The Pakistan Army’s rank structure—modeled on the British system—ensures a clear chain of command, discipline, and professional growth. From the honorary Field Marshal down to the entry‑level Sepoy, each rank comes with distinct responsibilities, insignia, and expectations. Whether you’re a prospective cadet, a history enthusiast, or simply curious, this guide will walk you through every tier, explaining roles, promotion pathways, and the significance behind each title.
Commissioned Officer Ranks
Commissioned Officer Ranks
Commissioned officers provide strategic leadership, planning, and high‑level decision‑making. Their ranks are divided into General Officers, Senior Officers, and Junior Officers, each entrusted with commanding progressively larger formations.
| Rank | Urdu Name | Key Responsibilities |
|---|---|---|
| Field Marshal | فیلڈ مارشل | Honorary rank awarded for extraordinary service; no active command duties. |
| General | جنرل | Chief of Army Staff; overall command of all Army operations, strategic policy, and inter‑service coordination. |
| Lieutenant General | لیفٹیننٹ جنرل | Commands a corps (20,000+ troops); oversees major operations, joint exercises, and high‑level staff functions. |
| Major General | میجر جنرل | Leads a division (10,000–20,000 troops); plans and executes large‑scale operations, logistics, and training programs. |
| Brigadier | بریگیڈیئر | Commands a brigade (3,000–5,000 troops); responsible for tactical maneuvers, ground offensives, and coordination of subordinate battalions. |
| Colonel | کرنل | Heads a regiment or serves in senior staff roles at brigade/division headquarters; oversees unit administration, training standards, and tactical readiness. |
| Lieutenant Colonel | لیفٹیننٹ کرنل | Commands a battalion (500–1,000 troops) or directs key staff sections; responsible for direct leadership, discipline, and operational planning at battalion level. |
| Major | میجر | Second‑in‑command of a battalion or commander of a company (100–150 troops); manages drills, welfare, and company‑level exercises. |
| Captain | کیپٹن | Commands a company or leads specialized platoons; develops junior officers, coordinates logistics, and executes direct orders in the field. |
| Lieutenant | لیفٹنینٹ | Platoon commander (30–40 soldiers); first substantive leadership role—mentors NCOs, implements orders, and hones tactical skills. |
| Second Lieutenant | سیکنڈ لیفٹنینٹ | Entry‑level commission; assists a platoon leader, undergoes intensive training at PMA Mangla, and begins foundational leadership development. |
Junior Commissioned Officers (JCOs)
Junior Commissioned Officers (JCOs)
JCOs bridge the gap between enlisted ranks and the commissioned cadre. Promoted from the ranks, they bring extensive field experience and act as the commanding officer’s principal advisors on discipline, training, and morale.
| Rank | Urdu Name | Key Responsibilities |
|---|---|---|
| Subedar‑Major | صوبیدار میجر | Senior JCO; oversees discipline, welfare, and administration at battalion level. |
| Subedar | صوبیدار | Commands platoons or serves as company 2IC; leads training drills and operational tasks. |
| Naib Subedar | نائب صوبیدار | Junior JCO; supervises sections, manages daily routines, and supports platoon leaders. |
Non‑Commissioned Officers (NCOs)
Non‑Commissioned Officers (NCOs)
NCOs are the Army’s backbone, executing day‑to‑day operations and training. Their leadership at the grassroots ensures every troop is mission‑ready. Insignia appear on sleeves (service dress) and chest (combat kit).
| Rank | Urdu Name | Key Responsibilities |
|---|---|---|
| Havildar | حوالدار | Sergeant‑equivalent; leads a section (8–12 soldiers), enforces standards. |
| Naik | نائیک | Corporal‑equivalent; heads a fire team (4–6 soldiers), mentors Lance Naiks. |
| Lance Naik | لانس نائیک | Lance Corporal‑equivalent; junior squad leader, assists Naiks and Havildars. |
Enlisted Personnel
Enlisted Personnel
The largest component, these soldiers carry out orders and maintain operational effectiveness.
| Rank | Urdu Name | Key Responsibilities |
|---|---|---|
| Sepoy | سپاہی | Private soldier; executes assigned tasks, basic training. |
Cavalry‑Specific Ranks
Cavalry‑Specific Ranks
Armoured corps maintain historic titles but mirror the roles of standard ranks.
| Rank | Urdu Name | Equivalent | Key Responsibilities |
|---|---|---|---|
| Risaldar‑Major | رسالدار میجر | Subedar‑Major | Senior cavalry JCO; advises on armoured tactics & discipline. |
| Risaldar | رسالدار | Subedar | Cavalry JCO; leads armoured troops in regimental operations. |
| Naib Risaldar | نائب رسالدار | Naib Subedar | Junior cavalry JCO; supervises tank crews and mounted troops. |
| Daffadar | دفعدار | Havildar | Cavalry NCO; oversees armament maintenance & crew training. |
| Lance Daffadar | لانس دفعدار | Lance Naik | Junior cavalry NCO; assists Daffadar in squad management. |
| Acting Lance Daffadar | قائم مقام … | Acting Lance Naik | Temporary appointment during vacancies or training periods. |
| Sowar | سوار | Sepoy | Enlisted cavalry trooper; operates armoured vehicles & horses. |
Appointment Insignias (Senior NCOs)
Appointment Insignias (Senior NCOs)
Special appointments held by top Havildars (excluding armoured corps), denoting additional responsibilities.
Battalion Havildar Major: Discipline, welfare & admin for entire battalion.
Battalion Quartermaster Havildar: Manages battalion supplies, transport & equipment.
Company Havildar Major: Discipline & admin at the company level.
Company Quartermaster Havildar: Oversees company‑level logistics & stores.
Why Understanding Ranks Matters
Chain of Command: Ensures orders flow smoothly from strategic planners to front‑line troops.
Professional Growth: Each promotion reflects training, experience, and leadership ability.
Esprit de Corps: Rank insignia foster pride, identity, and unity within units.
Use this guide to familiarize yourself with Pakistan Army’s hierarchy, prepare for interviews or appraisals, or simply to deepen your appreciation for one of the region’s most storied military traditions