Azad Kashmir Regiment

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Azad Kashmir Regiment
Regimental cap badge
Active1947-Present
Country Pakistan
Branch Pakistan Army
RoleInfantry regiment with Heavy Anti-tank and Light commando battalions
Size49 battalions
Regimental centreMansar
Motto(s)Arabic: ٱللَّٰهُ أَكْبَرُ
"Allah is the Greatest"
Facing ColoursGreen & Red
    
Mascot(s)Chinar Leaf
EquipmentAPC M113A, TOW, TOW-II, Milan, BSWS
EngagementsIndo-Pakistani War of 1947
Indo-Pak War 1965
Indo-Pak War 1971
Siachen conflict
Indo-Pak War 1999
War in Afghanistan (2001–2021)
War in North-West Pakistan
Unified Task Force
United Nation Military missions
Balochistan Conflict
Battle honoursJammu 1948 - Kashmir 1948 - 1965 Indo Pak War - Operation Gibraltar - Operation Grand Slam - 1971 Indo Pak War - Operation Koh Paima - 1999 Kargil War
Commanders
Colonel-in-ChiefGeneral Abdul Waheed Kakar NI(M) SBt COAS
Colonel CommandantLieutenant General Shahid Imtiaz HI(M)
Notable
commanders		Lt. Gen. Haroon Aslam
Lt. Gen. Ishfaq Nadeem Ahmad
Lt. Gen. Ikram ul Haq
Lt. Gen. Hidayat ur Rehman
Lt. Gen. Sher Afgun
Lt. Gen. Javed Hassan, HI (M)
Lt. Gen. F. S. Lodhi
Lt. Gen. Zia Ullah Khan HI (M)
Lt. Gen. Sarfraz Ali, HI(M) TBt & Bar
Insignia
Identification
symbol		The Chinar Leaf and Crescent



The Azad Kashmir Regiment (AK Regt) is one of six infantry regiments in the Pakistan Army named after Azad Kashmir (Pakistan Administered Kashmir). It holds the distinction of being the only Battle Born Regiment in South Asia, formed by locals of Azad Kashmir to fight against Dogra Raj and it is the first regiment raised after Pakistan's independence. With the Regimental Centre at Mansar Mansar Camp in Attock District, the Regiment has gallantly participated in all Operations and Wars fought by the Pakistan Army

Historical background[edit]

The Azad Kashmir Regiment was established in 1974 from the original Kashmir Liberation Forces that rose in 1947 in rebellion against the Maharaja of Jammu and Kashmir in present-day Azad Kashmir. They were regularised at the end of the First Kashmir War and made a part of the Pakistan Army under the name Azad Kashmir Regular Force (AKRF).[1][2] The force has the distinction of not having been raised by any government order, but "raised itself" when bands of armed World War II veterans along with locals including women, including Mujahida Hussain Bibi, organized themselves into disciplined ad hoc platoons, companies and battalions led by retired officers, JCOs and NCOs, and went out to fight in Kashmir against the Indian Army in 1948.[3][4] The AKRF had its own intake and training structure separate from the Pakistan Army. Uniforms and rank structures were the same as in the Pakistan Army. At that time, all the battalions of the AKRF were part of the 12th Infantry Division of the Pakistan Army, permanently stationed in Azad Kashmir. Although upon requirement, 2 AKRF Regiments (12th and 21st) were sent to East Pakistan as part of reinforcements to Eastern Command.Originally created as militia, the AKRF functioned as a paramilitary force.[5]

The AKRF was amalgamated to the Pakistan Army as Regular Infantry Regiment in 1974 as Azad Kashmir Regiment.[5]

Commandants of the Regiment[edit]

Col Commandants of the Regt include ;

  1. Maj Gen M. Sherin Khan (May 69 to May 74)
  2. Lt Gen Muhammad Akbar Khan (April 1975 to Oct 1976)
  3. Lt Gen Faiz Ali Chishti HI(M) SB.t (Oct 1976 to Oct 1980)
  4. Lt Gen Sardar Farooq Shaukat Khan Lodhi HI(M) SB.t (Jan 1981 to Jan 1985)
  5. Lt Gen Zahid Ali Akbar Khan HI(M) SB.t (Jan 1985 to Aug 1989)
  6. Lt Gen Ziaullah Khan HI(M) ( Nov 1993 to Nov 1997)
  7. Maj Gen Muhammad Saleem Arshad HI(M) TB.t (Nov 1997 to Nov 1998)
  8. Maj Gen Muhammad Anwar Khan HI(M) (Nov 1999 to Jul 2001)
  9. Lt Gen Javed Hassan HI(M) (March 2002 to Oct 2004)
  10. Maj Gen Mukhtar Ahmed HI(M) (March 2005 to March 2009)
  11. Lt Gen Haroon Aslam HI(M) SB.t (March 2009 to Oct 2013)
  12. Lt Gen Ishfaq Nadeem Ahmad HI(M) (Oct 2013 to March 2017)
  13. Lt Gen Hidayat ur Rehman HI(M) (March 2017 to Apr 2019)
  14. Lt Gen Sher Afgun HI(M) (Apr 2019 to Dec 2021)
  15. Lt Gen Sarfaraz Ali Shaheed HI(M) TB.t & Bar (Dec 2021 to Aug 2022)
  16. Lt Gen Shahid Imtiaz HI(M) (16 March 2023-till date)

War history[edit]

Kashmir 1947–48[edit]

What began as a revolt by young rebels and ex servicemen turned out to be a big setback for tripartite alliance of Maharaja of Jammu and Kashmir, Indian Government and remnants of outgoing British colonial authorities still in control of India and partial control of Pakistan. To quote the words of Pakistan Army's Official Portal "They liberated over 34,000 square miles of the State's territory that is now called Azad Jammu and Kashmir and Northern Areas." AKRF began its struggle as Armed Militia known as Lashkar, Ghazis and Jathas. As the volunteers swelled the ranks and files, a command structure was established to control these para military force of vigilante. Being well aware of aspirations of the people of State, Pakistani Government under the leadership of Governor General M A Jinnah and Prime Minister Liaquat Ali Khan decided to support the Lashkars. British C in C of its Army, General Frank Messervy refused to obey the instructions of M A Jinnah. However, AKRF took Muzaffarabad by 13 October 1947, Mirpur by 25 November 1947 and Jhangar in December 1947. India meanwhile managed to get the Instrument of accession signed by the Hindu Maharaja of state and landed its Military forces in the valley using massive air lifts. Fierce fighting continued for over a year but AKRF with the assistance of Pakistani tribals and regular army managed to capture Districts of Mirpur, Bhimber, Kotli, Bagh, Rawlakot, Muzaffarabad and Neelum. A total of 2633 all ranks of the regiment died during the war.[6] Naik Saif Ali Janjua[7] of 5th & 18th Battalion of AK Regt (Haider Dil) & (Al Saif) was awarded Hilal-e-Kashmir at Mendhar sector of Jammu. He was commanding a platoon at Pir Kalewa feature and died on 25 Oct 1948 during the battle of Pir Kalewa which was attacked by 5 Infantry Brigade of Indian Army.

Indo-Pakistani War of 1965[edit]

373 personnel from the AK Regiment embraced martyrdom in the war including 2 Officers and 17 JCOs. 268 personnel were awarded Gallantry Awards including 31 Sitara-e-Jurat and 37 Tamgha-i-Jurat

Operation Gibraltar[edit]

With erstwhile AKRF being part of 12th Inf Division, AKRF Units were heavily involved in raising, training and providing manpower for Gibraltar Forces.

Ghaznavi Force[edit]

Out of all Gibraltar Forces, Ghaznavi Force led by Major Munawar Khan (21st AKRF) was the most successful one and enjoyed decisive domination over Indian forces. The Force following a successful infiltration, operated in Mendhar - Rajouri areas. It raided several Military targets including HQ 25 Div and police stations in Rajouri, Thana Mandi, Behramgala, Budhal and Ramban. According to History of Kumaon Regiment,[8] "it's (Ghaznavi Force) depridation caused the maximum worry to our security forces" [8] After a failed attempt to destroy Ramban bridge, the force trapped and engaged a force of 7 Madras and inflicted heavy casualties forcing it to withdraw [9] After this, Maj Munawwar effectively gained control of around 500 Square Miles of territory in Budhil-Rajauri and practically worked as a de facto Civil Administrator. Ghaznavi Force then trained local volunteers who participated in guerilla Operations against the Indian Army. On 27th Sept, after insistence by the HQ 12 Div Pakistan, Ghaznavi Force exfiltrated with a heavy heart back to their base in Azad Kashmir [10] Maj Munawwar was later awarded Sitara-e-Jurat and given the title of 'King of Rajouri' by Field Martial Ayub Khan. The infiltration route of Ghaznavi Force is still known as Munawar Pass today.

Nusrat Force[edit]

Nusrat Force was tasked with supporting other Gibraltar Forces and to ensure fixation of Indian Forces along the Cease-Fire Line. This Force consisted of 14 groups, out of these, AKRF provided C/D Group (16 AKRF), E Group (9 AKRF,13 AKRF, 1 AK Sp Coy), F Group (6 AKRF), G Group (7 AKRF), H Group , NUSRAT 4 (4 AKRF), J Group ( 11 AKRF, 12 AKRF, 21 AKRF), K Group (1 AKRF, 21 AKRF), L Group, M Group ( 5 AKRF), N Group (19 AKRF) [11]

Operation Grandslam[edit]

Two AKRF Infantry Units, 5th AKRF (Haider Dil) and 19th AKRF (Mazboot Dil), and supporting elements of 81 AK Fd bty, 4 AK Sp Coy, 5 AK A/Tk Coy and 57 AK Fd Coy Engrs were provided to Maj Gen Akhtar Malik for Operation Grand Slam.

5 AKRF and 19 AKRF were part of 4 Sector. 5 AKRF provided firmbase along CFL Line in Padhar to facilitate Phase 1 of the Operation and through skilled fighting captured Lalleal and cleared initially bypassed Indian positions of Pir Jamal, Dalla, Paur, Maira and Moel, while 19 AKRF which was on point for 4 Sector in a gallant attack with armour support (due to be provided by 11 Cav) arriving late, captured Patrara and Dewa, being held by the 3 Mahar Regiment and 8 Jammu and Kashmir Militia. Writes Yousaf Saraf, "5 AK and 19 AK did a really wonderful job. 5th AK contained enemy positions at Dalla, Paur, Pir Jamal and Mehra while 19th AK inflicted a crushing defeat on the well fortified Indian position Patrara which was captured" [12]

In the final stages of the Operation, A coy 5 AKRF captured Pt 1886, while 19th AKRF captured Malla Ridge, diary of CO 2 Grenadiers containing useful intel was taken in possession.

Indo-Pak War of 1971[edit]

Eastern Sector[edit]

Two AKRF Units, 12 AKRF (Maidan Battalion) and 21 AKRF (Koh e Paima) were deployed to East Pakistan, where they fought under 202 Ad-hoc Brigade and 91 Ad-hoc Brigade respectively

Battle Of Leepa Valley (Indo-Pakistani War Of 1971)[edit]

The Azad Kashmir Regular Forces fought in the 1971 war and then in 1972 when the 9th Azad Kashmir Battalion defended Chakpatra and Leepa Valley against a larger Indian force composed of several regular battalions. This particular battalion was first led in 1948 by Lt Colonel Ghulam Rasul Raja-Sitara-e-Jurrat (1948), Military Cross (WWII). During the Battle of Leepa Valley, the 9th AK Battalion with 25 Mountain Regiment Artillery distinguished itself under the leadership of Lt Colonel Haq Nawaz Kyani, SJ and Bar,[13] who died leading the battalion from the front. The Company Commander of B Coy called for artillery fire upon their position while being overrun by the enemy; in doing this they repulsed the enemy attack. The Pakistan Army later honored the AKRF by absorbing it into its ranks and giving it the status of a Regular Line Infantry Regiment. The AKRF thus became the Azad Kashmir Regiment on 20 September 1972.

Battle Of Poonch Sector (Indo-Pakistani War Of 1971)[edit]

Battle of POONCH Sector 1971. 28 AK regiment under 12 DIV was involved in the attack on Poonch city by capturing the heights of Rabtawali across Betar Nula on the Indian side of the line of control. TWO companies of the 28 AK regiment led by Major Mohammad Latif Tamgha-i-Balaslat later got injured and lost his left eye in the encounter. The attack was rebuffed by Indian forces who at the beginning of the attack in the early hours of 3rd Dec. 1971 were about to lose the important post with only a few men left defending at the post. The attack's failure was analyzed because the 2nd in Command was not brave enough to continue the attack after the injury of the commandant.

Operations along LOC[edit]

The regiment has involved in all Indo-Pakistani War and has always deployed on the LOC. Notable operations by the Regiment in LOC environment include Battle of Pir Kalewa,[14] Battle of Paran Hills, Siege of Poonch, Battle of Mirpur, Battle of Kotli, Battle of Muzaffarabad, Operation Grand Slam, Operation Gibraltar, Leepa Action, Chumik operation, Siachen operations, Operation Koh Paima and countless other major and minor operations. In recognition of bold and brilliant performance of Regiment, it was changed from an irregular to regular Infantry regiment on 20 September 1971.[15]

Operations along western front[edit]

Regiment has distinguished itself during the operation Rah e Rast and Rah e Nijat in Swat valley. [citation needed] The Swat operation was led by (then) Major General Muhammad Haroon Aslam, the commander of the (36th Azad Kashmir Regiment) Azad Kashmir Regiment. [citation needed]

International assignments[edit]

Regiment's experience transcends the borders of motherland. Its battalions have served on at least four continents as part of international peace keepers under the UN mandate[16] or training battalions for friendly countries. The International duties include Bosnia, Haiti, DRC (Congo), Liberia, Côte d'Ivoire, Burundi, Sudan and Bahrain. The experience of its all ranks employed on independent duties surpasses the list and includes all continents of world.

Casualties and gallantry awards[edit]

According to sources, the regiment has lost 3000 soldiers, of which 2633 were in the 1947-48 Kashmir War alone.[6] In recognition of this service, the Azad Kashmir Regiment have been bestowed with a full range of National and International gallantry awards. [citation needed] The Regiment's gallantry awards includes a "Nishan E Haider" awarded to Naik Saif Ali Janjua of 5th/18th Azad Kashmir Regiment in 1948.[17] This award is equivalent of Britain's Victoria cross and United States Medal of Honour. List of gallantry awards is covered in first edition of Regiment's History published by the regimental centre in the 1990s and second edition currently under production.[18]

Peacetime performance[edit]

When not engaged in operations of war, the Regiment continues to train. Its battalions have a habit of displaying highest standards of training, sportsmanship and military professionalism. 8th Battalion of the Azad Kashmir Regiment won gold medals and secured 1st position in Exercise Cambrian Patrol, considered to be the toughest military training competition of the world.[19] Regiment has a Bagpipe band, considered to be the best of Pakistan Army. The band has represented Pak Army internationally, a number of times[20][21]

Units[edit]

1 AK (The Hill Panthers)(Kashmir 1948)


2 AK (313 Taimuri)(Kashmir 1948)


3 AK (Hussainia) (Kashmir 1948)


4 AK (Fighting Four) (Kashmir 1948)


5 AK (Haider Dill Battalion) (Kashmir 1948)


6 AK (Fateh E Dewa)(Ghazi Battalion)(Sixer Ghazi)(Kashmir 1948)


7 AK (Striking Seven)(Salala Heroes)(Kashmir 1948)


8 AK (Pasban)


9 AK (Leepa Heroes)


10 AK (HAT)(Zinda Dill) (Kashmir 1948)


11 AK (Shaheen) (Kashmir 1948)


12 AK (Maidan Battalion) (Kashmir 1948)


13 AK (MIB) (Zinda Dill)


14 AK (Lashkri Battalion) (Kashmir 1948)


15 AK (HAT)(Fakhar E Kashmir)(Tank Hunter)


16 AK (An Nasri)


17 AK(Kashmir 1948)


18 AK (NH)(Al Saif Battalion) (Kashmir 1948)


19 AK (MIB)(Mazboot Dill) (Kashmir 1948)


20 AK (First Farooqui)


21 AK (Koh Paima)


22 AK (Zarb E Haider) (Budhal)


23 AK (Taees)(Taiz O Tund)


24 AK (Har Dum Pur Dam)


25 AK (Panjal Battalion)


26 AK (Janbaz Awal) (Chabee Adabee A)(16 Oct 1965)


27 AK (Muhafiz E Kazinag)


28 AK (Janbaz Battalion)


29 AK (Sher E Chamba) (Kashmir 1948)


30 AK(Kashmir 1948)


31 AK (Shahzore Battalion)(Kashmir 1948)


32 AK (Bahadur) (Kashmir 1948)


33 AK (Shan Battalion) (Kashmir 1948)(Harigal 1948)(Mansar 1971)


34 AK (Jang Ju) (Born In Battle)


35 AK (Paiker E Jurrat)


36 AK(Kashmir 1948)


37 AK (HAT)


38 AK (HAT)(1948)(Al Taimoor)(Fatehana Sarbasajood) (Kashmir 1948)


39 AK (HAT)


40 AK (HAT)(Tank Hunter)


41 AK (HAT)


42 AK (Shahan)


43 AK (HAT)


44 AK (HAT)


45 AK (HAT)(Elite Of Desert)


46 AK


47 AK (Hawk Talons)


48 AK


49 AK


50 AK

Others
  • 227 AK (HAT COY)(Flight To Strike)
  • 228th Heavy Anti Tank Company[22]
Light Commando Battalions

See also[edit]

References[edit]

  1. ^ Khan, Amanullah (1970), Free Kashmir, Printed at Central Print. Press, p. 45, The Azad Kashmir Regular Forces were taken over by Pakistan Government...
  2. ^ Snedden, Christopher (2012). The Untold Story. p. 87. In 'the last quarter of 1948', the 'Azad Army' militia opposing Indian forces officially became part of the Pakistan Army.
  3. ^ Amin, Agha Humayun (April 2000), "The 1947-48 Kashmir War: The war of lost opportunities, Part I", Pakistan Defence Journal, Paragraph 3, Lines 23–24, archived from the original on 1 November 2020
  4. ^ Kiss, Peter Almos (2013), The First Indo-Pakistani War, 1947-48, academia.edu, Page 12, Paragraph under the heading "December 1947 to April 1948 – winter and spring offensives"
  5. ^ a b "Azad Kashmir Regiment". globalsecurity.org. Archived from the original on 2016-03-22.
  6. ^ a b History Of The AZAD KASHMIR REGIMENT Volume I, page 436
  7. ^ "11th Nishan-e-Haider of Pakistan — Naik Saif Ali Janjua". 12 September 2016.
  8. ^ a b Praval, K. C. (1976). Valour Triumphs: A History of the Kumaon Regiment. Thomson Press (India).
  9. ^ History of Azad Kashmir Regiment - Volume 2. p. 283.
  10. ^ Ahmed, Lt Gen (r) Mahmud. History of Indo-Pak War 1965.
  11. ^ History of Azad Kashmir Regiment - Volume 2. p. 79.
  12. ^ Saraf, Yousaf. Kashmiris Fight for Freedom- Volume 2. p. 432.
  13. ^ ""Remembering Lt Col Haq Nawaz Kayani (Shaheed), SJ & Bar"". Native Pakistan. 2014-11-18. Retrieved 2016-11-27.
  14. ^ "The Forgotten One, Naik Saif Ali Janjua (Shaheed)".
  15. ^ "Azad Kashmir Regiment". Archived from the original on 2016-11-28. Retrieved 2016-11-27.
  16. ^ "Pakistan's peacekeeping role highlighted". 24 October 2015.
  17. ^ "NAIK SAIF ALI JANJUA (SHAHEED)". www.pakarmymuseum.com. Archived from the original on 2015-02-06.
  18. ^ "Operational Military Awards for Kargil War Heros « PakDef Military Consortium". Archived from the original on 2016-04-26. Retrieved 2016-11-27.
  19. ^ "Pakistan Army wins gold in Exercise Cambrian Patrol in UK". 27 October 2015.
  20. ^ YouTube, a Google company. YouTube.
  21. ^ "HISTORY OF ARMY SCHOOL OF MUSIC". www.pakarmymuseum.com. Archived from the original on 2016-12-20.
  22. ^ Tariq, Sardar Muhammad; Raja, Asif Jehangir. "Spirits Rekindled – Joint Staff Pakistan Day Parade - 2015". Hilal: The Pakistan Armed Forces Magazine. Retrieved 9 December 2022.
  23. ^ "The Gazette of Pakistan. Part II" (PDF). Government of Pakistan. 21 April 2021. p. 108. Retrieved 16 December 2022.
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