Baloch Regiment - Post-amalgamation History

Post-amalgamation History

In 1956, Pakistan raised the Special Service Group (SSG) from 19 Baluch (old 17/10th Baluch) at Cherat, a hill station near Peshawar. In 1979-80, the Baluch Regiment transferred ten battalions (13, 17, 18, 44, 46, 48, 49, 51, 52 & 53 Baluch) to the newly formed Sind Regiment, while 61 Baluch was transferred in 1988. Based at Abbottabad since December 1957, the Balochis have fought with great distinction in every operation/engagement of Pakistan Army since independence, winning numerous awards for gallantry. In 1948, 11 Baluch captured the strategic heights of Pandu in Kashmir, while Balochis played a vital role in blunting the Indian offensive against Lahore in 1965. They also fought gallantly in the Rann of Kutch, at Chhamb-Jaurian, Sialkot, Chawinda, Kasur and Sulemanki. In 1971, the regiment again performed creditably on both the fronts. The newly raised 41 Baluch captured the Indian fortress of Qaisar-i-Hind, while a platoon of 31 Baluch held up an entire Indian brigade for three weeks in East Pakistan. The regiment has also produced the two most successful field commanders of Pakistan Army, namely, Major General Abrar Husain, Commander of 6 Armoured Division in 1965, who blunted the Indian offensive in Sialkot Sector, and Major General Eftikhar Khan Janjua, who captured the strategic town of Chhamb in 1971. During the Indo-Pakistani Wars of 1948, 1965 and 1971, the regiment was awarded seven Hilal-i-Jurat and 64 Sitara-i-Jurat, while more than 1500 officers and men sacrificed their lives in defence of their Motherland. Since then, the regiment has continued to uphold its formidable reputation and rendered invaluable services in the country's defence, in aid to civil authorities during natural disasters and insurgencies, and as United Nations Peacekeepers.

The present badge of the Baloch Regiment, adopted in 1959, depicts crossed Mughal swords within a crescent, under the Islamic Star of Glory, appearing above a title scroll. All ranks wear a rifle green beret with a cherry coloured backing for the badge. Officers wear a cherry coloured boss surmounted by a silver star on forage caps. Badges of rank are in black metal with cherry edging. Bandsmen wear the traditional rifle green tunic and cherry trousers of the old Baluch battalions. The Regimental Tartan is the Baluch Regiment Tartan.

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