II Corps (Pakistan)

Infobox Military Unit
unit_name=Pakistani II Corps
country=PAK
type=Corps
dates=1971 to present
specialization=combined arms formation
command_structure= Central Command
size=60,000 men (though this may vary as units are rotated)
current_commander= Lt. General Sikander Afzal [ [http://www.dawn.com/2006/04/11/top8.htm Three Corps Commanders replaced] DAWN April 11 2006]
garrison=Multan
ceremonial_chief=
colors=Red, White and Black
wars=1971 War, War on terror
notable_commanders= Lt. General Muhammad Zia-ul-Haq
Lt.General Jahangir Karamat
Lt.General Tikka Khan

II Corps is one of the Pakistan Army's 10 active corps. It is stationed in Multan and is one of Pakistan's four heavy armour corps. It is also know as Army Reserve South.

History

II Corps was formed in 1971 [ [http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/world/pakistan/ii-corps.htm Global Security] ] as the winds of war began to blow in the sub-continent. It was responsible for the defense of all of Pakistan south of Multan; a huge undertaking, as well as the launching of counterattacks against India itself [Brian Cloughley- A History of the Pakistan Army, ISBN 0-19-579507-5, Page 200.] . As war came its units would be heavily involved in the first task.

1971 War

The Corps was commanded by Tikka Khan during the war. Controversially one of its divisions; the 18th Infantry Division [Brian Cloughley- A History of the Pakistan Army, ISBN 0-19-579507-5 Page 205-207.] , was taken out of II Corp's command and sent on an ill-fated offensive towards Ramgarh; which led to the debacle at the Battle of Longewala, the fact it was under GHQ rather than II Corps, spared the corps of any blame, but was latter deemed one of the causes of failure. A major Indian attack towards Umerkot would be defeated [The History of Pakistan Army (1966-71), by Maj Gen (Retd) Shaukat Raza, Page 209 ] by two of the corps divisions; the 18th after its return from Ramgarh and to II Corps command, and the 33rd Infantry Division, a task for which they were commended [Brian Cloughley- A History of the Pakistan Army, ISBN 0-19-579507-5 Page 206. ] , after the war. In the final analysis its performance in the war; while commended by many partys, would be controversial, since at no time was its most powerful formation; 1st Armoured Division committed to action [Brian Cloughley- A History of the Pakistan Army, ISBN 0-19-579507-5 Page 200.] .

War on terror

As a heavy armour and mechanised formation, it was unsuited for the mountain warfare that characterised the armys commitments over the next three decades in Kashmir, Siachen and Kargil, although it a few units did see action attached to other corps. As Pakistan's main strategic reserve, it was also not sent on overseas operations under the UN and with allies (such as Gulf War I and Somalia)which the army was ordered to undertake. It would not be until 2008 when the elements of the corps would see action again. As the war in FATA heated up and militant activity increased to a hitherto unseen level, the government responded by launching a massive operation (code-named Operation "Zalzala" meaning earthquake) against the militant strongholds South Waziristan. [ [http://www.dailytimes.com.pk/default.asp?page=2008%5C05%5C20%5Cstory_20-5-2008_pg7_26] Daily Times Article] . The operation would be spearheaded by 14th Infantry Division of II Corps, and would succeed in evicting the militants from their stronghold [http://www.satp.org/satporgtp/countries/pakistan/Waziristan/timeline/index.html] .

Order of Battle

The Corps order of battle is [ [http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/world/pakistan/ii-corps.htm Global Security] ] :

*Headquarters II Corps; Multan
** 1st Armoured Division; Multan
** 14th Infantry Division; Okara

References

External Links

* [http://orbat.com/site/history/index.html Corps formation sign can be seen on Pak Army Flags page]