A. General Frank Messervy
B. General Douglas Gracey
C. General Ayub Khan
D. General Musa Khan
Background of Pakistan Army’s First Commander-in-Chief:
After the creation of Pakistan on 14 August 1947, the newly established Pakistan Army inherited much of its military structure from the British Indian Army. British officers initially held the highest command positions. General Sir Frank Messervy became the first Commander-in-Chief of the Pakistan Army. He was succeeded by General Sir Douglas Gracey, who served until 1951. On 17 January 1951, General Ayub Khan became the first Pakistani Commander-in-Chief, marking an important step toward the nationalization of the Army’s senior leadership.
Key Details About Pakistan Army Commanders
- First Commander-in-Chief: General Sir Frank Messervy
- Assumed Office: 15 August 1947
- Left Office: 10 February 1948
- Successor: General Sir Douglas Gracey
- First Pakistani Commander-in-Chief: General Ayub Khan
- Ayub Khan Assumed Office: 17 January 1951
- Commander-in-Chief Title Replaced By: Chief of Army Staff (COAS)
- Title Changed: 1972
Related Questions About Pakistan Army Commanders
1. Who was the first Commander-in-Chief of the Pakistan Army?
Answer: General Sir Frank Messervy.
2. Who was the last British Commander-in-Chief of the Pakistan Army?
Answer: General Sir Douglas Gracey.
3. Who was the first Pakistani Commander-in-Chief of the Pakistan Army?
Answer: General Ayub Khan.
4. In which year did Ayub Khan become Commander-in-Chief?
Answer: 1951.
5. When was the title Commander-in-Chief replaced by Chief of Army Staff?
Answer: 1972.
Exam Tip for Pakistan Army Command History
Do not confuse these three important names:
Frank Messervy → First Commander-in-Chief (1947)
Douglas Gracey → Last British Commander-in-Chief
Ayub Khan → First Pakistani Commander-in-Chief (1951)
This sequence is highly useful for PPSC, FPSC, PMS, CSS, NTS, OTS, ISSB, FIA, ASF, Police, Pakistan Army, and other competitive and recruitment examinations.