Punjab Regiment (Pakistan)
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The Punjab Regiment is an infantry regiment of the Pakistan Army.The Army‘s most senior fighting arm is the Punjab Regiment. In fact, two battalions of the Punjab Regiment are the oldest in the sub-continent, with foundation dates as early as 1759.
HistoryPrior to the partition of India, the 14th Punjab Regiment formed a part of the British Indian Army. It was formed in March 1922 by the amalgamation of the
The 1st and 5th battalions were deployed in Malaya during the opening stages of the WWII in South East Asia. The was overrun by superior Japanese forces on the Selangor river, and the 5th battalion was forced to surrender along with the rest of commonwealth troops when Singapore fell. A number of troops of the unit however later joined Indian National Army, and formed a part of the Hindustan Field Force of the first INA. In 1947 the British Government announced the Independence and partition of the sub-continent between Pakistan and India. British Indian Army was divided also. Battalions of the Punjab Regiments were also divided between Pakistan and India. Out of six regiments, 1st Punjab, 8 Punjab, 14 Punjab, 15 Punjab and 16 Punjab were allotted to Pakistan Army and 2nd Punjab to Indian Army The Punjab Regiment was formed in 1956 when four of the five Punjab Regiments allocated to Pakistan were merged. Punjabi Regiments allocated to Pakistan now forming the Punjab RegimentPunjabi Regiments allocated to India1st Punjab regimental center was located at Jehlum. In early September 1947 Pakistani personnel arrived from 2nd Punjab regimental center Meerut and Indian personnel (Sikhs) were dispatched to 11 Sikh RC and Rajputs to 6 Rajputana Rifle Center. The Punjab regiment at its height totalled 58 battalions; however, 11 were transferred in 1980 to the Sindh Regiment. Class & Religious Composition before 1947Punjabi Muslims 50%; Sikhs 25%; Rajputs 25%. Pathans later replaced the Sikhs and Rajputs. Recipients of the Nishan-e-Haider4 members of the Regiment have received the highest gallantry award "Nishan-e-Haider" (Sign Of the Lion) for showing an incredible amount of valor and courage on the battle field in the face of staunch adversity, these are as follows:
The Nishan-e-Haider (Sign of the Lion) has been awarded to only 10 soldiers 4 of whom are from the Punjab Regiment. Despite Pakistan having been involved in 3 wars... ...And a major conflict in Kargil with India during the summer of 1999 which is classed as a war by many. TodayPresently the Punjab Regiment is the largest regiment of the Pakistan Army with 47 battalions. Prominent General Officers from the Punjab Regiment
Further readingA complete history of the Punjab Regiment was written by Brig. Gen. Syed Haider Abbas Rizvi (Ret.), entitled "Veteran campaigners: a history of the Punjab Regiment, 1759-1981 (Pakistan Army)." It was published by Wajidalis in 1984. Alliances
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