Force Command Northern Areas is a division size formation of the Pakistan Army. It commands the troops deployed in the Northern Areas of Pakistan. It is a component of X Corps of the Pakistan Army. In contrast to the general belief that it is a corps sized formation, it is a division sized force commanded by a major general. Its coat of arms is a snow leopard on a black background.
Origins of FCNA
After the war of 1971 and the loss of territory in the Turtuk area (including three villages of Turtuk, Thang and Tyakshi), need was felt to hold the area more strongly included permanent presence of the army instead of leaving it to the care of Karakorum and Northern Scouts. Consequently, Force Command Northern Area was raised in 1972 as a brigade sized formation responsible for defense of Line of Control in what was then called Northern Areas. The formation was upgraded to a division sized formation in 1975 commanded by a Major General.