Gilgit Baltistan Scouts
| Gilgit Baltistan Scouts | |
|---|---|
| Active | 2003–present |
| Country |
 Pakistan |
| Branch |
 Paramilitary forces of Pakistan |
| Type | Paramilitary |
| Role | Law enforcement/Border patrol |
| Size | 2,481 |
| Part of | Ministry of Interior (MoI) |
| Garrison/HQ | Gilgit, Gilgit-Baltistan |
| Nickname(s) | G-B Scouts |
| Website | http://www.gilgitbaltistanscouts.gov.pk |
| Commanders | |
| Director General, Gilgit | Brigadier Babar Allauddin |
The Gilgit Baltistan Scouts (reporting name: GB Scouts) are part of the Paramilitary forces of Pakistan, under the direct control of the Ministry of the Interior of the Pakistan Government. The Scouts are an internal security force with the prime objective to protect northern borders of Pakistan and support Civil Administration in ensuring maintenance of law and order anywhere in Pakistan. The force was Formerly known as Northern Areas Scouts, It was renamed as Gilgit Baltistan Scouts in 2011 due to the imposition of "Empowerment and Self Governance Order" in 2009.[1]
History
Gilgit Baltistan Scouts can be identified with Gilgit Scouts which were raised in 1889. This force played a key role in fighting the war of liberation against Dogra / Indian Forces in 1947/1948 and won independence for the people of Northern Areas (now Gilgit Baltistan). Gilgit Scouts were further reinforced by raising of Northern and Karakorum Scouts. These three Corps of Scouts subsequently merged in 1974 to form the Northern Light Infantry (NLI).
After the Kargil conflict, in 1999 the Northern Light Infantry Units were given the status of regular Army. The need of having Civil Armed Force in the Northern Areas remained a constant demand of the people since 1974. NA Scouts, therefore emerged as 5th Civil Armed Force of Pakistan on 31 October 2003.
With the imposition of "Empowerment and Self Governance Order" in 2009, Northern Areas were given the name of Gilgit Baltistan. Consequently, Northern Area Scouts being a Federal Civil Armed Force in this region was also renamed as Gilgit Baltistan Scouts on 17 January 2011.[2]
Role
- Perform Border Security duties in Gilgit Baltistan or elsewhere.
- Assist Army / FCNA in the defence of the Country as and when required.
- Protect important Communication Centers and Routes.
- Undertake Counter Terrorism Operations on orders.
- Assist Law Enforcement Agencies in maintenance of Law and Order.[3]
Organization
The Force is organized on the lines of regular army. Units in Gilgit Baltistan Scouts are called Wings. Strength of one wing is 827 persons. The Force has three wings, one training centre and Force Headquarters.[4]
Training
Each soldier undergo six-month training at Gilgit Baltistan Scouts Training Centre. They undergo different training courses in the wings and Gilgit Baltistan Scouts Centre. Each year number of selected soldier also get training from Army training institutions. Training is conducted as under.
- To train selected recruits so as to turn a raw civilian in to an intelligent, self-confident, motivated and physical fit soldier.
- Produce young soldier with sound character traits, military bearing and appearance.
- Prepare a recruit mentally and physically for IS and operational requirements.
- To train recruit in handling of basic weapon being used in Gilgit Baltistan Scouts.[5]
Standard equipment
- Automatic Rifles - 7.62 mm G3A3, 7.62 mm G3P4 Steyr AUGs and AK-47s
- Machine Guns - 7.62 mm MG3
- Sub-Machine Guns - 9 mm MP5A2 & MP5P4, 9 mm SMG-PK.
- Pistols - Glock series, Sigma series TT pistol
- Dragunov sniper rifle,PSG 1 (POF made)
- heavy machine gun - 12.7mm DShK
- Bullet Proof Jackets - Various local and foreign types
- Helmets - Modular Integrated Communications Helmet and indigenous helmets produced by AWC,Pakistan.
- APC - Mohafiz (vehicle)
- NVG goggles
The formal head wear of the scouts are somewhat similar to the ones worn by the Pakistan Rangers Punjab.
Operations and Internal Security
The Force is performing both operational and Internal Security tasks since its raising. Special Composite Task Force formed for protection of Karakorum Highway is commanded by Gilgit Baltistan Scouts. The Force also took part in recent operations in Waziristan.
Director Generals
- Brigadier Inayat Wali (2004–2005)
- Brigadier Tassaduq Hussain Zahid (2005–2007)
- Brigadier Azmat Ali (2007–2009)
- Brigadier Nadeem Ul Ahsan Tirmizi (2009–2012)
- Brigadier Babar Allauddin (2012–2014)
- Brigadier Farooq Azam (2014–Todate)