section_path: Government and politics/Military
section_name: Military
paragraph_text: Military
  
  The armed forces of Pakistan rank sixth globally in personnel size, with about 660,000 on active duty and 291,000 paramilitary personnel as of 2024. Established in 1947, they've wielded significant influence over national politics. The main branches include the Army, Navy, and Air Force, supported by numerous paramilitaries.
  
  The Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee (CJCSC) is the highest-ranking military officer, advising the civilian government. However, they lack direct command over the branches and serve as intermediaries, ensuring communication between the military and civilian leadership. Overseeing the Joint Staff Headquarters, they coordinate inter-service cooperation and joint military missions.
  
  Command and control over Pakistan's strategic arsenal development and employment is vested in the National Command Authority, overseeing work on nuclear doctrine to maintain Full spectrum deterrence.
  
  The United States, Turkey, and China maintain close military relations with Pakistan Armed Forces, regularly exporting military equipment and technology transfer. According to SIPRI, Pakistan was the 5th-largest recipient and importer of arms between 2019 and 2023.
  
  Joint exercises and war games are occasionally conducted with the militaries of China and Turkey.
  
  The Constitution of Pakistan introduces the philosophical basis for the military draft in times of emergency, though it has never been imposed.