All About Chief of Army Staff of Pak Army, COAS History, Duties, Facilities, Powers, Facts

General Knowledge About Chief of Army Staff of the Pakistan Army (COAS), Introduction, Historic Background, Responsibilities, Perks & Benefits, Interesting Facts & FAQs
Welcome to our friendly guide on the Chief of Army Staff (COAS) of the Pak Army. In this comprehensive informative and GK based blog post, we discuss the rich history, pivotal role, extensive powers & crucial duties of this prestigious position. By the end of this guide by studysolutions.pk , you will have gained a deeper understanding of the Chief of Army Staff’s significance in shaping Pakistan’s military landscape.

I. History:

The position of the Chief of Army Staff in the Pakistan Army has evolved over time. This COAS position reflects the country’s changing military landscape. Established in 1947, the Pakistan Army inherited its initial organizational structure from the British Indian Army. Initially the COAS was known as commandar in chief. The first Commmandar in Chief of Pak army was General Sir Frank Messervy, who served until 1948. Since then, the position has been held by various distinguished personalities who have played a crucial role in the development & defence of Pakistan.

All About Chief of Army Staff of Pak Army, COAS History, Duties, Facilities, Powers, Facts

Over the years, the Commander in Chief position has witnessed key milestones and notable personalities that have left an indelible mark on Pakistan’s military history. General Ayub Khan, who later became the President of Pakistan, served as the Commander in Chief from 1951 to 1958. General Muhammad Musa Khan is known for his role in the 1965 Indo-Pak war & he held the position from 1958 to 1966. Then General Yahya Khan remained on this post till 1971. General Gul Hassan was the second last Commander in Chief of Pak army who was forced to resign from the office by the Bhutto government. Tikka Khan was the last Commander in Chief and first Chief of Army Staff (COAS) of the Pakistan Army. General Zia-ul-Haq, who later assumed the presidency & introduced martial law, served as the 2nd COAS from 1976 to 1988. These esteemed individuals have contributed significantly to the growth &a strength of the Pakistan Army. Here is the list of COAS from 1988 to 2023;

General Mirza Aslam Baig
General Asif Nawaz Janjua
General Abdul Waheed Kakar
General Jehangir Kiramat
General Peraiz Musharraf
General Ashfaq Peraiz Kayani
General Raheel Sharif
General Qammar Javed Bajwa
General Asim Munir

II. Role of the COAS:

The Chief of Army Staff holds a pivotal role within the Pak Army. COAS is the highest-ranking military officer iin Pak army and he is responsible for the overall command, control & administration of the army. Chief is appointed by the President of Pakistan, who acts entirely on the advice of the PM.. The COAS holds the rank of a 4 star general & is part of the chain of command that includes the President, Prime Minister & Defence Minister.

Beyond their command responsibilities, the COAS serves as a key advisor to the political leadership on military matters.. He provides expert advice on defence policy, national security & military strategy. His input is essential in ensuring the effective coordination between the military & civilian leadership , contributing to a harmonious governance structure.

III. Powers and Authority:

The Chief of Army Staff possesses various powers and authority that are granted by law or convention. One of their significant powers is the decision-making authority regarding military operations, deployments & promotions. The COAS plays a pivotal role in shaping the army’s strategy & operational plans, ensuring the defence of the country.

Furthermore, the COAS wields influence in defense policy formulation and implementation. They actively contribute to the development of long-term military plans, resource allocation, & modernization efforts. Their expertise is crucial in maintaining a robust & technologically advanced army that can effectively safeguard the nation’s interests.

IV. Duties and Functions:

The day-to-day duties of the Chief of Army Staff encompass a wide range of responsibilities.. He is involved in strategic planning like formulating & implementing military policies. The COAS works closely with other military leaders to ensure the readiness & preparedness of the army to tackle any threats or challenges .

Additionally the COAS is responsible for the discipline, morale & welfare of army personnel. They oversee the training & development of soldiers, ensuring that they are equipped with the necessary skills & knowledge to fulfill their duties effectively; The COAS also plays a crucial role in addressing the welfare needs of soldiers and their families, ensuring their well-being is prioritized..

V. Facilities:

The Pakistan Army provides exceptional facilities for the Chief of Army Staff (COAS). These facilities aim to ensure the smooth functioning & efficient operations of the COAS. The COAS is provided with state-of-the-art accommodations in army house Islamabad, including well-equipped office. Additionally the COAS is provided with top-notch security measures to ensure their safety & protection. Combing operation is held before arrival of COAS in any area. The Pakistan Army also offers specialized transportation services, allowing the COAS to easily travel within & outside the country . These facilities for the COAS in the Pakistan Army are designed to support their important role in leading & overseeing the army’s operations and strategies.

VI. Interesting Facts:

1-Two vice chief of army staff were promoted as COAS i.e General Mirza Aslam Beg and General Ashfaq Parvez Kayani.

2-General Zia ul Haq remained on the position of COAS for the maximum time i.e 12 years and 169 days.

3-General Asif Nawaz Janjua remained in office for the minimum time i.e 1 year and 145 days.

4-General Zia ul Haq and Pervez Musharraf were two those COAS who also served as President of Pakistan.

5-General Jehangir Karamat was asked to resign from the office on giving a controversial statement.

6-Tenure of COAS is 3 years but four chief of army staff got extension i.e General Zia, Kiyani, Musharraf & Bajwa.

7-COAS is considered the head of establishment and most powerful person in Pakistan.

8-Vice chief of army staff or chairman joint chief of staff is considered the second in command in Pak army after COAS.

9-Arab countries rely very much on Chief of Army Staff of Pakistan army due to their defence related concerns with Pak army, that’s why general Raheel Sharif was appointed as commander in Chief of first ever United Islamic army.

VII. How to become COAS in Pak Army?

To become the Chief of Army Staff (COAS) in the Pakistan Army, there are certain steps & requirements that aspiring individuals need to fulfill. Firstly, it is essential to join the Pakistan Army as a commissioned officer through the regular commission or short service commission. After completing the required training & gaining experience, 1 can be eligible for promotion to higher ranks. Additionally, officers must demonstrate exceptional leadership skills, physical fitness & a strong commitment to the army’s values & mission. Continuous professional development & education are also crucial for career advancement. By following these steps & showcasing dedication and excellence, 1 can increase their chances of becoming the COAS in the Pakistan Army. If you want to improve your GK about Pak army then you must read our following GK based article;

Top 20 World Records of Pakistan Army (General Knowledge in Urdu & English)

Conclusion:

In conclusion the Chief of Army Staff is a vital position within the Pak Army. Through their leadership, decision-making authority & advisory role, they shape the military landscape & contribute significantly to national security and defence. The COAS holds immense responsibility in ensuring the readiness, discipline & welfare of army personnel. We hope this comprehensive guide by study solutions has provided you with an in-depth understanding of this fascinating aspect of Pakistani governance . Feel free to explore further & delve into the rich history & achievements of the Chief of Army Staff in shaping Pakistan’s military strength. Here is a related link of an general knowledge based article of our website which you must read;

General Knowledge About Army Chiefs of Pakistan in English & Urdu

FAQs

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I am a professional content writer and have experience of 10 years. I also launched first ever English monthly magazine of human rights in Pakistan. Majority of content on this website is written by me.