Pakistan Military Academy
Historical Background
The Pakistan Military Academy (PMA) was established at Kakul
in October 1947 soon after the creation of Pakistan . On 25th January 1948 ,
“The First Pakistan Battalion” was instituted. Its companies were named after
the luminaries of Muslim military history i.e., Khalid, Tariq, Qasim and
Salahuddin. Two months later in March 1948, the Battalion was bestowed with
Quaid-e-Azam’s patronage as Colonel-in-Chief and the most coveted claim “The
Quaid-e-Azam’s Own’ While the Quaid’s failing health prevented him from
visiting PMA, Khawaja Nazim-ud-din, the then, Governor General inaugurated it
on behalf of the Quaid-e-Azam and presented the Quaid-e-Azam banner. Ever
since, at every passing out parade, it is held aloft with splendid honors by
champion company. Regimental colors presented in 1950 by Liaqat Ali Khan, the
first Prime Minister of Pakistan and the National Standard in 1961 by General
Muhammad Musa, the then, Commander-in-Chief of Pakistan Army, have been some of
the honors showered on the Academy, which it has always jealously guarded and
kept high in letter and spirit.
The Indo-Pak War of 1965 necessitated Academy’s expansion
and Second Pakistan Battalion was raised in December 1965. Its four companies
were named after some renowned Muslim military leaders from the subcontinent
i.e. Ghaznavi, Babur, Aurangzeb and Tipu. In early 1989, Third Pakistan
Battalion was added to its fold. Its constituent companies were named after
some very inspiring military generals in early Muslim history i.e. Haider,
Ubaida, Saad and Hamza.
The Pakistan Military Academy is very proud of hundreds of
its graduates who gallantly fought during the Indo-Pak Wars of 1965 and 1971.
Amongst them are the four recipients of Nishan-e-Haider, the highest gallantry
award, three Hilal-e-Jurat, one hundred and seventy seven Sitara-e-Jurat,
besides innumerable other gallantry awards. Its alumni have vindicated
themselves at every moment of trial. They have immensely contributed in vast
and variant roles ranging from national defense to national development and
from mass relief to national reconstruction in perilous conditions.
PMA has come a long way since its inception in 1947. It has
grown and expanded from stage to stage. Over the years, there has been colossal
contribution towards improvement of the campus and enrichment of its
curriculum. Presently, its facilities and curriculum full cater for all
challenges and needs for the foreseeable future.
Location of PMA:
Abbottabad, at 1220 meters (4000 feet) is named after James
Abbott, a British Administrator, who served in Hazara Division, part of North
West Frontier Province of present Pakistan, in the 1840’s and 50’s. It is known
as the military town, full of soldiers exercising, parading, playing polo and
practicing the bagpipes. The cantonment area, a reminder of the British era, is
full of spacious bungalows surrounded by gardens and pine trees, in addition to
a church and a club at the top of the hill. A healthy climate greets the
visitor to this town which ranges from moderately cold in the winters to
moderately hot in the summers. The town boasts of well equipped bazaars catering
to every need of the individual with modern transport facilities running to all
corners of the town.
A short distance from Abbottabad, a fine straight road leads
to PMA. Surrounded by beautiful Abbottabad hills in a lush green and serene
corner of the valley. PMA provides conceivably the best environment for
effective grooming, molding and development of Pakistan Army’s future
leadership.
Educational Philosophy:
It is a place where the development of sense of Discipline,
Honor, Patriotism and the acquisition of Knowledge is fostered in the cadets
to enable them to tackle appropriate academic and military subjects with a wide
interest in current world problems and the enthusiasm to continue to increase
their knowledge through their own initiative. They develop deep appreciation of
officers’ traditional code of behavior and embody in themselves the greatest
reliability and resolution. Thus PMA provides efficient and promising junior
leadership to Pakistan Army.
The cadet of today is the officer of tomorrow; future
custodian of his country’s honor. By means of command and authority entrusted
in him, he has to enforce obedience and discipline for achievement of the
mission, to serve the state and to act judiciously in the face of danger to his
life.
In the Academy, a cadet is trained to be a man of character
who is clear about his aim in life and is committed to the mission and
objectives assigned to him.
He is consistent and courageous, willing to take risks and
lead from the front. He possesses adequate knowledge, professional competence
and good communicative skills.
He has strong faith in Allah, possesses integrity and
detests hypocrisy. He is taught to set personal example for his followers. His
maturity of outlook, his liberal and tolerant attitude enables him to be a
“Team Member’ through his comradeship, he ensures the well being of his
subordinates with marked sense of justice.
He has strong sense of discipline and duty and is firm in
enforcing orders under all circumstances. For him, country takes precedence
over self and accomplishment of task a matter of faith.
The Faculty of PMA:
The faculty comprises a rare amalgam action of diverse
specialists. May that be an academic discipline, a tactical lesson, an athletic
skill, some leadership training or a feature of character development, it must
be taught, conducted or supervised by highly competent, devoted and inspiring
staff. Besides their independent but hearty investment of time and expertise,
they all work in harmony with others so as to have the best of yield. In the
entire professional endeavor of the faculty, a cadet remains its focus. The
members of the faculty achieve optimized results through display of
professional excellence, personal involvement and above all by own exemplified
conduct. In their academic pursuits, cadets are required to do their graduation
in science or arts subjects, both being university degrees, calls for
accomplished academicians to brace the challenge well. PMA’s academic staff
consists of highly qualified, experienced and efficient teachers. All of them
have done Master’s in their respective disciplines while a host of them have
earned M. Phil or Ph. D degrees.
The Courses of PMA:
The courses offered at PMA cover all aspects of human
behavior and are devised so as to stimulate the physical and mental
capabilities and potential as cadets.
Military training at the Academy comprises a comprehensive
package of basic military skills, conceptual appreciation of varied
professional knowledge, tactical exercises in simulated battle conditions and
classroom instruction, for building Logical mental attitudes, analytical
approach and clarity of thought, all so vital for correct decision-making. Cadets
participate in extensive weapon handling practices, numerous tactical exercises
in varied terrain and austere climatic conditions and encounter challenge of
command in different appointments, as leaders. During their entire stay at PMA
they lead a spartan life, marked by spotless personal appearance, proud
participation in parades and ceremonies, high standard of military discipline
and exposure to host of challenges. Actual combat is the acid test of a true
military leader. Cadets receive extensive training in challenging field
conditions in the form of assault-course and field-camps so as to be ready for
their ultimate test. Some salient features of training methodology are:
1: Professional Skills
The most effective manner to lead is by example. An officer, therefore, ought
to be a lot more dexterous in professional skills than his men, to inspire them
well. Cadets are given extensive coaching and practice in the handling of
different weapons, tips of field craft and use of signal equipment. Besides,
they receive intensive help and guidance in tactical skills, leadership traits
and skills which improve their physical and mental fitness.
2: Model Discussions
Cadets relate their theoretical tactical concepts to ground situations depicted
in the form of models. Exhaustive activation of mental processes lead to
conceptual clarity and promotes readiness for field operations.
3: Tutorial Discussions
Various aspects of a given topic are discussed. A detailed questionnaire is
dished out to the class a day in advance for prior browsing, mental exercise
and preparation. The whole exercise is made very stimulating, ideally suited
for analytical work and self learning.
4: Tactical Exercises Without Troops (TEWTs)
Cadets move out in the field for a day-long discussion on tactics and other
concepts of military operations substantiated by simulated field conditions.
The Academic Programmed:
The academic subjects taught at PMA are designed to produce
a young potential leader with sound education in appropriate academic subjects,
with interest in the current world problems, and enthusiasm to continue to
increase his knowledge through his own initiative.
There are two courses of Academic Studies which are Science
Course (B.Sc.) and Arts Course (B.A). English, Military Geography, National
& International Affairs, Mutalya-e-Quran, Military & General Science or
Social Science are common subjects, while one of the following range of
combinations is mandatory:
1: Science Course
Mathematics & Physics, Mathematics & Statistics, Mathematics &
Computer Science, or Physics & Computer Science.
2: Arts CourseHistory & Political Science, History & Economics, Computer Science & Economics, or Statistics & Economics.
Extra-Curricular Activities:
The physical fitness schedule of gentlemen cadets has been
so prepared so as to develop in them optimum agility of body, robustness of
muscles and sharpness of mind. They are made to do extensive exercises
regularly with the help of elaborate and most modern apparatus under the
guidance of highly trained coaches. Physical development programs are a mix of
challenging physical events, intrepid initiatives, thrilling adventures and
refreshing exercises. An effective junior military leader must be a hardened
but agile athlete so as to stand up to all challenges, however, tough and
perilous. Correct physical development creates that warrior-spirit in the
cadets which helps them sustain the rigors of active combat and continue
fighting for an ultimate win even under heavy odds. Physical training effort
begins with cadets’ mastery of individual skills which later finds its
extensive application in harder team-events. Physical fitness plays its due
part in the strengthening of cadets’ other faculties i.e. intellectual
soundness, leadership skills, military training and above all
character-building. It indeed takes into account the psychological,
motivational and emotional aspects of total fitness. Some peculiar features of
physical development programmes are:
1: Variety of Sports
Regular participation in sports contributes immensely towards cadets’ physical
fitness while variety within its vast range adds to its recreational value. It
inculcates in them sportsman spirit. Facilities for nearly all popular major
sports exist i.e. volleyball, football, basketball, rugby, handball, tennis,
hockey, squash, cricket, martial arts, fencing and swimming.
2: Adventure Training
An optional activity which is usually conducted during breaks. Nearly all
cadets participate in one or the other form of adventure training, whichever
suits their aptitude and interest. This activity not only makes them bodily fit
but also emboldens their spirits and provides plenty of fun and entertainment.
Regular clubs for such activities exist and are equipped with the required
modern apparatus. Adventure training regularly conducted includes para jumping,
gliding, sailing, angling, scuba-diving and surfing.
3: Endurance-Building Events
Endurance is one of the higher virtues of an effective military leader. Regular
stamina and endurance building exercises are conducted to develop in the cadets
physical hardihood, determination and willpower which include, 1 Mile Run, 9
Mile Race, and long marches spread over days. Besides, their work-filled and
event-packed busy daily schedule also contributes toward the same end.
4: Skills and Agility
Cadets as athletes must become proficient in a host of individual skills. A
course of numerous Physical Training Tests develops their body fitness and
promotes their agility. They have to engage in frequent tough conditioning
exercises in order to qualify PMA’s physical fitness tests. This fitness
acquired over long period of strenuous training stays with them as a life-time
asset.
5: Mustering Courage
Several physical training events not merely physically harden the cadets, but
they also develop in them great deal of courage. Events like boxing or assault
course which are compulsory physical training tests cannot be honorably
completed unless the young athletes muster bold initiatives and physical
courage. In the conduct of these events, the guiding spirit is “It is not
important what happens to you but how you conduct yourself while it is
happening to you”.
Campus of PMA:
Over the years, the campus has been vastly expanded and
developed in terms of its architectural beauty, landscaping and the development
of training and recreational facilities. Presently, PMA is very proud to claim
that it has developed conceivably the finest infra-structure and facilities
available at any training institution.
1: Academic Block
Our major training activity is conducted in the academic block which comprises
about 100 halls of study, each one of which is treated for acoustic effect and
equipped with necessary audio-visual aids. The block consists of several
independent classroom units housed in two-tiered buildings with elegantly
arched side- corridors, vast middle passage and a lobby. They are all, indeed,
a model of institutional grandeur and functional convenience.
2: Central Library
Academy’s Central Library is housed in an impressive large building and sited
very accessibly. It has a massive collection of books on nearly all imaginable
subjects, arranged in cabinets, well sectioned and catalogued. Vast
reading-room with scores of quality journals, a well stocked reference section
and the library’s layout in appropriate cabins and corners coupled with
efficient management makes it a conducive place for concentrated study or
research-work.
3: Computer and Language Laboratories
PMA is very much aware of its alumni’s future needs, for it is indeed 21st
century leadership that we are preparing. Thus three large sophisticated
Computer Laboratories with related gadgetry have been established. Computer
Science is offered as a major subject in BSc, most of the others get basic
familiarization with computers, while computer lovers join the Computer Club
and satiate their innovative urge with liberal gadget manipulation. Four latest
computer-controlled Language Laboratories exist for extensive listening and
choral exercises so as to improve cadets’ expression of English. Variety of
short BBC courses and other audio-visual programmes greatly complement the
English learning process.
4: Academy Educational Television Channel
The PMA has set up its own broadcast channel which telecasts educative and
entertaining quality programmes for the cadets, the staff and their families.
Listening to international news in the evening is compulsory for the cadets so
that they are current on world affairs.
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Cadet Clubs:
Host of clubs have been established to provide varied recreation and useful pastimes. Every cadet finds a club to his individual taste and interest. It is mandatory for them to be the members of one or the other club. The range of these clubs is vast and varied. Following clubs exist:
Indoor Clubs Outdoor Clubs
- Science Club Para Club
- Computer Club Gliding Club
- Crafts Club Angling Club
- Drama Club Hiking Club
- Debating Club Riding Club
- Music Club Judo and Karate Club
- Fine Arts Club Health and Hygiene Club
- Camera Club Frogman Club
- Graphics Club Rifle Club
- Literary Club Shikar Club
1: Polo
A sprawling well maintained polo ground is developed where best fed and trained
ponies are available. Officers and cadets frequently play polo and practice
other equestrian skills. Some of the prestigious high level polo tournaments
are held here; the most coveted of these being the PMA Commandant’s Challenge
Cup.
2: Gymnasium
A fabulous gymnasium with massive health and exercise equipment is installed. A
mere visit to the gymnasium induces the cadets to learn gymnastic skills and
enjoy manipulation of health apparatus.
3: Swimming Pool
A large international standard swimming pool has been constructed where proper
coaching of diverse swimming and diving techniques is extended. It is the most
popular site with cadets during summers.
4: Cadets’ Residential Complexes
Twelve large multi-storied residential blocks have been constructed to
accommodate a company of cadets each. These buildings have been equipped with
the best of fixtures and amenities to provide their inmates comfortable living
environment. They do deserve this care and comfort after a busy day’s hard
work.
5: Messes
Every company residential complex has an independent mess, which has sufficient
dining, and anteroom facilities to accommodate all the company cadets together.
A huge amazing column less central dining hall is used for battalion level
formal dinners. Quality catering and service are ensured by proficient mess
staff.
Commandant’s Message:
Pakistan Military Academy over the years, has earned a
vastly acclaimed reputation of providing high quality junior military leaders
for service to the nation. For the last five decades, it has been preparing
cadets to perform their onerous duties towards national defense with pronounced
sense of responsibility and honor. Luminaries of its distinguished alumni have
been engaged in national service since the creation of Pakistan. Some of them
rose to hold the highest positions in our army, while a large number of them
sacrificed their lives so that the nation may live in peace and honor. The
secret of their success and glory lies in the lasting spirit of PMA training,
the effects of which last longer than life. PMA is proud of its esteemed
graduates rolls of which run into thousands for indeed they have always brought
honor and glory to their motherland and won laurels for their Alma-Mater. We
are proud of scores of our allied graduates from numerous friendly countries
too, who are rendering useful service in their countries and prospering in
their profession. Moral incorruptibility, spiritual invincibility, an urge for
professional excellence, highest regard for country’s honor and high
self-esteem have been ingrained in the character of PMA graduates, these
attributes have always stood them in all undertakings, however, austere and
formidable. The Academy has come a long way in the glorious enactment of its
sacred role. Its management and faculty have been fully alive to military
leadership’s present and future needs. Thus based on a vision for future, and
an orientation compatible with the twenty first century, our curriculum has
been continually updated. Its training facilities fully modernized, concepts
scientifically revised and the latest methodologies at work, make it an
institution capable of meeting the challenges of promising future leadership
for Pakistan.
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