- 250,000
- 560,000 active personnel
- 1 million
- 800,000
As of early 2026, the Pakistan Army remains one of the largest standing armies in the world. According to updated defense statistics and regional military balance reports, the active-duty strength of the Pakistan Army specifically is approximately 560,000 personnel.
When considering the entire Pakistan Armed Forces (which includes the Navy and Air Force), the total active-duty count rises to approximately 660,000 personnel.
Manpower Breakdown (2026 Estimates)
The army’s strength is significantly bolstered by its reserve and paramilitary tiers, which provide a deep “strategic cushion” for the country’s defense:
| Category | Estimated Personnel |
| Active-Duty (Army Only) | ~560,000 |
| Active-Duty (Navy & Air Force) | ~100,000 |
| Total Active Armed Forces | 660,000 |
| Military Reserve Force | ~550,000 |
| Paramilitary Forces | ~500,000 |
Notes on Paramilitary Support
While not counted in the “active-duty army” figure of 560,000, these forces are crucial to national security:
Civil Armed Forces (CAF): Includes the Frontier Corps (FC) and Pakistan Rangers, who are often commanded by Army officers and handle border security and internal stability.
National Guard: Comprises approximately 185,000 personnel used for local defense and auxiliary support.
SPD Force: A specialized force of over 25,000 dedicated to the protection of strategic (nuclear) assets.
Current Context: Following the structural reforms of late 2025 and the increased defense budget for the 2025–26 fiscal year, there has been a renewed focus on recruitment and modernization of the infantry to address both the “war-like situation” on the eastern border and ongoing counter-terrorism operations in the west.