[1] The regiment was raised during the upheaval of the Indian Mutiny, at Ferozepur on 1 July 1857, as the Ferozepore Punjab Battalion, composed entirely of Saraswat Brahmins and Jat Sikhs.

In 1887, two more companies of Punjabi Muslims, composed of Janjuas and Minhas Rajputs from Dina, Gujar Khan and Kharian were added.

[3] Following the incidents of the riots, 28th Punjabis was transferred to Mesopotamia, where they fought in the bloody battles on the Tigris Front, as the British made desperate efforts to relieve their besieged garrison at Kut al Amara.

[1] In 1921-22, a major reorganization was undertaken in the British Indian Army leading to the formation of large infantry groups of four to six battalions.

The Punjabi Muslims were Janjuas and Gakhars from Kahuta, Gujar Khan, Dina and Sohawa sprinkled with some Awans from Pindigheb, and Talagang.