Babar Khan (officer)

Raja Muhammad Babar Khan was a military leader and commander of the Ibex Force under the Gilgit Scouts during the First Kashmir War (1947–1948). A key figure in the Gilgit Rebellion, he played an important role in the liberation of Gilgit-Baltistan from Dogra rule and led successful military operations against opposing forces in the region.

Major Babar Khan SQA
Native name	راجہ محمد بابر خان
Born	December 25, 1917 Nagar, Gilgit Agency, British India
Died	October 22, 1973 (aged 56) Gilgit, Northern Areas, Pakistan
Allegiance	Pakistan
Branch	Pakistan Army
Years of service	1935–1959
Rank	Major
Commands	Gilgit Scouts Ibex Force
Battles / wars	Indo-Pakistani War of 1947-1948 Gilgit Rebellion Battle of Thorgo Action at Tsari Battle of Muzaffarabad
Awards	Sitara-e-Quaid-e-Azam
Police career
Allegiance	Pakistan
Branch	Gilgit Baltistan Police
Rank	Assistant Inspector General

Early life and education

Khan was born on December 25, 1917, in the royal palace of Nagar, a princely state in the Gilgit Agency. He was the son of Sir Shah Sikander Khan, the Mir of Nagar. He received his education from Gilgit high school. ^[1]

Role in the Gilgit Rebellion

On October 31, 1947, Major William Brown and Subedar Major Babar Khan led the Gilgit Scouts too surround the Governor's House in Gilgit,.^[2][3] They demanded the surrender of Brigadier Ghansara Singh, the then Dogra State Governor.^[4]

This operation led to the surrender of Brigadier Ghansara Singh on November 1, 1947 and the accession of the Gilgit Agency to the Dominion of Pakistan, marking a remarkable change in the history.^[5][6]

On November 2, for the first time the Pakistani flag was raised on the Gilgit Scout Lines, under the leadership of Major Brown, proclaiming Gilgit to be a part of Pakistan.^[7]

Formation of Ibex Force

During the early hours of 1948, Lt. Babar Khan, Major Ehsan and Capt Muhammad founded Ibex force. The force initially had almost 600 troops, including Gilgit Scouts, Chitral scouts and 6 Jammu and Kashmir Infantry. Reportedly, some local militias also joined the troops. The force had fought the Indo-Pakistani War of 1947-1948, notably Siege of Skardu.^[8][9]

Engagements in the First Kashmir War

Khan was a key figure in the First Kashmir War, leading crucial missions that helped secure victories. In February 1948, he commanded the "D" Wing of the Ibex Force during the attack on Tsari outposts near Skardu. This successful operation cleared enemy positions and allowed further advances. The following month, during the Battle of Thorgo, his tactics led the Gilgit Scouts to ambush an enemy relief column, which had headed for Skardu. The attack caused heavy casualties for the opposing forces and captured crucial supplies. His leadership in these battles proved vital to the overall success of the campaign.^{[10][11][12][13]}

Later life

Khan retired from the army in 1962 as Major. He was awarded Sitara-e-Quaid-e-Azam. The locals gave him the title "Fakhr-e-Kashmir" (ur : Pride of Kashmir). After retiring from military, he had joined the Police as SP, rose up to the rank of AIG. He died on 22 October 1973.^[1]