A. General Musa Khan
B. General Ayub Khan
C. General Yahya Khan
D. General Tikka Khan
Background of Pakistan Army’s First Pakistani Commander-in-Chief:
After Pakistan gained independence in 1947, the country’s armed forces initially continued to have British officers in their senior command positions. General Sir Frank Messervy became the first Commander-in-Chief of the Pakistan Army, followed by General Sir Douglas Gracey. On 17 January 1951, General Ayub Khan took over as Commander-in-Chief and became the first Pakistani to hold the position. His appointment marked an important step toward the complete nationalization of Pakistan’s military leadership.
Key Details About General Ayub Khan
- Full Name: General Muhammad Ayub Khan
- Position: Commander-in-Chief, Pakistan Army
- Assumed Office: 17 January 1951
- Significance: First Pakistani Commander-in-Chief
- Predecessor: General Sir Douglas Gracey
- Later Became: President of Pakistan
- Promoted to Field Marshal: 1959
- President: 1958–1969
Related Questions About Pakistan Army Commanders and COAS
1. Who was the first Pakistani Commander-in-Chief of the Pakistan Army?
Answer: General Ayub Khan.
2. In which year did Ayub Khan become Commander-in-Chief?
Answer: 1951.
3. Who was the last British Commander-in-Chief of the Pakistan Army?
Answer: General Sir Douglas Gracey.
4. Who was the first Chief of Army Staff after the title changed in 1972?
Answer: General Tikka Khan.
5. Who was the only Field Marshal of Pakistan?
Answer: Field Marshal Ayub Khan.
Exam Tip for Pakistan Army Command History
Remember this sequence:
1947 → Pakistan established
1951 → General Ayub Khan became the first Pakistani Commander-in-Chief
1959 → Ayub Khan became Field Marshal
1972 → Commander-in-Chief title replaced by COAS
This is an important Pakistan Studies topic for PPSC, FPSC, PMS, CSS, NTS, OTS, ISSB, FIA, ASF, Police, Pakistan Army, and other competitive and recruitment examinations.