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About C&S College
General
The Command and Staff College, Quetta is a modern military institution recognised the world over. It is a reputed seat of learning for warfare and allied staff aspects with a student body of 362 officers, which include nearly 30 officers from over 23 allied nations. The Allied Officers form an important segment of the College community, adding colour and giving a cosmopolitan touch to life at the College.
The Command and Staff College is dedicated to provide the highest standards of training, education and professional excellence. The faculty commits itself to the primary goal of preparing students to shoulder higher responsibilities in a multi-dimensional environment in peace and war.
The student is made to understand and apply principles - analytically, logically, speedily and decisively. He should be able to communicate his reasoning and decisions with ease, supervise implementation and ensure execution. To achieve these goals, there are about 52 members on the faculty at any one time making an instructor to student ratio of about 1:7, which is amongst the highest in the world.
The College provides an active and eventful campus that is unparalleled among Pakistan Army training institutions. The curriculum is progressive and challenging, with a balanced injection of co-curricular and extra-curricular activities that demand total commitment from the officers and the active cooperation of their families. To ease this task, the College provides them with an enviable level of comfort, administrative support and recreational facilities. This healthy interaction and involvement helps in maintaining a highly conducive campus environment that nurtures in the officers and their families - a course espirit de corps that identifies them for the rest of their service life. Thus, the Staff College year begins on an expectant note, progresses on a fast pitch and demanding tempo, and ends on nostalgia and lasting bonds.
Educational philosophy
The Command and Staff College is dedicated to the highest standards of training, education and professional excellence. Student officers and the faculty commit themselves to the primary goal of preparing officers for multi-dimensional duties, with pre-eminence to operational training.
The curriculum is designed to develop a student officer's reasoning and decision making abilities, character, expression and team work. The students are trained to identify a problem, determine the basic issues involved, obtain necessary information for its solution and formulate a befitting response. The development of the ability to take sound and timely decisions in any given situation after considering relevant facts and applying the concerned principles, is the focal point of the educational philosophy. The curriculum also focuses on the improvement of thinking, reasoning and communication skills of the student. Particular attention is paid to the development of intellectual honesty, integrity, professional values and standards.
Objectives
The Command and Staff College prepares its students not only to handle and employ their outfits confidently, but more importantly, provides them a broad outlook and intellectual depth to deal efficiently with more complex modes and methods of warfare under challenging leadership environment. At the end of the year, our graduate should:-
| * | Possess a deep insight into the employment of forces in tactical operations under prevailing battlefield environment. |
| * | Be able to confidently and imaginatively handle all operational and administrative staff functions and prepare his outfit to cohesively perform its challenging peace and war time roles. |
| * | Be able to discern the place of tactical plans within the ambit of operational strategy and joint services warfare. |
| * | Be able to thoughtfully apply modern leadership and management skills within our socio-religious setting. |
| * | Cultivate interest in broadening his vision, professional base and outlook and be able to research wide ranging issues of professional import. |
| * | Be able to comprehend the intricacies of international and regional political order, and its compulsions and implications. |
| * | Develop the acumen to identify the central issue of military and general problems and present clear and innovative options for their resolution. |
Selection Criteria
The Pakistani student officers who attend the Course must meet the following prerequisites and qualifications:-
| a. | Rank/Service: Captains/Majors with 8-12 years service. |
| b. | Courses : Respective arm/service Mid Career Course and Promotion Examinations. |
| c. | Selection Criteria: Based on merit list of a competitive examination, service record and professional standing. |
| d. | Civil: Preferably Bachelor of Arts/Science to qualify for the award of Bachelor of Science (Honours) War Studies degree from the University of Balochistan. |
Location
The Command and Staff College is located at Quetta, the capital city of Balochistan, at the entrance to the picturesque Urak Valley. To the north, south-east and south-west stand the lonely sentinels of 'TAKATU' 'MURDARGHAR' and 'CHILTAN', rising to heights of 930 metres (10,000 feet) to 1020 metres (11,000 feet). Stark, bare and ostensibly inhospitable citadels of sheer rock structure, but enchanting, in a strange way, to the primeval memory of mankind. Lower than the 'MURDARGHAR' and closer to the Staff College, the SLEEPING BEAUTY displays her charms, undiminished by the ravages of that dreaded hangman, "Time". This hill feature takes its name from its uncanny resemblance to a lady in repose. She is at her best when the first winter snow throws her in sharp contrast against the skyline. About Quetta
Quetta, the fruit garden of Pakistan and the capital of Balochistan is the legendary stronghold of the western frontier. It sits at 1,680 metres (5,500 feet) above sea level.
Quetta is one of the most important military stations of the country, occupying a vital and strategic position on account of the fact that the boundaries of Iran and Afghanistan meet here, and the Bolan Pass lies on important lines of communications. It is connected by rail with Lahore, (727 miles) away, with Peshawar (986 miles), and Karachi (536 miles). A new road connects it with Karachi through Khuzdar, Makran and Las Bela. It is also connected with Zahidan (Duzdab), Iran, by railway. Quetta tribespeople are strong and silent in their bearing, they are known for their friendliness and hospitality. To make a visitor comfortable is part of their tradition.
History
Quetta, derived from Kwatta, meaning fort in Pushtu, no doubt is a natural fort, surrounded as it is by imposing hills on all sides. The encircling hills have the resounding names of Chiltan, Takatu, Murdar and Zarghun.
Quetta was first mentioned in the 11th century when it was captured by Mahmud of Ghazni on one of his invasions of the Subcontinent. In 1543 the Moghul emperor Humayun rested here on his retreat to Persia, leaving his one-year-old son Akbar until he returned two years later. The Moghuls ruled Quetta until 1556, when it was taken by the Persians, only to be retaken by Akbar in 1595.
The powerful Khans of Kalat held the fort from 1730. In 1828 the first westerner to visit Quetta described it as a mud-walled fort surrounded by 300 mud houses. Although occupied briefly by the British during the First Afghan War in 1839, it was not until 1876 that Quetta came under permanent British control and Robert Sandeman was made political agent in Balochistan. Since Partition the Population of Quetta has increased dramatically.
Because of its military base and trading activities, and the introduction of commercial fruit farming, Quetta District can now support half a million people. Quetta, before the great earth-quake of 31 May, 1935, was a bright and bustling city, having multi storied buildings, it was almost completely destroyed in this great earthquake and was razed to the ground in the small hours of the morning of that fateful day, when about 40,000 souls perished within the twinkling of an eye. After the great calamity that overtook Quetta, houses are generally single storeyed and quake proof. These houses are built with bricks and reinforced concrete. The structure is generally of lighter material. Incidentally, the bricks of Quetta have a yellowish tinge unlike the red variety of Sindh and the Punjab.
Climate
Quetta has a dry and healthy climate with no factory chimneys to pollute its fresh and invigorating mountain air. Winter sets in by November and lasts till end February. Snowfall is light, though it is not unusual to have one as late as March. Quetta winters are severe and minimum temperatures of minus 12 degrees Celsius (10 degrees Fahrenheit) are not uncommon. Providentially the College is closed during the peak winter period.
Quetta can boast of the best spring and autumn in Pakistan. Although summers are warm, the maximum temperature rarely exceeds 32 degrees Celsius (90 degrees Fahrenheit). The evenings are extremely pleasant, characterised by a cool breeze that springs to life an hour or two after sunset. Fans are required during the months of May through August or sometimes September.
Hanna Lake
Jade waters that form a colourful contrast to the barren, ochre coloured mountainside. It nestles in the hills ten km (six miles) east of Quetta, a startling turquoise pool within bare brown surroundings. There is a lakeside restaurant with picnic tables shaded by pine trees. At one end, the irrigation dam rises out of the depths like battlements of a fort. It is very attractive for holiday makers, are crowded with hikers and campers in holidays. You can hire a boat and paddle on the lake and round the island in the middle. Urak Tangi Valley
To the left of Hanna Lake, about two km (one mile) away, and right for the eight-km (five-mile), there is another picnic spot- the environs of Urak Tangi Valley, which is known as the fruit garden of Quetta which is full of orchards in April. Cherry, apricot, apple and peach trees form a tunnel of blossom over the road. Urak, at the top end of the valley, is a village of square, mud houses roofed with roots and mud laid across wooden beams. The village is surrounded on three sides by the Zarghun range of hills. A stream rushes down from Urak Tangi, a narrow gorge in the hills; a short walk will take you up onto the lower slopes where partridges call among the rocks and you can look down on the whole valley. In the little water mill beside the stream two round stones grind wheat into flour.Pishin Valley
About 50 km, from Quetta is the valley of Pishin, which is surrounded by thousands of acres of vineyards and orchards, made by boring holes into rocks to bring to the surface the deep water. The rich harvest of apples, grapes, plums, peaches and apricots is loaded at Yaru railway station, seven miles from Pishin. Bund Khushdil Khan
After 16 km from Pishin is the man made lake Bund Khushdil Khan. Its cool gently rippling water attracts many visitors for duck shooting in early winters.
Fort
It is the citadel, which gave Quetta its name. A military stronghold, inaccessible to visitors.
Archaeological Museum
Has exhibits from the pre-historic era to this century.
Hazar Ganji Park
Situated 1800 metres above sea level is this unique national park in the mountains, 20 km south-west of Quetta.
Children's Amusement Park
Located within the garrison, it provides modern amusement facilities for children and even grown ups. It provides good quality fun rides of international standards.
Ziarat Valley
The main hill station of Balochistan, 120 km from Quetta at an altitude of 2450 metres, among ancient Juniper forests. Made famous by summer villa of the Quaid-e-Azam, which is still maintained and houses his personal belongings. Bolan Pass
A famous 87 km long pass, it is the only road and rail route which links Quetta valley with lower Sindh.
Sibi
Largest settlement in Balochistan outside Quetta lies at the mouths of Harnai and Bolan passes. Once a year it celebrates a well attended Sibi Mela.
Kalat
Seat of the once mighty Khans of Kalat since 15th Century; is located 143 km south of Quetta.
Khojak Pass
It is 110 km from Quetta and extends to four km, links Chaman with Quetta and has the longest railway tunnel of the Sub-continent, built in 1889.
History of Command & Staff College
History
The Command and Staff College, Quetta, is the oldest and the most prestigious institution of the Pakistan Army. It was established temporarily in 1905 at Deolali, near Bombay in India by Lord Kitchener, Commander-in-Chief of the British Indian Army. On 1 April the same year, Brigadier General A.W.S. Bayly assumed his appointment as the Commandant, and the first batch of 24 officers commenced their studies. In 1907, the College was moved from Deolali to its permanent location at Quetta.
In the disastrous earthquake of 31 May 1935, which claimed 40,000 lives, the College fortunately escaped major damage. It was, however, decided to rebuild the Staff College in earthquake proof construction. The present Officers Mess building and some of the instructional staff quarters were built in 1936, but work on the main building could not begin due to various compulsions.
The main building of the College was demolished on 26 March 1971 and in its stead was built an imposing modern structure. This building, completed in 1975, with its unique clock tower, the flanking wings of the model rooms, the library and the auditorium, and the terraced garden in front, symbolises the commitment of the College towards dynamic growth and progress, while taking pride in the solidity of its glorious past.
The Command and Staff College has been the alma mater of many renowned soldiers from countries the world over. Some of the distinguished personalities include Field Marshals Wavell, Montgomery, Auchinleck and Slim (UK), Blamey (Australia), Ayub Khan (Pakistan) and Manekshaw (India). Generals Muhammad Musa, Yahya Khan, Gul Hassan, Tikka Khan, Zia Ul Haq, Aslam Beg, Asif Nawaz and Abdul Waheed, who all rose to be Pakistan Army's Chiefs, are graduates of the College.
Years 2000 and 2001 saw major changes in the teaching methodology under Lt Gen Tariq Waseem Ghazi. The ‘IT’ plans were finalized and extensive uplift and beautification work was undertaken. In 2001, under Major General Malik Arif Hayat, the computer hardware was deployed. By 2003 the Computer Project was fully operative. With all essential modules in place by February, Staff Course 2004 was conducted under a fully ‘IT’ environment.
The year 2005 saw the hundred years of the college and the Centenary Celebrations were schedule from 1st to 3rd April 2005, with the President of Pakistan, Gen Pervez Musharraf, a graduate and an ex faculty member, as the Chief Guest.
The year 2008 saw a major policy change in the rescheduling of the Staff Course from July instead of usual January. This has been done to bring it synchronization with the postings schedule of the Army.
The Emblem
Since the Staff College is concerned with inculcating professional wisdom in the students, the 'OWL' was considered, at the time of its inception, to be the most appropriate symbol for the College. The emblem of the College perched on crossed swords. The 'OWL', symbol of learning and wisdom, and the swords, the Greek god of War, combined, thus, depict the character of this institution - the seat of military knowledge and wisdom.
The same emblem was retained till 1950 when the Latin motto 'By the Pen as much as by the Sword' was replaced by the Persian Couplet, "Pir sho, beyamoz, Saadi". This is a quotation from Saadi the famous Persian poet and thinker.
In 1956 as Pakistan became a Republic the crown was removed.
The symbol 'OWL' for 74 years, was replaced by much more significant and potent epithet, "IQRA", which symbolises the first word of command of the Almighty to the Holy Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) and, through him, to all mankind "IQRA BE ISME RABBEK ALLAZI KHALAQ" (Read in the name of thy Lord who createth). It implies constant quest for multi-dimensional knowledge, application and effort. This centre piece stands emblazoned on a gold and silver base which symbolizes molten earth in a perpetual state of evolutionary flux. Molten earth has been shown golden in the centre and light silvery at the circumference since a person of genuine scholarship and enlightenment ought to glow and serve as a beacon for others. The cross swords of the emblem are the traditional symbol of the Pakistan Army.The Motto:
"PIR SHO BIYAMOOZ - SAADI"
A scroll runs through the swords on which are inscribed the Persian words "PIR SHO BIYAMOOZ - SAADI". Its literal translation is ''Grow old by learning, Saadi"(famous Persian poet). When paraphrased, it means, "Go on learning and acquiring knowledge until you are old".
College Colors
Grey and Maroon are twin colours of the College since its inception in 1905. The College monogram, stationery, flags, crockery and magazines have traditionally been carrying the maroon and grey colours. The two colours have a special symbolic value:-
| * | Grey | First and foremost grey colour was the predominant colour in the war and tribal flag of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him). As such it symbolises a struggle for a just cause, grey, a balanced mix of black and white perfectly represent the essence of Islam, i.e., balance moderation and equality. Grey colour has also been universally associated with learning and wisdom, hence the term 'grey-coats' became popular for students of well-known schools in Europe. Grey colour also means experience (especially if it appears in the hair). Students of Staff Courses attain priceless experience in the art of warfare here. |
| * | Maroon | Maroon colour symbolizes the material heritage and traditions of the region in which the staff college is located. Balochistan, the land of the warriors and horsemen. For centuries the arid plains and mountains of this region have provided the canvass upon which countless tales of heroism and honour were written. The Baloch Charge was famous for its rapidity and brute efficiency. KAI KAI BALOCH was the battles cry. The brave tribesmen would die willingly to preserve the honour of their tribe. Their bodies would be bathed in their own blood, which would dry up and take on the maroon hue |
Photo Gallery of Staff & Command School
Command & Staff College is the oldest training institution of Pakistan Army. It was established in 1905 by Lord Kitchener, the then C in C of British Indian Army at a temporary location at Deolali in India while the construction of College campus was underway at Quetta. Brigadier General A.W.L. Bayly assumed the appointment of the first commandant on 1 April 1905, whereas the first course commenced on 1 July the same year. The College formally started functioning at Quetta on 1 Jun 1907.
To this date the college has had 46 distinguished commandants including the present commandant. The first muslim commandant, Major General M.A. Latif Khan took over the college on 5 August 1954.
COMMANDANT's GALLERY
 Brig Gen A. W.L Bayly 1 Apr 1905 -18 Mar 1906 |  Brig Gen T.Capper 31 Mar 1906-24 Jan 1911 |  Brig Gen W.P.Braithwaite 25 Jan 1911-20 Aug 1914 |  Maj Gen Sir L.R. Vaughan 13 Jun 1919-28 Jan 1923 |  Maj Gen Sir Gerald F.Boyed 29 Jan1923-28 Jan 1927 | |
 Maj Gen C.A.C Goodwin 29 Jan 1927-25 Dec 1927 |  Maj Gen E.T.Humphreys 6 Jan 1928-11 Aug 1931 |  Maj Gen R.C Wilson 14 Sep 1931-30 Oct 1934 |  Maj Gen G.C.Williams 31 Oct 1934-27 Apr 1937 |  Maj Gen A.B.Haig 28 Apr 1937-15 Mar 1940 | |
 Brig A.F.P Christison 16 Mar 1940-17 Feb 1941 |  Brig C.A. Osborne 18 Feb 1941-8 Apr 1942 |  Brig G.C. Evans 9 Apr 1942-22 Aug 1943 |  Brig B.H. Chappel 23 Aug 1943-10 Jun 1944 |  Brig H.V.Collingridge 11 Jun 1944-23 Mar 1945 | |
 Maj Gen S.F.Irwin 24 Mar 1945-31 Mar 1947 |  Maj Gen H.L Davies 1 Apr 1947-21 Aug 1947 |  Maj Gen I.C.A Lauder 2 Feb 1948-31 Mar 1952 |  Maj Gen A.Tilly 1 Apr 1952-4 Aug 1954 |  Maj Gen M.A.Latif Khan, MBE 5 Aug 1954-5 Jul 1957 | |
 Maj Gen M.G.Jilani 16 Jul 57-21 Dec 58 |  Brig S.A.A.Bilgrami 22 Dec 58-26 Dec 62 |  Maj Gen Sahabzada Yaqub Khan 6 Jan 63-17 Sep 65 |  Maj Gen Akhtar Hussain Malik, HJ 11 May 66-30 Jun 67 |  Maj Gen Abrar Hussain,HJ, MBE 9 Aug 67-15 Mar 68 | |
 Maj Gen Mohammad Shariff 20 May 68-31 Jan 70 |  Maj Gen Azmat Bakhsh Awan 1 Feb 70-10 Feb 72 |  Maj Gen Riaz Azim 15 Feb 72-31 Dec 74 |  Maj Gen S Wajahat Hussain 1 Jan 75-16 Jul 77 |  Maj Gen Muhammad Iqbal 17 Jul 77-7Sep 79 | |
 Maj Gen Ahmad Shamim Khan 8 Sep 79-21 Aug 82 |  Maj Gen Muhammad Safdar, SBt 22 Aug 82-7 Sep 85 |  Maj Gen Rehm Dil Bhatti 8 Sep 85-22 May 88 |  Maj Gen M Amin Khan Berki SI(M) 23 May 88-21 May 90 |  Lt Gen Syed Tanwir Hussain Naqvi,HI(M),SBt Jun 90-Dec 91 | |
 Maj Gen Ali Kuli Khan Khattak Feb 92-Jun 93 |  Maj Gen Saeed uz Zafar 2 Jul 93-18 Dec 95 |  Maj Gen Muhammad Amjad 19 Dec 95-19 Dec 98 |  Maj Gen Javed Afzal Khan 20 Dec 98-14 Nov 99 |  Lt Gen Tariq Waseem Ghazi 5 Feb 00-16 May 01 | |
 Maj Gen Malik Arif Hayat May 01-May 02 |  Maj Gen Mohsin Kamal May 02-Apr 05 |  Maj Gen Ahmad Shuja Pasha Apr 05-Apr 06 |  Lt Gen Khalid Nawaz Khan May 06-May 2010 |
Present Commandant
 | ||
Lieutenant General Khalid Rabbani 16 May 2010 |
Present Chief Instructor
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Brigadier Nauman Mahmood 15 Jan 2011 |
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