The Pakistan Army (Urdu: پاک فوج Pak Fauj (IPA: pɑk fɒ~ɔd͡ʒ); Reporting name: PA) is the land-based service branch of the Pakistan Armed Forces. It came into existence after the independence of Pakistan in 1947. The Pakistan Army is a volunteer professional fighting force.[1] According to the International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS) it had an active force of 1 110,892 personnel as of 2
012. In addition there were around 900,000 reserves bringing the total available troops to 3,152,892.[2] The Constitution of Pakistan contains a provision for conscription for times of possible need, but it has never been imposed. Since its establishment in 1947, the Army (along with its inter–services: the Navy, the Marines and the Air Force) has been involved in three wars with neighbouring India and several border skirmishes with Afghanistan.[3] Since 1947, it has also maintained a strong presence along with its inter-services in the Arab states during the past Arab-Israeli Wars, and aided the coalition in the first Gulf War. Recently, major joint-operations undertaken by the Army include Operation Zarb e Azb [4] Operation Toar-e-Tander (Black Thunderstorm) and Operation Rah-e-Nijat (Path to Salvation). Apart from conflicts, the Army has been an active participant in United Nations peacekeeping missions, including playing a major role in rescuing trapped US soldiers in Operation Gothic Serpent in 1993. Under Article 243 of the Constitution of Pakistan, the President is appointed the civilian Commander-in-Chief. The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), by statute a four-star general, is appointed by the President with the consultation and confirmation needed from the Prime Minister.[5] The Pakistan Army is currently commanded by General Raheel Sharif.[6][7]
