Pakistan’s armed forces are one of the most efficient defense forces in the world. There are three main divisions of military forces in Pakistan, the Army, Navy, and Air Force.
The Pakistani Army’s organizational structure is comparable to that of the British Army, Although the ranks and markings of some soldiers differ.
I’ll be providing you with information on Pakistan Army ranks in this blog.
List of the Pakistan Army Ranks from bottom to top.
Field Marshal
A field marshal is also referred to as a “5 star,” and his whole insignia consists of two crossed batons divided by an oak leaf wreath, as well as a crescent star.
Example: General Ayub Khan was the first person to hold this rank.
He established himself as Field Marshal in the 1965 war, and General Musa was given the rank of General.
Moreover, He gave lectures to army groups of Turkish and Iranian. Also,Ayub Khan played an important role in developing the Army and country’s structure in his tenure.
General
A General is the highest rank in the Army, also known as 4 Star General, and it is clearly recognized by a cross, a star, and a crest.
The General oversees all Military operations as well as take strategic decisions.
There are currently two generals in Pakistan. The Chairman of the Junior Chief of Army Staff is General Sahar Shamshad Mirza, while the Chief of Army Staff is General Asim Munir.
The position of Army General is equivalent to that of Admiral in the Pakistan Navy and Chief Marshal (ACM) in the Pakistan Air Force.
Behind these, General Qamar Javed Bajwa and General Raheel Sharif are the famous example of COAS (Chief of Army Staff).
General Raheel Sharif gained huge popularity due to leadership in the war against terrorism.
Corps Commander
A Corps Commander is a senior officer who commands a corps and a corps can range from 30,000 to 50,000 soldiers. However, corps commanders are indispensable to the Army’s overall strategy and strategic planning.
Example: Lieutenant General Nadeem Raza and Lieutenant General Faiz Hameed have served as notable Corps Commanders
Lieutenant General
A 3-star general, also known as a lieutenant general, has a star and a cross on their crest as part of their complete insignia.
For an army corps, a lieutenant general is in charge. Two corps are included in a division, however a corps is made up of three divisions.
A lieutenant general is the equivalent of a vice admiral in the Pakistani navy and air marshal in the air force of Pakistan.
Example: Lieutenant General Nadeem Raza and Lieutenant General Hamid Gul have the most prestigious posts in the military.
Major General
A Major General has a rank of 2-star. His entire identity consists of a crown and a cross baton. Comparable to a Navy rear admiral.
Moreover, a Major General commands a 3 divisions and a division includes 3 brigadiers.
Example: Major General Asif Ghafoor directed military public relations during his tenure and get popularity.
Brigadier
A brigadier, also referred to as a One Star General, is identified by three crowns, one star, and one crescent.
His title is Air Force Commodore, and he is paid BPS_20. The Pakistan Navy’s Commodore Rake is equal to three units, forming a whole brigade under the full command of the Brigadier.
Example: Brigadier Tariq Mehmood (Shaheed) was a famous figure famous for his courage and leadership in high-risk operations within the SSG (Special Services Group).
He was killed in an anti-terrorist operation in 1989.
Colonel
As the highest ranking official in the army, the colonel rank is symbolized by a star, two crowns, and a crescent. His salary is BPS_19, and he has the rank of Colonel, which is the same as group captain in the Pakistan Air Force and captain in the Pakistan Navy.
This rank represents leadership over a large number of soldiers.
Example: Colonel Sher Khan (Shaheed) was awarded the Nishan-e-Haider for his extraordinary bravery during the Kargil conflict.
Lieutenant Colonel
A battalion is commanded by a lieutenant colonel. A star and a crown are symbols of distinction for a Lieutenant Colonel. He is paid according to BPS_18.
However, Lt Colonel is the same rank as Wing Commander in the Pakistan Air Force and Commander in the Pakistan Navy.
Example: A highly decorated officer, Lieutenant Colonel Zafar Abbasi is well-known for his work in the Northern Areas, where he oversaw several effective operations.
Major
A captain who is promoted is paid according to BPS_18 and is given the rank of major.
A major is chosen as an operations officer and commissioned, allowing them to command the army in the event that a lieutenant colonel is not present.
Compared to an officer, it is lesser in rank. A crescent and star designate Major.
Major Raja Aziz Bhatti (Shaheed) is a famous example of Major.
He receives Nishan-e-Haider for his heroism in the 1965 Indo-Pak war, where he defended the Lahore front for six days without rest.
Captain
Captains are addressed by their ranks and are responsible for over 100 men, frequently with support from a non-commissioned officer (NCO).
Moreover, officers are expected to personally lead and command men at this highest position. They also make effective use of their knowledge and abilities by instructing at training facilities and cadet schools.
Example: Captain Karnal Sher Khan (Shaheed) is one of the most valued officers in Pakistan’s military history.
He was subsequently awarded the Nishan-e-Haider for his bravery during the Kargil War in 1999.
Lieutenant
A Lieutenant has a pay grade of (BPS) 17 and the distinction of two crowns. The rank of Lieutenant is the same as that of Flying Officer in the Pakistan Air Force and Sub-Lieutenant in the Pakistan Navy.
Lieutenant Arsalan Alam (Shaheed), a young officer is an example of courage, who was killed in 2017 while protecting a border post in the Khyber agency.
Second Lieutenant
A second lieutenant in the Pakistan Army is promoted after six months.
The rank of Second Lieutenant is equivalent to that of Midshipman in the Pakistani Army and Pilot Officer in the Pakistani Air Force. A second lieutenant’s recognition is a crown, and his compensation is equivalent to (BPS) 17.
Junior Commissioned Officers (JCOs)
JCOs are senior non-commissioned officers who play a dynamic role in the management of troops and act as a bridge between officers and soldiers.
For example
- Subedar Major
- Subedar
- Naib Subedar
Non-Commissioned Officers (NCOs)
NCOs include ranks such as
- Havildar
- Naik
They are necessary to uphold training and discipline among the lower ranks as well as to carry out their leaders’ commands.
Who is the Highest Rank in the Pakistan Army?
The highest rank in the Pakistan Army is Chief of Army Staff, who served as a member of the joint chiefs of staff committee.
Which is the lowest rank in the army?
The lowest rank in the Pakistan Army is Sepoy.
Conclusion
The rank structure of the Pakistan Army makes every soldier to responsible their role.
Moreover, this structure makes the army well-organized and well-functioning.
However, every soldier plays an integral role during war as well as defending the nation.
