An Introduction of Scouting in Pakistan

Scouting, also known as the Scout Movement, is a worldwide youth movement with the stated aim of supporting young people in their physical, mental and spiritual development, that they may play constructive roles in society.

World Scout was introduced in 1907 by Robert Baden Powell Lieutenant General in the British Army, held the first Scouting encampment on BrownSea Island in England. Baden-Powell wrote the principles of Scouting in Scouting for Boys (London, 1908), based on his earlier military books, with influence and support of Frederick Russell Burnham (Chief of Scouts in British Africa), Ernest Thompson Seton of the Woodcraft Indians, William Alexander Smith of the Boys' Brigade, and his publisher Pearson. During the first half of the 20th century, the movement grew to encompass three major age groups each for boys (Cub Scout, Boy Scout, Rover Scout) and, in 1910, a new organization, Girl Guides, was created for girls (Brownie Guide, Girl Guide and Girl Scout, Ranger Guide).

Scouting in Pakistan 

The Pakistan Boy Scouts Association (PBSA) (Urdu: پاکستان بوائے اسکا وٹ ایسوسی ایشن) is the national Scouting organization of Pakistan and has 526,626 members (as of 2011). Scouting was founded in Pakistan as part of the British Indian branch of The Scout Association. The PBSA was officially founded in 1947, immediately after independence from the British and became a member of the World Organization of the Scout Movement in April 1948.

On Scouting, Pakistan's founder and 1st Cheif Scout Of Pakistan Muhammad Ali Jinnah said

"Scouting can play a very vital role in forming the character of our youth, promoting their physical, mental and spiritual development and making them well disciplined, useful and good citizens. We are living in a far from perfect world. Despite the progress of civilization, the law of jungle, unfortunately, still prevails. Might is considered right and the strong do not refrain from exploiting the weak. Self advancement, greed and lust for power sway the conduct of individuals, as that of nations."

Scouting is practically managed in Pakistan by the provincial Scout associations; the purpose of the smaller Districts is to manage the movement efficiently and as per the rules and regulations of PBSA.

Currently PBSA has Ten provincial associations, namely:

• Punjab Boy Scouts Association
• Sindh Boy Scouts Association
• Khyber Pukhtunkhwa(Ex-NWFP)Boy Scouts Association
• Balochistan Scouts Association
• Gilgit-Baltistan Boy Scouts Association
• Azad Jamu & Kashmir Boy Scouts Association
• Islamabad Boy Scouts Association
• FATA Boy Scouts Association
• Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) Boy Scouts Association
• Pakistan Railways Boy Scouts Association

 Executive Members:

1.Mr.Justice Agha Rafiq Ahmed Khan

Chief Scout Commissioner of Pakistan , PBSA /Chief Justice of the Federal Shariat Court

2.Mr. Ghulam Ali Pasha, Senior Dy Chief Commissioner, PBSA

3.Mr. Inam Mohammad, Honorary Treasurer, PBSA

4.Mr. Mohammad Shuaib, International Commissioner, PBSA

5.Mr. Naveed-ullah Babar, National Secretary, PBSA

6.Mr. Abuzar Mansoor, Acting Director Training & Programme

7.Mr. Zahid Mahboob, Deputy Secretary, PBSA

8.Mr. Fayyaz Muhammad, Deputy Secretary (Projects & International Affairs).

Scout Motto:

Almustaid (Be-Prepared)

Sections and Badges:

Shaheen Scouts (Age: 7 to 11):

Badges:

Pehla Sitara

Dosra Sitara

Teesra Sitara

Allama Iqbal Badge (Highest Rank Badge)

Scout Section (Age: 12 to 17):

Badges:

Itehaad

Tanzeem

Yaqeen

Quaid-e-Azam Badge (Highest Rank Badge)

Rover Scouts (Age: 18 to 25):

Badges: 

Hamdam

Istaqlal

PRS Award Badge

Scout Leader (Age: 25+):

Scout Leader Course

Wood Badge

Assistant Leader Trainer

Leader Trainer

 This Photo was captured, When Pakistani Scouts leaving for attending World Scout Jamboree 2011, Sweden at Karachi International Airport, Pakistan.