# Army Museum Lahore

Army Museum Lahore (Urdu: پاک فوج متحف لاہور) is a museum located in Lahore documenting the military history of the Pakistan Army. Established in 2017, it is based on Lahore Cantonment land opposite Lahore Airport. The museum is Pakistan's second largest collection of military objects in the country. The collection highlights the Military history of Pakistan, from the 16th century Mughal Empire to the modern day Pakistan. Brig (Retired) Khan Ahmed Sufyan is the Founding Director of Army Museum Lahore. He was assisted by Dr Sayyam in creation and curation of museum. The museum was designed by Sadia Zenab Khan with help of Yasir Saeed and Zeenat Zia. The project manager was Aamir Waheed while building was made by Usama Saeed.

## Establishment

Opened to general public on September 23, 2017, the museum has undergone complete re-haul ever since, and introduced sections from Mughal era to the more recent, Pakistan's War on Terrorism. The museum houses detailed history of evolution of Pakistan Army. The museum grounds also houses a war memorial to the fallen soldiers of IV Corps of the Pakistan Army.
Originally envisioned by Major General Aamir Abbasi as the "10 Division, Tenacious Ten Museum," the project was significantly expanded and transformed into a comprehensive Army Museum under the direction of General Raheel Sharif. Brigadier (Retired) Khan Ahmed Sufyan, as Project Director, and Dr. Sayyam Bin Saeed, as Founding Deputy Director, spearheaded the development. Brigadier Sufyan and Dr. Saeed notably broadened the museum's scope, extending its historical narrative from 1947 to encompass the ancient civilizations of Mehrgarh and the Indus Valley. This expansion included the creation of numerous new galleries and displays, such as the Shuhada Wall, the History of Pakistan Gallery, the Evolution of Warfare exhibit, Rebirth of a Nation, Tribute to the White of Flag, Women in Khakhi, Tribute to the Nation, Nation Building, alongside significant revisions to war galleries. The team, under Sufyan's meticulous supervision, also oversaw the construction and curation of the museum, adding modern amenities like a cafe and curio shop. Opened to the public on September 23, 2017, after initial gallery inaugurations by General Raheel Sharif in November 2016, the museum has become a highly popular destination in Pakistan. The project began with a groundbreaking on June 5, 2015, and was officially inaugurated on August 13, 2017.
Army Museum Lahore displays arms and ammunition from the Mughal Era and all the way up to modern weapons. Detailed history of the evolution of the Pakistan Army is displayed in the museum building.

## Army Museum-War Elephant Display

In the initial design of Army Museum Lahore, History of Pakistan, Rebirth of a Nation, and Evolution of Warfare galleries were not planned. The idea emerged when the museum's history theme was changed from 1947 to ancient history of the land (9000 years old urbanized history). One of the major reasons was a discussion on a book, Historic Battlefield of Pakistan by Johnny Torrens-Spence. During the first phase, 1948 and 1965 war galleries were readjusted and History of Pakistan and Rebirth of a Nation galleries were designed. In next phase, Army Accolades, Nation Building, and Tribute to the Nation galleries were converted into wall displays. Resultantly, space was created in the central aisle. The central aisle was titled as Evolution of Warfare. It was decided to display the following side by side:
▪ A war elephant, a horse, and a tank.
▪ A chariot and an APC (Armoured Personnel Carrier).
▪ An archeror and an artillery gun.
▪ An ancient infantry soldier and a modern infantry soldier.
Brigadier Sufyan, Ms Aamna Nadeem and Ms Samar Akram carried out a comprehensive research on war elephants, bows, and arrows etc. This War Elephant shows the resilience of local brave people against the invading armies.