Lieutenant General Nauman Zakaria serves as Commander I Corps, known as Central Command, in the Pakistan Army since May 2024, overseeing critical strike operations near the Line of Control. A seasoned officer from the 11th Cavalry via the 80th PMA Long Course, he has risen through key roles in operations, logistics, and border security. His career highlights military diplomacy and conflict leadership, earning him awards like Sitara-e-Basalat, Hilal-i-Imtiaz, and Sitara-i-Imtiaz.wikipedia+1
Early Life and Education
Nauman Zakaria began his education at the prestigious Cadet College Hasanabdal, a foundational institution for many Pakistan Army officers. This early training instilled discipline and leadership, preparing him for a distinguished military path. Details on his family background remain limited in public records, focusing primarily on his professional journey.wikipedia
Military Commissioning and Early Career
Zakaria commissioned into the Pakistan Army's 11th Cavalry through the 80th PMA Long Course, marking his entry into armored operations. He progressed through command roles, including General Officer Commanding (GOC) of the 41st Infantry Division in Khuzdar and the 9th Infantry Division in Kohat. These postings honed his skills in infantry and regional security amid challenging terrains.dbpedia+1
Key Operational Roles and Achievements
As Director General Military Operations (DG MO), Zakaria managed high-stakes scenarios, including the 2019 India-Pakistan skirmishes where tensions nearly escalated to full conflict between nuclear powers. He played a pivotal role in 2021 military diplomacy, coordinating with Indian counterpart Lt Gen Paramjit Singh Sangha to reaffirm the 2003 ceasefire along the Line of Control (LoC) in Kashmir, reducing cross-border violations. Earlier, under his oversight, Pakistan Army advanced fencing along the Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa-Afghanistan border by 2018, enhancing surveillance against infiltrations.dawn+1
He also served as Vice Chief of General Staff-Alpha (VCGS-A), contributing to strategic planning at General Headquarters (GHQ), Rawalpindi. Promoted to Lieutenant General, he took on Chief of Logistics Staff (CLS), streamlining supply chains vital for operational readiness.x+1
Current Command: I Corps and Central Command
Since May 2024, Zakaria leads I Corps from Mangla, Azad Kashmir, Pakistan's oldest strike formation with the 6th Armoured Division, 17th Infantry Division, and 37th Infantry Division. Positioned for rapid offensives against India, it emphasizes mechanized breakthroughs near the LoC. In 2025, he commanded during the India-Pakistan conflict, earning Sitara-e-Basalat for exemplary leadership.theprint+2
Recent News and Speculations
Media reports in late 2025 fact-checked false claims of Zakaria's appointment as Army Chief or Chief of Defence Forces, confirming his ongoing I Corps role post-Chief of Logistics Staff. Speculation arose from political discussions involving PM Nawaz Sharif, but official notifications from GHQ and ISPR dismissed them. His prominence grew amid Pakistan Army's corps mapping, highlighting I Corps' strategic edge.youtubeinstagram+3
Controversies and Reported Tensions
Zakaria featured in unverified 2025 reports of internal Army dissent, where I Corps Commander was among officers voicing concerns over COAS Gen Asim Munir's Kashmir policies and escalation risks with India amid economic woes. Sources noted objections to preparedness for hostilities, though no official confirmation emerged. Social media circulated unverified videos alleging emotional displays during a Sialkot posting, labeled as anti-Army propaganda by critics, lacking credible backing. These remain speculative, with no substantiated impact on his career.facebook+1
Awards and Recognitions
Zakaria holds Hilal-i-Imtiaz (Military) and Sitara-i-Imtiaz for sustained service. The 2025 Sitara-e-Basalat recognized his conflict command, underscoring operational gallantry. These honors reflect contributions across diplomacy, border security, and strike readiness.x+1
Top Interesting Facts
Oversaw Pakistan-Afghanistan border fencing completion in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa by 2018, bolstering national security.wikipedia
Key diplomat in 2021 LoC ceasefire reaffirmation, averting escalation post-2019 skirmishes.wikipedia
Commands Mangla-based I Corps, Pakistan's premier strike force with armored-heavy divisions.theprint
Early education at Cadet College Hasanabdal, a hub for top officers.wikipedia
False 2025 rumors positioned him as potential Army Chief contender.x
FAQs
Who is Lt Gen Nauman Zakaria?
A three-star Pakistan Army general commanding I Corps (Central Command) since May 2024, previously DG MO and Chief of Logistics Staff.wikipedia+1
What is his current posting?
Commander I Corps at Mangla, Azad Kashmir, leading strike operations.theprint+1
What awards has he received?
Sitara-e-Basalat (2025), Hilal-i-Imtiaz, Sitara-i-Imtiaz.wikipedia
Did he serve in major conflicts?
Managed 2019 skirmishes as DG MO; commanded I Corps in 2025 India-Pakistan conflict.wikipedia
Any controversies linked to him?
Unverified reports of Army leadership tensions in 2025; social media claims debunked as propaganda.idrw+1
What is his regimental affiliation?
11th Cavalry (Frontier Force), via 80th PMA Long Course.wikipedia
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nauman_Zakaria
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