The XXX Corps is one of the Pakistan Army's 10 active corps and is currently based in Sialkot.

History

The vital area, which connects Pakistani Punjab and parts of Kashmir governed by India (extending from Jehlum to Narowal), has always been of strategic importance; the place was the site of major battles in both 1965 and 1971. Traditionally, this area had been held by I Corps. That corps already had offensive duties and the task of defending this area was being neglected by the corps HQ.

To improve the situation it was decided to raise another corps headquarters to look after this area. Thus the XXX Corps was raised and given the command of both new raisings and units and formations detached from I Corps, which was then dedicated to offensive tasks.

LOC Operations

Since the beginnings of an anti-India insurgency in Kashmir, the line of control has been an active operational zone. The corps has been deployed along its sector of the LOC and engaged in operations since 1989.

Order of battle

Its present order of battle is as follows:

• HQ XXX Corps, Sialkot
• 8th Infantry Division, Sialkot
• 15th Infantry Division, Sialkot
• 2nd Independent Armoured Brigade, Rawalpindi

References