Deputy Chief of the Army Staff (Pakistan)

The Deputy Chief of the Army Staff (DCOAS) in Pakistan holds the rank of Lieutenant-General and serves as Principal Staff Officer (PSO) of the Pakistan Army. They report directly to the Vice Chief of the Army Staff and occupy a crucial three-star rank position. Assisting the Chief of Army Staff, the Deputy Chief of Army Staff holds the third most important military position in the Pakistan Army. Their responsibilities encompass strategic planning, decision-making, and the overall management of the army.

History
The position of Deputy Chief of Army Staff (DCOAS) in Pakistan had persisted since the era of the previous military ruler, Zia-ul Haq. It was first officially established in May 2001 as the Principal Staff Officer of the Pakistan army by then Chief Executive of Pakistan General Parvez Musharraf after the 1999 military takeover.

The post of the Deputy Chief of the army staff is the third most senior position and the appointment holder is a three-star general. To date, only one Deputy COAS has been appointed and that is Lt. General Muzaffar Hussain Usmani who was appointed as Deputy Chief on 3 May 2001 by then Chief executive and COAS General Pervez Musharraf.

During Usmani's time as Deputy COAS held the rank of a three-star general and occupied the second-highest military position in the Pakistan Army. Gen. Musharraf's decision to appoint him was seen as a means to consolidate his own authority and potentially pave the way for his ascension to the presidency of Pakistan. However, their relationship soured over time, leading to Lt. Gen. Usmani's removal from the position in 2002.

Appointees
Mentioned below is the only person to serve as Deputy Chief of Army Staff