India DGMO vs Pakistan DGMO Salary: Roles and Responsibilities Compared

As tensions along the India-Pakistan border continue to surface periodically, the role of the Directors General of Military Operations (DGMOs) becomes especially significant. These top-ranking officers are not only the strategic brains behind their respective military operations but also serve as critical communication links between the two nuclear-armed nations.

In the most recent development, Lieutenant General Rajiv Ghai (India) and Major General Kashif Abdullah (Pakistan), the current DGMOs of their countries, held a meeting to reaffirm the commitment to a ceasefire agreement and to promote stability along the Line of Control (LoC).

This article delves into the comparative roles, responsibilities, and salaries of the DGMOs of India and Pakistan, highlighting both structural similarities and notable differences.

What is a DGMO?

The Director General of Military Operations (DGMO) is a high-ranking military officer responsible for overseeing and coordinating military operations, especially during wartime or border crises. The position is vital for strategic military planning, monitoring conflict zones, and maintaining operational readiness. The DGMO also serves as the military’s point of contact in international military communications—most notably between India and Pakistan via a dedicated hotline.

What Is a DGMO? What Is Their Rank and Role?

India’s DGMO: Role, Responsibilities, and Salary

Rank & Position:

The Indian DGMO holds the rank of Lieutenant General, a prestigious three-star post in the Indian Army. This officer operates from the Army Headquarters in New Delhi and directly reports to the Chief of Army Staff (COAS).

Key Responsibilities:

• Strategic Planning: Designing and supervising military operations, including war strategies, peacekeeping efforts, and counter-terror operations.
• Border Management: Monitoring sensitive areas like the LoC (Line of Control) and responding to ceasefire violations or escalations.
• Crisis Response: Leading real-time responses to military crises through coordination with intelligence agencies and tri-service commands.
• International Communication: Acting as the Indian Army’s official interface with Pakistan’s DGMO during cross-border tensions.
• High-Level Briefings: Advising and updating the Army Chief and the Ministry of Defence on ongoing and planned operations.

Salary and Perks:

• Basic Pay: ₹1,82,200 – ₹2,24,100 per month (as per the 7th Pay Commission).
• Total Compensation: ₹2.5 – ₹3 lakh per month, including allowances.
• Perks:
  • Government accommodation
  • Staff car with driver
  • Security personnel
  • Comprehensive medical facilities
  • Subsidised utilities and travel

Pakistan’s DGMO: Role, Responsibilities, and Salary

Rank & Position:

The DGMO of Pakistan holds the rank of Major General, a two-star appointment. Though junior in rank to India’s DGMO, the post remains crucial within Pakistan’s military chain of command and reports to the Chief of Army Staff.

Key Responsibilities:

• Operational Planning: Supervising all ongoing and planned military operations, including internal security and border patrols.
• LOC Surveillance: Ensuring troop deployment and preparedness along volatile borders, particularly the LoC.
• Ceasefire Management: Liaising with India's DGMO to prevent escalation and maintain ceasefire agreements.
• Strategic Reporting: Providing regular operational updates to the Army Chief and implementing top-level directives.

Salary and Perks:

• Base Salary: PKR 3.5 to 5 lakh/month (approximately ₹1.06 lakh – ₹1.51 lakh INR).
• Perks:
  • Official residence
  • Military vehicle with driver
  • Armed security cover
  • Access to military healthcare
  • Subsidised amenities and exclusive officers’ clubs

DGMO India vs Pakistan: Key Comparison Table