Pakistan will arrange Rocket Force Command: Shehbaz

Pakistan will set up a brand new army power to oversee its missile capabilities, the Prime Minister has mentioned, after its worst battle in many years with India.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif introduced the formation of the Rocket Force Command whereas addressing an Independence Day ceremony in Islamabad attended by senior army officers late on Wednesday (August 13, 2025).

“It might be outfitted with fashionable expertise and able to putting the enemy from all instructions,” Mr. Sharif mentioned on the ceremony, throughout which the lethal conflict with India in May dominated official speeches and shows.

“It will enhance our standard warfare capabilities,” he mentioned, commending the army for its efficiency.

Pakistan and India fought an intense four-day battle in May that killed dozens of individuals on each side in missile, drone and artillery fireplace, the worst clashes between the nuclear-armed neighbours since 1999.

Higher defence spend

Islamabad is boosting its army capabilities following the battle, growing defence spending by 20% within the present Budget that was handed in June.

It additionally introduced that it was in discussions to amass 40 new Chinese fighter jets and new air defence techniques.

“After the latest battle, the thing in fact is to additional strengthen Pakistan’s army functionality and this is part of that course of,” defence analyst Talat Masood mentioned.

The May battle was triggered by a lethal assault on vacationers in Kashmir’s Pahalgam on April 22, which resulted within the dying of 26 civilians.

Islamabad is in talks to amass 40 new Chinese fighter jets and new air defence techniques.