Tuesday, February 22, 2011
Monday, February 21, 2011
Muhammad bin Qasim
Muhammad bin Qasim was among the finest colonialists in the Arab history, and a worthy soldier. Unfortunately, our modern writers have tried to paint him as a saint, and in the process they have lost all those features that made this Arab general an interesting human being. It is high time we restore his true picture from authentic sources of history written by the earliest Muslim historians.
Muhammad bin Qasim was born around 694 AD (if we are to believe the tradition that he was seventeen when he attacked Sindh in 711 AD). He belonged to the Saqqafi tribe that had originated from Taif in Arabia, and he was also a close relative of Hajjaj bin Yousuf (possibly a second cousin, but not a nephew as narrated in the popular tradition). Much because of the influence of Hajjaj, the young Muhammad bin Qasim was appointed the governor of Persia while in his teens, and it is said that he did a good job at crushing the rebellion in that region. Sometime around the same period he got married to a girl in the Tamim tribe. There is also a popular tradition that presents him as the son-in-law of Hajjaj bin Yousuf, but some scholars discredit this tradition since an authentic pedigree of Hajjaj doesn’t mention any daughter. It is more likely that the young hero was married to a woman of Banu Tamim, and although the name of his wife does not appear in recorded history it is certain that she gave him two sons who later became famous for their own exploits.
When Muhammad bin Qasim invaded Sindh, Hajjaj arranged for special messengers between Basra and Sindh, and told the general never to take any step without his advice. This order was followed to the letter during the campaign. “When you advance in the battle, see that you have the sun behind your backs,” Hajjaj wrote to his cousin just before the famous storming of Debal. “If the sun is at your back then its glare will not prevent you from having a full view of the enemy. Engage in fight immediately, and ask for the help of God. If anyone of the people of Sindh ask for mercy and protection, do give it to them but not to the citizens of Debal, who must all be put to the sword.”
Debal was the first important town in Sindh captured by the Arabs under Muhammad bin Qasim. It is also said that just before the final attack, a Brahmin came out to inform the invaders that the flag on the temple is a talisman and if they strike it down the city will hold no longer. “When the army of Islam scaled the walls of the fort, the Debalese opened the gates and asked for mercy,” says the writer of Chachnameh, the primary source on Muhammad bin Qasim written on the orders of his descendants. “Muhammad bin Qasim replied that he had no orders to spare anyone in the town, and that his soldiers had to do the slaughtering for three days… 700 beautiful females, who were under the protection of the temple, were all captured along with their valuable ornaments and clothes adorned with jewels.” The women and children thus captured from Debal were included in the spoils of the war. Some of them were distributed among the soldiers, while one-fifth was sent to the Caliph through Hajjaj bin Yousuf in accordance to the Islamic law that proclaimed that one-fifth of the spoils of the war belonged to the Caliph for rightful use. These spoils included two daughters of the deceased ruler of Debal, who were handpicked for the Caliph’s harem.
The fate of Debal sent shockwaves across Sindh. People consulted their astrologers, and soon the word was out: fate has ordained the country to fall to the Arabs. It is more likely than not that the Arab invaders sponsored the rumour after seeing at Debal how local superstition could be exploited as a war strategy. The Buddhist population of Sindh was the first to make secret alliances with the Arabs, since they had little stake in the rule of the Brahmin dynasty. Hajjaj Bin Yousuf carefully dictated the Arab terms of mercy to Muhammad bin Qasim all the way from Basra. “Whoever submits to you, let him retain his power and wealth and family,” Hajjaj ordered his cousin. “And whoever does not submit, treat him brutally and torture him till he submits.”
This strategy was carried out with great success. Nothing weakens the spirit of a human being more than existing on a borderline of hope and fear. All colonialists have known this fact of human psychology, and exploited it to make traitors of their enemy. The colonialisation of Sindh by the Arabs is a superb example of this policy, and the Arab historians proudly narrate many instances. One such case is the story of Kaka Kotak, a Buddhist of some influence in Siwistan (Sehwan). Kaka made a secret alliance with the Arabs and then went to the Brahmin ruler of the town, telling him that it was written in the ancient books of India that the country of Sindh would fall to the Arabs at a certain time, and that time had now arrived. “Our religion forbids us to shed blood,” the cunning Buddhist told the governor. “We are afraid that when the Arab horde storms the city, they will take us for your followers and deprive us of our life and domestics. We have come to know that Lord Hajjaj, under the orders of the Caliph, has ordered this army to grant pardon to those who ask for it, and the Arabs are said to be faithful to their word.” He then asked for the governor’s permission to make an alliance with the Arabs. When permission was refused, Kaka continued to serve as a spy to the Arabs, and never failed to remind his governor that the fall of Sindh was foretold in books written hundreds of years ago. The governor soon lost hope, and fled to his cousin Raja Dahar while the Arab army marched on and occupied the city. True to their word, they spared the family of Kaka and his friends while the rest of the population was sold into slavery or distributed among the soldiers. Kaka was then raised to the rank of a local chief, something he might not have dreamt of under the Brahmin rulers. “When Kaka put on this dress of honor, all the noblemen in the surrounding places were inspired to accept his influence,” writes the author of Chachnameh. “Kaka secured immunity from the Arab army for those who submitted while he led the Arabs to those who refused to submit, so that the stubborn could be punished.”
Muhammad bin Qasim’s advance towards Dahar was very careful. The Arab ensured that his supply line was safe, moving ahead only after each city on the way was secured in possession and its population either annihilated or won over with generosity. To Hajjaj, who was sitting several thousand miles away, it might have seemed that his cousin was wasting time. “Now give up other towns and march against Dahar,” Hajjaj wrote in a rather frustrated mood. There is a subtle, almost vague indication that Muhammad bin Qasim wanted Raja Dahar to submit to him and rule over Sindh as the Caliph’s viceroy. Hajjaj saw this as a waste of time. “I am shocked at the weakness of your policy,” Hajjaj wrote to him. “People will think that you are trying to bring about peace! You should inspire fear."
“O Men of Arabia,” Muhammad bin Qasim charged his armies to the final contest with Dahar. “These crowds of infidels have come prepared to fight with us. You must use all your strength, for they will put up a furious resistance for the sake of their wealth and families. Ride against them… With the help of God, we hope to make them all food for our sharp swords, take away their wealth and their families, and obtain large booty. Do not show weakness, and remember that God makes the end of the pious happy.”
Dahar was killed at the Battle of Rawar. “It is related that when the fort of Rawar was taken, all the treasures and arms that were in it were secured, except what had been taken away by Dahir’s son Jaisingh,” narrates the author of Chachnameh. “All this booty was brought to Muhammad bin Qasim. The slaves were counted, and their number came to 60,000. Out of these, 30 were young ladies of royal blood including Raja Dahar’s niece whose name was Husna (Sundri). Muhammad bin Qasim sent all these to Hajjaj, together with Dahar’s head, and one-fifth of the booty, as the royal share… When the head of Dahar and women and the treasure were brought to Hajjaj, he placed his forehead on the ground and offered prayers of thanks-giving, saying: Now I have got all the treasures of the world. I rule the world.” It is said that one of Dahar’s wives, Ladi, married Muhammad bin Qasim, but there is another tradition according to which Ladi killed herself by jumping down the rampart when she saw the Arabs.
The conquest of Sindh was completed with occupation of the remaining major cities, especially Brahmanabad and Multan. This brought more serious responsibilities. So far, Sindh was treated as an enemy country, and in his earlier conquests Muhammad bin Qasim had torn down temples, replacing them with mosques. “Now that the people of this land have placed their heads in the yoke of submission,” Hajjaj instructed his general. “I do not see what further rights we have over them beyond the usual tax. Therefore, permit them to build the temples of those they worship. No one is prohibited from, or punished for, following his own religion, and let no one prohibit it, so that these people may live happily in their homes.” This edict of Hajjaj bin Yousuf had a lasting influence in the history of Muslim India. By giving the Buddhists and Hindus the status of “zimmis,” and imposing “protection tax” (or “jizya”) on them, the Arabs had accepted them as “People of the Book,” hence acknowledging both Buddhism and Hinduism as divinely revealed religions. However, the Muslim psychology could never come to terms with the practice of idol-worship by the Hindus. Hence a paradoxical situation existed throughout the Muslim rule in India where Hinduism was accepted as a divinely revealed religion for the purpose of tax collection but was seen as the creed of the infidels in all other matters. It is difficult to conclude from the edict of Hajjaj what he or other Muslims of his age actually thought about Hinduism, but it is obvious that the Arabs as colonialists had to make pragmatic compromises.
Muhammad bin Qasim completed the annexation of Sindh in three years, enlisting a large cohort of loyal followers from the native population. He then prepared plans to annex other states of India, beginning with Qannauj, which lied just across the Rajasthan desert. Of course, these states had given no provocation, and since the Hindus had just been accepted as “People of the Book,” there was no justification of a religious war against them either. But clearly, Muhammad bin Qasim was serving the interests of the Arab Empire as a worldly-wise general.
It was about this time that he lost both of his sponsors at the court. His cousin Hajjaj was the first to die, soon followed by the master himself, Caliph Walid. The successor on throne, Caliph Sulieman bin Abdul Malik, was a generous monarch who owed his throne to the opponents of the late Hajjaj bin Yousuf. Most of these were relatives of people killed or tortured by Hajjaj (some 20,000 women and 50,000 men were found unjustly imprisoned when Hajjaj died). They demanded revenge, and there was no way, nor enough reason, for Sulieman to stop them. Muhamamd bin Qasim was high on the hit list due to his close association with Hajjaj.
It is said that the young general was about to invade an Indian state when the Caliph’s messengers arrived to take him back in chains. True to the soldier’s honor, like always, Muhammad bin Qasim obliged. His followers wept bitterly, warning him that he was going back to a certain death. We don’t know what he said in reply, if he said anything. We do know, however, that shortly afterwards, just before he died of torture in the prison of Wasit, he recited an Arabic couplet to the effect: “They wasted me at the prime of my youth, and what a youth they wasted: the one who was a defender of their borders.”
Saturday, February 19, 2011
Salahuddin Ayyubi
Salahuddin Ayyubi - The Pride of Islam
Although he loved peace, Salahuddin Ayyubi became one of the world's greatest warriors. He was born in Tekrit in 1138 CE when his father Ameer Najmudin was the ruler of Tekrit. He was brought up by his noble father and talented uncle, Asad-ud-din Shirkhu. Salahuddin was a very intelligent and noble person. He loved peace and never enjoyed fighting battles. But all changed when Salahuddin was ordered to go to Egypt with his uncle. He went to Egypt many times with his uncle to fight two enemies, the Franks and the Batnids. After his uncle's death, he became the commander and Vizier of Egypt. Salahuddin Ayyubi never lived in the palace. Instead, he lived in a small house near the mosque. Salahuddin had a great love for Islam and as the vizier and general of Egypt, he tried hard to root out the Crusaders. For this purpose, he maintained a strong army. He established peace and prosperity throughout the country. From the beginning, many prejudiced Egyptian ministers disliked him. When they saw he was winning the hearts of the Egyptian people they did many conspiracies against him but due to Salahuddin's wisdom, they were defeated. When the Fatmid caliph Al Aziz died, Salahuddin became the ruler of Egypt. When Salahuddin took over Damascus the people opened the gates of the city to him and greeted him warmly.
The Crusaders were not happy by Salahuddin's increasing power and success. Uniting their forces, they planned a decisive attack on Muslim area. Battle of Hittin took place. Muslims won under the leadership of Salahuddin. Thousands of Crusaders were arrested. Salahuddin treated the prisoners with tolerance.
In 1187 CE, Salahuddin conquered Jerusalem. Thousands of Crusaders were arrested. However, when their mothers, sisters, and wives appealed to Salahuddin, he released them. Many crusaders were ransomed. However, he paid for many of them. In addition, he provided them transport, etc. He allowed neither massacre nor looting. He gave free pardon to all citizens. He even arranged for their traveling. He granted freedom to Christians to leave the city if they paid a small tribute. Salahuddin paid it, himself, for about ten thousand poor people. His brother paid it for seven thousand people. Salahuddin also allocated one of the gates of the city for people who were too poor to pay anything that they leave from there.
On Friday 27th Rajab 583 AH, Salahuddin entered Jerusalem. After entering the city they went straight to the Mosque and cleaned it. Then for the first time in more then 80 years, the people of Jerusalem heard the Azan (call of prayer) from Al Aqsa Mosque.
Salahuddin (Saladin), a name that inspired both fear and respect in the crusaders eyes. Though, to some people in Europe at the time he epitomised the Anti-Christ due to hostile Christian propaganda, someone they believe murdered innocent Christian in the name of Islam during the crusades but to others such as myself, he was a celebrated hero, and a role model for many leaders in years to come.
Firstly, I would like to describe the nature of Salahuddin Ayyubi (rahmatullahi alaihi). He was a devout Muslim to whom Islam meant everything, he would never miss his daily five times prayers even when he was ill, and had a dislike for people who tried to instill free-thinking, unnecessary debate and controversy into the doctrines of Islam. He truly loved the Quran and wept upon hearing it read. In spite of being a king, he journeyed in search of knowledge, travelling to a scholar to learn the Muwatta of Imam Malik (rahmatullahi alaihi).
During his youth he was a quiet methodical thinker given more to religious study than military ambition. As a child he was taught the recitation of the Holy Quran, the Arabic language and the shariah. This basis proved to be effective in his middle age.
He also did many things to encourage people in their worship such a building Madrassas. He also abolished those tolls that were payable by pilgrims on their way to Makkah.
He had many interests, ranging from geography and history to commerce and politics, and was opened to suggestions on most subjects for when they concerned Islam.
His generosity was boundless. Once he paid debt of 200,000 dinars off for his brother, though he himself stayed steadfast. The vast empire that was to come under his command meant that he had extensive riches in his hand, yet his accountants had to keep some of his financial details a secret from him, afraid that he would give it all away and there would be nothing left for real emergencies.
He was kind and gentle, one to treat everybody feuitly. Though above all this was his duty to Allah. Baha-uddin (rahmatullahi alaihi) his faithful secretary stated:
“I never knew him to show any anxiety about the numbers and strength of the enemy. He would listen to plans of all kinds and discuss their consequences without any excitement or loss of composure.”
This was the same Salahuddin that some would criticise, but on the other hand he was portrayed as a chivalrous and legendary figure in European history also, a figure who respected his friends as well as his foes - when Richard's horse was killed in battle Salahuddin sent him fresh one saying:
“It is not proper that a warrior should have to fight on foot.” In times of war he was extremely generous to enemy civilians, allowing them to go free with their lives and goods, an act of humanity that was rarely shown to the Muslims by their enemies.
On 4th march, 1193, this beloved servant of Allah left the world. At his death, though he was the most powerful and greatest in the Muslim empire of the era, he had only one gold piece and 47 silver peices to his name. He owned no property and had paid off all his debts. While his family mourned him, those close to the courageous man found that, at the time of his death, he did not posses enough money to pay for his burial. This was Salahuddin, an example for leaders to come and a true servant of Allah. May Allah’s mercy be upon him. Ameen.
Although he loved peace, Salahuddin Ayyubi became one of the world's greatest warriors. He was born in Tekrit in 1138 CE when his father Ameer Najmudin was the ruler of Tekrit. He was brought up by his noble father and talented uncle, Asad-ud-din Shirkhu. Salahuddin was a very intelligent and noble person. He loved peace and never enjoyed fighting battles. But all changed when Salahuddin was ordered to go to Egypt with his uncle. He went to Egypt many times with his uncle to fight two enemies, the Franks and the Batnids. After his uncle's death, he became the commander and Vizier of Egypt. Salahuddin Ayyubi never lived in the palace. Instead, he lived in a small house near the mosque. Salahuddin had a great love for Islam and as the vizier and general of Egypt, he tried hard to root out the Crusaders. For this purpose, he maintained a strong army. He established peace and prosperity throughout the country. From the beginning, many prejudiced Egyptian ministers disliked him. When they saw he was winning the hearts of the Egyptian people they did many conspiracies against him but due to Salahuddin's wisdom, they were defeated. When the Fatmid caliph Al Aziz died, Salahuddin became the ruler of Egypt. When Salahuddin took over Damascus the people opened the gates of the city to him and greeted him warmly.
The Crusaders were not happy by Salahuddin's increasing power and success. Uniting their forces, they planned a decisive attack on Muslim area. Battle of Hittin took place. Muslims won under the leadership of Salahuddin. Thousands of Crusaders were arrested. Salahuddin treated the prisoners with tolerance.
In 1187 CE, Salahuddin conquered Jerusalem. Thousands of Crusaders were arrested. However, when their mothers, sisters, and wives appealed to Salahuddin, he released them. Many crusaders were ransomed. However, he paid for many of them. In addition, he provided them transport, etc. He allowed neither massacre nor looting. He gave free pardon to all citizens. He even arranged for their traveling. He granted freedom to Christians to leave the city if they paid a small tribute. Salahuddin paid it, himself, for about ten thousand poor people. His brother paid it for seven thousand people. Salahuddin also allocated one of the gates of the city for people who were too poor to pay anything that they leave from there.
On Friday 27th Rajab 583 AH, Salahuddin entered Jerusalem. After entering the city they went straight to the Mosque and cleaned it. Then for the first time in more then 80 years, the people of Jerusalem heard the Azan (call of prayer) from Al Aqsa Mosque.
Salahuddin (Saladin), a name that inspired both fear and respect in the crusaders eyes. Though, to some people in Europe at the time he epitomised the Anti-Christ due to hostile Christian propaganda, someone they believe murdered innocent Christian in the name of Islam during the crusades but to others such as myself, he was a celebrated hero, and a role model for many leaders in years to come.
Firstly, I would like to describe the nature of Salahuddin Ayyubi (rahmatullahi alaihi). He was a devout Muslim to whom Islam meant everything, he would never miss his daily five times prayers even when he was ill, and had a dislike for people who tried to instill free-thinking, unnecessary debate and controversy into the doctrines of Islam. He truly loved the Quran and wept upon hearing it read. In spite of being a king, he journeyed in search of knowledge, travelling to a scholar to learn the Muwatta of Imam Malik (rahmatullahi alaihi).
During his youth he was a quiet methodical thinker given more to religious study than military ambition. As a child he was taught the recitation of the Holy Quran, the Arabic language and the shariah. This basis proved to be effective in his middle age.
He also did many things to encourage people in their worship such a building Madrassas. He also abolished those tolls that were payable by pilgrims on their way to Makkah.
He had many interests, ranging from geography and history to commerce and politics, and was opened to suggestions on most subjects for when they concerned Islam.
His generosity was boundless. Once he paid debt of 200,000 dinars off for his brother, though he himself stayed steadfast. The vast empire that was to come under his command meant that he had extensive riches in his hand, yet his accountants had to keep some of his financial details a secret from him, afraid that he would give it all away and there would be nothing left for real emergencies.
He was kind and gentle, one to treat everybody feuitly. Though above all this was his duty to Allah. Baha-uddin (rahmatullahi alaihi) his faithful secretary stated:
“I never knew him to show any anxiety about the numbers and strength of the enemy. He would listen to plans of all kinds and discuss their consequences without any excitement or loss of composure.”
This was the same Salahuddin that some would criticise, but on the other hand he was portrayed as a chivalrous and legendary figure in European history also, a figure who respected his friends as well as his foes - when Richard's horse was killed in battle Salahuddin sent him fresh one saying:
“It is not proper that a warrior should have to fight on foot.” In times of war he was extremely generous to enemy civilians, allowing them to go free with their lives and goods, an act of humanity that was rarely shown to the Muslims by their enemies.
On 4th march, 1193, this beloved servant of Allah left the world. At his death, though he was the most powerful and greatest in the Muslim empire of the era, he had only one gold piece and 47 silver peices to his name. He owned no property and had paid off all his debts. While his family mourned him, those close to the courageous man found that, at the time of his death, he did not posses enough money to pay for his burial. This was Salahuddin, an example for leaders to come and a true servant of Allah. May Allah’s mercy be upon him. Ameen.
Friday, February 18, 2011
punjabi poetry
Dukh vee batheray preshaaniyaan vee bohut nay,
Pyaar vich laabh baday haaniyaan vee bohut nay,
Kee hoya jay ohna koi zakham vee day ditta,
Ohna diyan saaday tay meharbaaniyaan vee bohut nay
yaar nal ho gie mulaqat meri, mulaqat aie par kamyab na rahi
me aa gia husn dai raub thallai, muunh arz kujh karn de taab na rahi
Assi muat rook rakhi tey tera intezaaar keeta
tere jhootey lareyaan da aaitabaar keeta
assi jaan den lagey ik pal v na laya
tey tusii jaan len lagey v,nakhra hazaar keeta
Yaadan vichon hee guzray har shaam osdi,
yaadaan naal hee savera ohda ho jaandaa...
Enj Hee Dil De Vehre Wech Lagiyan Rehan Baharan
Tere Sohne Mukhre Ton Main Jag Sare Nu Waran
Neechaa'n di ashnaayi koloo'n faiz kise nayi paaya
kikar te angoor charhaayaa, har guchaa zakhmaaya
Wich Hawawa Kade Vi Deeve Jagde Na,
Khiza Di Rutte Phul Kade Vi Sajde na,
Bhul K V NA Sanu Kite Bhul Javi,
Kuoki Yaar Guwache Pher Kade V Lagde Na
SANOO VEKH K MUKH CHUPA JANDE
SADE NA TO VE NIVIYA PE JANDE
KAR DE GALAH HORA NAAL TE
QASMAA SADE NAA DIYA KHA JANDE
Yaadan noo dil vich sanbh k rakhiya
na dil da haal kisse noo dasiya
Tenu mil jaavey mehak mohabbtan di,
saade hisse gham da jehar hovey..
Tu chumda rahe mukh khushian da,
sade vehre hanjuan di nehar hovey
ik dil te lakh samjhon wale je samaj na ave ta ki kariye
dard dil da hove ta seh layie je dil hi dard ban jave ta ki kariye
jehnu dil de rog sunaunde c ohi rog la jave ta ki kariye
sade naal hi jisdi duniya c je shad tur jave ta ki kariye
asi aaj bhi raha takde ha oh RAAH bhul jave ta ki kariye
Pyaar vich laabh baday haaniyaan vee bohut nay,
Kee hoya jay ohna koi zakham vee day ditta,
Ohna diyan saaday tay meharbaaniyaan vee bohut nay
yaar nal ho gie mulaqat meri, mulaqat aie par kamyab na rahi
me aa gia husn dai raub thallai, muunh arz kujh karn de taab na rahi
Assi muat rook rakhi tey tera intezaaar keeta
tere jhootey lareyaan da aaitabaar keeta
assi jaan den lagey ik pal v na laya
tey tusii jaan len lagey v,nakhra hazaar keeta
Yaadan vichon hee guzray har shaam osdi,
yaadaan naal hee savera ohda ho jaandaa...
Enj Hee Dil De Vehre Wech Lagiyan Rehan Baharan
Tere Sohne Mukhre Ton Main Jag Sare Nu Waran
Neechaa'n di ashnaayi koloo'n faiz kise nayi paaya
kikar te angoor charhaayaa, har guchaa zakhmaaya
Wich Hawawa Kade Vi Deeve Jagde Na,
Khiza Di Rutte Phul Kade Vi Sajde na,
Bhul K V NA Sanu Kite Bhul Javi,
Kuoki Yaar Guwache Pher Kade V Lagde Na
SANOO VEKH K MUKH CHUPA JANDE
SADE NA TO VE NIVIYA PE JANDE
KAR DE GALAH HORA NAAL TE
QASMAA SADE NAA DIYA KHA JANDE
Yaadan noo dil vich sanbh k rakhiya
na dil da haal kisse noo dasiya
Tenu mil jaavey mehak mohabbtan di,
saade hisse gham da jehar hovey..
Tu chumda rahe mukh khushian da,
sade vehre hanjuan di nehar hovey
ik dil te lakh samjhon wale je samaj na ave ta ki kariye
dard dil da hove ta seh layie je dil hi dard ban jave ta ki kariye
jehnu dil de rog sunaunde c ohi rog la jave ta ki kariye
sade naal hi jisdi duniya c je shad tur jave ta ki kariye
asi aaj bhi raha takde ha oh RAAH bhul jave ta ki kariye
Thursday, February 17, 2011
Tuesday, February 15, 2011
Pak Army
Pakistan Army is best army in the world.
The Pakistan Army was created on 30 June 1947 with the division of the British Indian Army. The soon to be created Dominion of Pakistan received six armored, eight artillery and eight infantry regiments compared to the 12 armored, forty artillery and twenty one infantry regiments that went to India. Fearing that India would take over the state of Kashmir, irregulars, scouts and tribal groups joined the Muslim Kashmiris opposing the Maharaja of Kashmir and Kashmiri Hindus and Sikhs in 1947, even though the Maharaja chose to join the Union of India, against the will of Kashmiri Muslims. This led to the Indo-Pakistani War of 1947. Regular army units joined the invasion later on but were stopped after the refusal of the army chief of staff, British officer General Sir Frank Messervy, to obey Pakistani leader Jinnah's orders to move the army into Kashmir. A ceasefire followed on U.N. intervention with Pakistan occupying the northwestern part of Kashmir and India the rest. Later, during the 1950s, the Pakistan Army received large amounts of economic and military aid from the United States and Great Britain after signing two mutual defense treaties, the Baghdad Pact, which led to the formation of the Central Treaty Organization, and the South East Asian Treaty Organization (SEATO) in 1954. This aid greatly expanded the Army from its modest beginnings.
The sole division headquarters that went to Pakistan was the 7th. 8th and 9th Divisions were raised in 1947; 10, 12th and 14 Divisions were raised in 1948. 15 Div was raised in 1950. At some point before 1954, 6 Division was raised and 9 Division disbanded. 6 Division was disbanded at some point after 1954 as US assistance was available only for one armored and six infantry divisions.
The Pakistan Army was created on 30 June 1947 with the division of the British Indian Army. The soon to be created Dominion of Pakistan received six armored, eight artillery and eight infantry regiments compared to the 12 armored, forty artillery and twenty one infantry regiments that went to India. Fearing that India would take over the state of Kashmir, irregulars, scouts and tribal groups joined the Muslim Kashmiris opposing the Maharaja of Kashmir and Kashmiri Hindus and Sikhs in 1947, even though the Maharaja chose to join the Union of India, against the will of Kashmiri Muslims. This led to the Indo-Pakistani War of 1947. Regular army units joined the invasion later on but were stopped after the refusal of the army chief of staff, British officer General Sir Frank Messervy, to obey Pakistani leader Jinnah's orders to move the army into Kashmir. A ceasefire followed on U.N. intervention with Pakistan occupying the northwestern part of Kashmir and India the rest. Later, during the 1950s, the Pakistan Army received large amounts of economic and military aid from the United States and Great Britain after signing two mutual defense treaties, the Baghdad Pact, which led to the formation of the Central Treaty Organization, and the South East Asian Treaty Organization (SEATO) in 1954. This aid greatly expanded the Army from its modest beginnings.
The sole division headquarters that went to Pakistan was the 7th. 8th and 9th Divisions were raised in 1947; 10, 12th and 14 Divisions were raised in 1948. 15 Div was raised in 1950. At some point before 1954, 6 Division was raised and 9 Division disbanded. 6 Division was disbanded at some point after 1954 as US assistance was available only for one armored and six infantry divisions.
Sunday, February 13, 2011
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