Navy to operate in the Indian Ocean.

America

Pakistan’s military relationship with the U.S. has been shaped largely by geopolitics. During the Cold War, Pakistan was a key U.S. ally in its efforts to counter Soviet influence in South Asia, especially after the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan in 1979. Pakistan received substantial military aid and training in return for its support; however, after the Cold War, the U.S. imposed sanctions in response to Pakistan’s nuclear program and the military relationship cooled. Post-9/11, Pakistan once again became a frontline ally in the U.S.-led War on Terror, receiving billions of dollars in military aid to combat terrorism and insurgencies within its borders. Despite periods of tension, particularly over issues like the U.S. raid that killed Osama bin Laden in 2011, military cooperation has persisted, although at a reduced scale in recent years.

Turkey

While Pakistan has close military ties with several middle eastern countries, Turkey is a particularly close ally, being a fellow Muslim-majority country and member of NATO. Both countries engage in regular joint military exercises, naval cooperation, and arms deals. Turkey’s role in supporting Pakistan’s military modernisation efforts highlights the close bond between the two nations, underpinned by shared cultural and religious ties, as well as mutual geopolitical interests.

Australia

Pakistan and Australia have developed growing military cooperation over the past few decades, focusing on training, counterterrorism, and naval exercises. Both countries share concerns about regional security, especially regarding maritime security in the Indian Ocean. Australia has provided training opportunities for Pakistani military officers through its defence programs, and both countries have conducted joint military exercises to enhance interoperability.

For more information on Pakistan’s military, see resources below: