The Pakistan Army was created in 1947 through the division of the British Indian Army following the partition of India.
Pakistan did not have a single individual who "made" the army. Instead, it inherited a portion of the existing British Indian Army, which was then restructured and developed into the armed forces of the newly formed nation. Key aspects of this creation involved:
- Division of Assets: The British Indian Army was divided between India and Pakistan based on a pre-agreed formula. This included personnel, equipment, and infrastructure.
- British Officers: Initially, many senior positions in the Pakistan Army were held by British officers. They played a vital role in training and organizing the new army.
- Pakistani Officers: As the army developed, Pakistani officers gradually took over leadership roles. These individuals significantly shaped the army's identity and doctrine.
- Units Inherited: Pakistan received units with a distinguished history, such as the Khyber Rifles, which had served extensively in both World Wars.
Therefore, the creation of the Pakistan Army was a process involving the division of an existing army, the contribution of both British and Pakistani officers, and the evolution of a distinct national force.
