The story of the evolution of Pakistan Army is the story of the birth of Pakistan itself against heavy odds. It is a story of crises and conflicts created by our adversaries to smother Pakistan and Pakistan Army in the crib in 1947. Above all, it is a story of unflinching determination of our Founding Fathers led by the Quaid-e-Azam, and of our officers, JC0s and men to create an invincible Nation and its Armed Forces. It is a saga which has few parallels in the history of mankind.

On 3 June 1947, the British government announced the plan to partition the Sub-continent into India and Pakistan and transfer power to the two states by 15 August 1947. On 30 June 1947 the procedure for division of the Armed Forces was agreed upon by the Partition Council, chaired by the Viceroy of India, Mountbatten, and consisting of the top leaders of the Muslim League and the Indian Congress. FM Auchinleck, then C-in-C India, was appointed Supreme Commander under Mountbatten to ensure smooth division of units and stores etc. It was announced on 1 July 1947 that both countries would have operational control of their respective Armed Forces by 15 August 1947.

Under the Partition Council a joint Defence Council was formed with Viceroy Mountbatten as chairman, below which was an Armed Forces Reconstitution Committee under Auchinleck, consisting of representatives of Indian and Pakistan Armies.

Between 1939-1945 the strength of the Indian Army increased from 189,000 to 2,500,000 personnel. On the eve of Partition in 1947 the strength had come down to about 11,800 officers, 450,000 OR plus about 50,000 of Indian Princely State Forces. It is noteworthy that at that time as per policy of the British Raj since 1857 there were no complete Muslim infantry units. In armour there was only one complete Muslim unit. In artillery there were 12 Muslim regiments, and in engineers, there were about 12 Muslim companies; all other arms and services were grouped on "all class" basis. There were complete Hindu and Sikh units and regiments of the combat arms.

It was agreed to divide the Armed Forces and other assets in the ratio of India 64%, Pakistan 36%, but Pakistan was later forced to agree to 1 / 3rd share of assets.