Pakistan - Military Update - Page 2

Neo · 12-26-2005, 05:06 AM

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The Bush administration is maneuvering to balance possible big new U.S. arms sales to archrivals India and Pakistan in the new year.

In the past week, U.S. Vice President Dick Cheney and Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld have made separate visits, not announced in advance, to Pakistan, a key ally in the U.S.-declared war on terrorism.

F-16 Fighting Falcons from the 57th Wing at Nellis Air Force Base in Nevada are seen in this undated file photo. The Bush administration is maneuvering to balance possible big new U.S. arms sales to archrivals India and Pakistan in the new year. (REUTERS/US Air Force-Handout)
Islamabad will make up its mind in the coming year on a U.S. offer to resume F-16 fighter aircraft sales after a 16-year break, Foreign Minister Khursheed Kasuri was quoted by the Associated Press of Pakistan as saying after Cheney left.

Earlier this month, Air Force Lt. Gen. Jeffrey Kohler, head of the Pentagon's Defense Security Cooperation Agency, said he expected Pakistan to modify buying plans because of the Oct. 8 earthquake that killed more than 73,000 people.

"I think that what we were ready to do right before the earthquake is probably going to have to change," Kohler said in a Dec. 7 interview with Reuters in Washington.

"We'll get back with Pakistan early in the new year and see what they want to do," he added. Before the temblor, Pakistan had asked about buying as many as 75 new F-16C/D models and 11 refurbished F-16s, Kohler said in May.

The single-engine multi-role F-16 is built by Bethesda, Maryland-based Lockheed Martin Corp. New purchases would boost a fleet of about 32 F-16s acquired before Congress cut off sales in 1990 over Pakistan's nuclear program.

In May, the Pentagon told Congress it was proposing to let Pakistan buy 300 AIM-9M-1/2 "Sidewinder" heat-seeking, air-to-air missiles and 60 Harpoon missiles with a combined value of up to $226 million.

INDIA AS CHINA HEDGE

Separately, the United States is poised to push in the new year for major arms sales to India, a hedge against China's growing regional military clout and influence.

The Bush administration is weighing, among other things, whether to let India buy a state-of-the-art radar system as part of a U.S. bid for a potential $5 billion contract to supply 126 multi-role fighters, Kohler said in the interview.

The possible supply of Active Electronically Scanned Array Radar, or AESA, would boost U.S. prospects against expected competition from Sweden, France and Russia. The technology is meant to let U.S. fighters detect and destroy enemy aircraft at significantly longer ranges.

An Indian purchase of either the F-16 or the F/A-18E/F Super Hornet built by Boeing Co., the other U.S. fighter on offer, would cement a sea change in U.S.-Indian bilateral ties since the end of the Cold War.

"Their pilots (would) come to our schools. We'll train with them. We will work very closely with their maintenance technicians," said Kohler, who has visited India three times in the past year. He said he may go back to New Delhi in March and was planning to send his deputy, Richard Millies, in late January or early February to coincide with an arms bazaar.

New Delhi's ultimate choice of its next fighter aircraft "will be a fairly significant political statement," he said.

India is widely said to be interested also in a range of U.S. arms, including P-3C Orion maritime patrol aircraft, PAC-3 anti-missile systems and electronic warfare systems.

Analysts fear U.S. sales could fuel an arms race between India and Pakistan, which have fought three wars since the 1947 partition of British India.

If their rivalry flared anew, the United States could be on the hook to deliver sophisticated weaponry to a region on the brink of war, said Matt Schroeder of the Federation of American Scientists' arms sales monitoring project.

Endangered · 12-27-2005, 06:01 AM

US troops to leave Pakistan in March next year

Islamabad: American troops assisting in relief and rehabilitation operations will leave Pakistan's earthquake-hit areas in March next year, US Ambassador Ryan C Crocker has said. There are over 1,000 American personnel in Pakistan to 'assist with relief efforts', according to the US embassy.

Crocker announced the withdrawal of the soldiers during a visit to the quake-hit areas in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir and North West Frontier Province, private Geo television reported today.

The channel quoted Crocker as saying that he had discussed the issue with the country's relief commissioner and the understanding is that the soldiers will leave Pakistan by the end of March, 2006.

However, the Ambassador said that the US forces can stay if a request is made and if they are needed there.

Crocker visited US soldiers in PoK capital Muzaffarabad and Shinkiari, a town in NWFP, and exchanged Christmas greetings with them.

A US Army Mobile Army Surgical Hospital operating in Muzaffarabad and a US Combined Medical Relief Team operating in Shinkiari have provided urgent medical care to over 9,000 injured people.

The US has pledged a total of $510 million in earthquake relief and reconstruction efforts to assist Pakistan and to support government relief efforts.

This total includes $300 million in humanitarian relief and reconstruction assistance, $110 million in military support for relief operations, and at least $100 million anticipated from US private contributions.

Neo · 12-27-2005, 16:56 PM

While military operations against terrorism are essential in places like Iraq or Afghanistan, the global campaign against Islamic extremism will be won as much — if not more — in the Muslim heart and mind as it will be on the battlefield — at least that’s what a new Pakistani survey suggests.

According to a new poll conducted by ACNielsen, Pakistan — long a hotbed of terrorism and extremism — now holds the United States in higher regard than at any time since 9/11.

More importantly: Even though Pakistan is suspected of being the hiding place for Osama bin Laden and other terrorists, support for al-Qaeda and terrorism among Pakistanis has plummeted.

Turns out that American humanitarian aid and assistance in the aftermath of October’s devastating earthquake made all the difference.

Following the earthquake, which killed over 75,000 people, the United States pledged nearly $500 million for relief and reconstruction efforts.

More than 250 U.S. military and civilian cargo airlifts delivered over 7,000 tons of supplies, adding to the more than 1,000 U.S. civilians who traveled to Asia to lend a hand.

U.S. military helicopters have flown more than 3,000 relief missions. A Navy “Sea Bee” construction unit is clearing debris, erecting support facilities and building refugee camps. A U.S. Army MASH medical unit has provided medical care.

So how did this Herculean humanitarian effort pay off with the 1,450 Pakistanis polled in November’s survey?

Seventy-eight percent of those asked have a more favorable opinion of the United States, with the strongest support coming from those under 35 years of age.

Positive opinions of the United States in Pakistan doubled from 23 percent in May to more than 46 percent in November, while negative views fell from 48 to 28 percent. Over the same period, support for the “mythical” Osama bin Laden, dropped from 51 percent to 33 percent, while those opposing the al-Qaeda leader shot up from 23 percent to 41 percent.
Those respondents who see terrorist suicide attacks as never justifiable increased from 45 percent to 73 percent during the same six-month period. And, shockingly, the United States proved more popular than both other Western countries and radical Islamist groups.

It wasn’t all sunshine and light though: Pakistanis increasingly don’t support the American-led war on terror. The survey showed that those who opposed the war on terror grew from 52 percent in May to 64 percent now.

So what does this mean?

First, American humanitarian aid can make a difference in favorably changing public opinion in the Muslim world about the United States, terrorism and radicalism.

Interestingly, similar positive polling results were found in Indonesia — a country that has been struck by al-Qaeda affiliate Jemaah Islamiya four times in three years — following the strong U.S. response to last December’s tsunami.

Second, while a necessary component of our counterterrorism strategy for now, the U.S.-led military element of the war on terror is still unpopular in the Muslim world.

While not much can be done about that in the short term, every effort should be made to transition as soon as practicable from the use of U.S. “hard power” to “soft power” that supports the development of political, economic and social freedom.

Third, and perhaps most important, if support for Islamic extremism can be undermined in Pakistan, it can be overcome anywhere.

So, with a new parliament in Afghanistan, 11 million Iraqis hitting the polls for the third time in 11 months and polls like this in Pakistan, it’s no wonder the world hasn’t heard a peep from Osama bin Laden in almost a year.

Neo · 12-27-2005, 17:08 PM

NEW DELHI (APP) - Amidst hectic business with India and Pakistan next year, the United States is expected to finalise the civilian nuclear agreement with New Delhi and sell F-16 fighter aircraft to Islamabad.
The Bush administration would also negotiate a dollar five billion deal for multi-role combat jet fighters and state-of- the-art AESA radar system with India, said a news report by Press Trust of India (PTI).
Though American administration have the ‘political will’ and ‘muscle’ to push through the civilian nuclear deal with India, analysts are however of the view that the campaign to clinch it before President George W Bush’s India visit in early 2006 has lost its steam, the report added.
There have been only three hearings on the subject in the American Congress and the next one will not take place before the first week of February when lawmakers return after recess, maintained the report.
The Amrican administration would have to have ‘something concrete’ on the nuclear deal before sending it to the American Congress, the report said adding, it means some movement must be ensured in the contentious separation of the Indian nuclear programme.
The United States is putting Lockheed Martin and Boeing in the forefront of the bidding for 130 multi-role combat jet fighters with a potential price tag of at least dollar five billion, observed the report.

Neo · 12-27-2005, 17:09 PM

Pakistan on Tuesday announced banning export of technologies, material and equipment related to nuclear and biological weapons and their delivery systems.

The control lists have been notified pursuant to the 'Export Control Act on Goods, Technologies, Materials, Equipment related to Nuclear and Biological Weapons and their Delivery Systems', which was adopted by the country's Parliament in September 2004, a Foreign Office statement said.

The control lists adopted by Pakistan encompass the lists and scope of export controls maintained by the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG), the Australia Group (AG) which relates to biological agents and toxins, and the Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR), it said.

The classification system is based on the European Union's integrated list and latest international standard in this regard, the statement said.

Lists controlling the exports of chemical weapons related agents and their delivery system are already being maintained by Pakistan pursuant to the Chemical Weapons Convention Implementation Ordinance 2000.

The statement said that the notification of the Control Lists further highlights Pakistan's policy to implement its national and international non-proliferation commitments as a responsible nuclear weapons state.

The lists are being notified to all concerned, including manufacturers of such goods and technologies as well to the enforcement agencies for effective controls at the borders, it said.
http://www.pakistanpapers.com/

Neo · 12-27-2005, 17:11 PM

Pakistan will send its military personnel for technical training to Spain.
The offer to provide technical training to soldiers was made by the visiting Spanish defence minister Jose Bono to his Pakistani counterpart Rao Sikandar Iqbal during the official talks held in Rawalpindi today.

The two ministers reviewed the current state of cooperation in the field of defence and agreed to expand it further.

''Matters relating to Pakistan-Spain cooperation in combating drug trafficking, counter-terrorism and the post-October 8 earthquake situation in Pakistan with a focus on the ongoing relief operations in the quake-hit PoK region by a Spanish team, also came under discussion,'' said a statement, issued by the defence ministry after the talks.

The Spanish minister expressed sympathies over the colossal loss of life caused by the October 8 earthquake and said his country would continue to assist Pakistan in dealing with the aftermath of the tragedy.

The quake killed over 75,000 people and rendered more than 3.5 million homeless.

The two sides emphasised on the need of more visits between the two countries and hoped that it would broaden the scope of cooperation in defence.

Traveling with a 60-member delegation, the Spanish minister later visited his country’s contingent, carrying out relief operations in the PoK.

Neo · 12-28-2005, 12:41 PM

Heavy military spending and arms race are discouraged the world over, however one sees that countries, specially those having no need to acquire more and more sophisticated military armament are still doing so spending millions on the same.

On the other hand Pakistan has been opposed even for trying to fulfill its minimal defence requirements. The massive task of rehabilitation and reconstruction of October 8 quake-victims provided an excuse to certain quarters at the national and at the international level, who have had always scant respect for the Pakistan security needs, to ask for the cancellation of its deal with the US for the purchase of F-16 aircraft badly needed by the PAF. The deferment of the deal by the government has been though acclaimed by the interested quarters yet, it is has caused concern for many regarding the security needs of the motherland. For Pakistan it was big question of do or not to do. And though the decision was taken keeping in view the rehabilitation of the quake-victims, which is certainly the top most priority of the government, yet one cannot totally relegate the defence requirements of the country.

There are many factors to be considered seriously regarding the acquisition of the military equipment by Pakistan, specially the much needed fighter jets.

It is too well known a fact that Pakistan has never been in confrontation with other countries rather our quest for the military equipment is always aimed at safe guarding the country against any aggression by an adversary and maintaining a semblance of the balance of power in the region, as allowed by its meager means.

On the international front we have had no conflict with any country, which unfortunately can not be said for thesubcontinental arena. Without going into the causes of these skirmishes and confrontations, or who is to be blamed for these, we would like to forget and forgive them as the undesirable events of the past. And we expect the same from India too who has also no conflict with any other country at the international level and is too strong for all the countries in the region put together. It is, therefore, quite perplexing to see the way she is arming her armed forces with the latest and most lethal war equipment. One can not help ask the question, “against whom is she increasing her military might which is already 5 to 7 times of Pakistan`s military strength – supposedly the next strongest country in the region?”.

It would not be out of place if just to elaborate the point a stock of only one of the Indian armed forces – the Indian Air Force – is taken.

• The Indian Air Force is the world`s fourth largest air force. Has five Operational Commands, over 500 helicopters and more than 1700 aircraft.
• Just about two months back in October India has been offered Eurofighter Typhoon fighter jet. According to reports the EADS (European Aeronautics and Defence Systems) is pitching for its multi-role Eurofighter Typhoon--a truly multi-role, suitable for air defense, bombing and air superiority missions-- sale to India. EADS also participated in the advanced light helicopter project in late-eighties, in October last in briefings to the Indian government, offered to take India on board its fifth generation fighter aircraft project, which is far well advanced than the Russian project, and the first Typhoons could be delivered by 2006. According to the EADS team executives, the aircraft can be entirely produced in India and it would be involved right from R and D stage, if it (India) chooses to deal with EASD.
• During the same month (October 2005) according to reports Indian Air Force planned to increase the number of Medium Multi-Role Combat Aircraft (MMRCA) and plans to buy 200 of them.
• The Indian Cabinet Committee on Security, which clears major defense programs, in October, accepted the Air Force`s proposal to increase the number from the original 126, for which a request for information already has been sent to overseas vendors. The value of the original contract was $5 billion; the revised plan brings the combined value of one or more contracts to $8.5 billion.
• The reports quoting a senior Defence Ministry official said the Air Force plans to phase out 60 of its 140 Jaguar aircraft in the next five years, by which time MMRCAs would start arriving. The additional planes will replace more Jaguars, MiG-23s, and some squadrons of MiG-27s.
• A request for information for the initial 126 planes was sent to Lockheed Martin for its F-16, Saab for the JAS 39 Gripen, Russian Aircraft Corporation MiG (RAC MiG) for the MiG-29 SMT, and Dassault Aviation for the Mirage 2000-5. Boeing also has offered its F/A-18 aircraft for consideration, as has RAC MiG for the MiG-35, as reported by India defence site.
• Another matter of concern for us is that India and the United States have entered into a new strategic partnership, with Washington agreeing to provide nuclear and space technology for civilian use. The purchase of the F-16 or F/A-18 would signal the beginning of a new defense relationship between India and the United States, said Surya Pal Singh, a retired Indian Air Force air commodore.
• He added that the purchase of two types of MMRCAs not only will help speed up acquisition of the aircraft, it also may help the Air Force acquire American aircraft, which have been offered with the latest radar, Singh said.
• “India wants as part of the MMRCA package the U.S. Active Electronically Scanned Array radar as well as new-generation missiles”, the Defence Ministry official said.
• Recently IAF has ordered 150 fourth-generations Su-30MK and most will be produced in India under a technology transfer agreement with Russia, besides it will be getting Israeli Phalcon AWACS advanced surveillance.

By looking at the IAF structure we can clearly observe that of its five operational air commands, two are directly of concern to us as its Western Air Command with headquarters in Delhi being the prime one, is responsible for air operations from Kashmir southwards to Rajasthan including the capital and Punjab, with an Operations Group dedicated for Jammu & Kashmir including Ladakh.

The second one is South Western Air Command, at Jodhpur, which is responsible for air operations in most of Rajasthan, southwards through Gujrarat to Saurashtra and the Kutch area.

The IAF five Operational Commands through administrative Wings, control some 45 fixed-wing squadrons, 20 helicopter units and numerous surface -to- air missile squadrons, with unit establishments varying from 12 to 18 aircraft. This represents total aircraft strength of nearly 1,700.

In such a situation we should not appear indifferent to our security needs and press the government for rolling back the purchase F-16 and not to buy the Swedish Erieye aircraft will be highly irresponsible as it will render the nation vulnerable to enemy`s attack.
If we at all are bent upon sparing money for social activities than why those opposing and ignoring the defence needs, are not forcing the government for quashing import of two VVIP business jets including an airbus for Prime Minister`s foreign trips.
According to reports the first of these two, a used 12-seater Gulf Stream business jet costing $28 million is likely to arrive in Pakistan this month. The agreement envisages its buyback by the supplier for $22 million after two years and its replacement with a newer version for $33 million; hence the net additional cost will be $11 million after two years. Now why on earth we are going to spend such a huge amount on one person? Is the Prime Minister above the welfare and the security of the country? Could he not travel in a PIA flight or in case of special circumstances not charter a PIA aircraft for tours abroad.
Earlier we had inflicted losses of millions on national exchequer by importing 40 Mercedes cars for the vulnerable ministers. The so-called ministers can travel without luxury vehicles but the country`s defence can not be put at stake in any case.

Similarly millions could be saved by shelving the construction of the new GHQ complex at Islamabad when a fully operational GHQ is available nearby at Rawalpindi.

We had been trying for the acquisition of F-16 for nearly 15 years and it was only after 9/11 that the US has had a change of heart about them for Pakistan. Most of the payment for the jet fighters has already been made to the USA so there is no justification for backing on the deal now. By her unstinted support to US for its war on terror Pakistan has already ensured that there might not be another 9/11, and another most favorable time for Pakistan to take advantage of to fulfill the minimum requirement of its air force.

Jay · 12-28-2005, 18:36 PM

Neo, check post #11 and the above post!

Neo · 12-29-2005, 13:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jay

I guess we can discuss here, not just posting articles, anyway,

Sure we can discuss matters when they make news.
The post you replied at is an editorial.
Surely you'll agree that she's entiled to share her opinion.

Ray · 01-08-2006, 10:49 AM

Quote:

Sunday, January 08, 2006 E-Mail this article to a friend Printer Friendly Version

Navy launches burnt in Gwadar

GWADAR: Suspected militants set fire to three launches of the Pakistan Navy’s submarine force at the Fish Harbour in Gwadar on Saturday. No loss of life was reported. Police registered a case against the unknown militants and raided several places to arrest them.

Meanwhile, fishermen staged a sit-in protest against security forces for damaging dozens of their boats. Local officials said the administration had fixed a schedule for fishermen to catch fish but they had violated the rules so “the administration took action against them”.
http://www.dailytimes.com.pk/default...8-1-2006_pg1_5

Would it be correct to assume that the fishermen set PN launches on fire in the Sish Harbour because of PN's "highhandedness" and "militants" are being used to "legitimise" the issue?

Or are these fishermen Balochis, who could be termed as 'militants"?

Endangered · 01-10-2006, 00:41 AM

Govt will provide all resources to PAF, says Shaukat Aziz

ISLAMABAD: The government will provide all necessary resources to the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) as it has a crucial role to play in securing the country’s air space and guarding the aerial frontiers, said Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz on Saturday.

Talking to Air Chief Marshal Kaleem Saadat, the chief of air staff, at the Prime Minister’s House, Shaukat discussed matters pertaining to further strengthening of the Pakistan Air Force. He said that the government was committed to strengthening the professional capabilities of the armed forces of the country. “The PAF has a crucial role to play in securing the air space and guarding our aerial frontiers. The government will provide all necessary resources to the PAF in this regard,” he added.

The PAF development and modernisation programme was also discussed during the meeting. The prime minister said that the JF-17 project was moving ahead satisfactorily. “Acquisition of modern technology and expertise in its use will provide additional strength to air power. The government is committed to making the PAF impregnable,” he said.

Source

Endangered · 01-11-2006, 01:31 AM

Pak paramilitary, militants clash in N Waziristan; 21 killed

Islamabad Jan 10 (UNI) Twenty one people were killed in an overnight clash between Pakistani paramilitary troops and suspected militants in the country’s troubled North Waziristan tribal region, official reports today said.

The militants attacked the Frontier Corps post near the regional headquarters of Miranshah, killing seven paramilitary soldiers.

Chief Military spokesman Major General Shaukat Sultan confirmed the attack and the fatalities while talking to the media here said the security forces also retaliated.

However, a TV channel quoting unnamed official sources said 14 militants were killed when the security forces targeted their hideouts in retaliation.

According to the details provided to the media in the tribal region, those killed included a local commander while others are yet to be identified. They were all allegedly involved in the overnight attack, the report quoting the officials said.

Security had been beefed up in and around Miranshah after the incident.

The latest attack came three days after suspected militants targeted another militia checkpoint in Mir Ali town of North Waziristan on Saturday killing eight paramilitary soldiers.

The Pakistani army on Saturday had set a 24-hour deadline for the tribesmen to handover the assailants but extended it to a week on Sunday.

However, Mr Sultan said today that after the overnight attack on paramilitary soldiers, the security forces would retaliate.

The Pakistani army is fighting suspected Taliban and al-Qaeda fugitives hiding in Pakistan, particularly in the North and South Waziristan border regions after the US-led coalition ousted the radical Taliban regime in neighbouring Afghanistan in late 2001.

At least 700 suspected militants have been arrested since the war on terrorism began more than four years ago.

Anoop C · 01-17-2006, 10:27 AM

Much has been written about the business interests of the PA via the Fauji Foundation. Now read about it from one of Pak's own:

http://www.despardes.com/oscartango/080605.html

Quote:

A full General is worth Rs 500 million+
Dr. Ayesha Siddiqa is a scholar of Pakistan's military and security affairs and a regular contributor to several Pakistani and internationally renowned opinion journals. Currently she is a fellow at the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars in Washington, DC where she is busy writing her latest book "Military Inc, The Politics of Military's Economy in Pakistan". In it, she analyzes Pakistan military's vast commercial interests and its economic predation since 1953.

Ayesha Siddiqa also writes on Pakistan's military affairs for Jane’s Information Group. She was asked to work as the Director of Naval Research with the Navy making her the first civilian and woman to work at that position in the Pakistan defense establishment. She has a doctorate in War Studies from King's College, London in 1996.

despardes.com's Editor-in-Chief Irshad Salim conducted a two-part online interview with her on the subject of her upcoming book, Pakistan affairs and post 9/11 scenario.

Following are the excerpts of the first part of the online interview:

Dr. Ayesha Siddiqa-Aghairshadsalim28: So what is this book about?

asidd66: This book is about military business operations with a case study of Pakistan.

irshadsalim28: What about Bangladesh and India?

asidd66: Bangladesh has it to but not India

irshadsalim28: So what prompted you to write this book?

asidd66: I was a civil servant. During the course of my work I had to deal with numbers of military spending and doing that one slowly realized that a lot was hidden. It is the search for numbers that took me in this direction. The other thing is that it is essential to understand the dynamics of the institution that virtually controls Pakistan's past, present and future.

irshadsalim28: Ok so who did you work for as a civil servant?

asidd66: I joined the civil service in 1988 and left in 2001. Served in military accounts, defense audit and later the navy.

irshadsalim28: Going back to Pak army biz, what are your findings?

asidd66: Several. First, the military has become predatory engaging in political and economic predation. Second, political predation is not complete without economic predation. Third, military has mutated into a separate class that shares interests with other members of the ruling elite. Finally, because the military protects its vested interests, it leads to alienation of the masses.

irshadsalim28: When did all this start?

asidd66: It dates back to the early 1950s. The business ventures were started with the establishing of the first foundation called the Fauji Foundation in 1953. This was established with the war veteran's rehabilitation fund of Rs. 18 million.

irshadsalim28: Why do u consider forming Fauji Foundation a predatory step by the army?

asidd66: Listen you have to understand the concept. A politically strong entity that engages in political predation needs to feel economically or financially autonomous. This completes the picture of predation. The generals thought that they wanted to establish independent means of providing for their welfare and not depending on the civilians like it happened in India. The financial autonomy gradually created the logic for greater interest in political control.

irshadsalim28: Give me one or two instances when the 1953 move swirled into predation.

asidd66: It started right then with Ayub Khan and his cabal getting agricultural land and establishing independent means for themselves.
Look at Ayub Khan. He not only got several squares of agricultural land in Sindh, he also established his sons into business. Look at the entire lot of generals at the moment. a Major General has a legal worth of about Rs. 300 million. These are conservative estimates.

irshadsalim28: Going back to Pak army's economic superpower...What percentage of the GDP and GNP is it?

asidd66: This is difficult to calculate but their own estimates are about 4 % of GDP. I would say that their share in private sector assets is about 7-10 percent of private sector assets. This is a large number for any single group.

irshadsalim28: Can you translate that into crores?

asidd66: 7-10 percent of private sector assets cannot be translated but I can give you another figure: They are worth about Rs. 200 billion. It is just the business. If you put in real estate then we are talking about a Rs 1 trillion plus economy.

irshadsalim28: You mean Pak army's side economy?

asidd66: Yes. This includes real estate, businesses done by subsidiaries, organizations and individuals. You have to understand that this economy is predatory by nature because it does not accept any form of civilian control over it. It is independent in terms of planning, appropriation of funds, etc.

irshadsalim28: If Pak army's assets total Rs 1 trillion can they fund Pakistan's annual budget wholly or partially if they have to?

asidd66: This would, converting these resources into liquid assets and then it would be possible to pay. A lot of these resources are state resources that could provide for military expenditure and more. It is difficult to say that this money would fund the entire budget. Of course, it can but over what period? These assets were acquired over time and their value should be added to the annual defense budget.

irshadsalim28: What was the defense budget for the year 2001?

asidd66: 131 billion. If u add these numbers the budget would escalate to over Rs. 400 billion

irshadsalim28: When u left in 2001 how many generals, etc were there who form the command structure of Pak forces?

asidd66: Brigadier and up would be a few hundred.

irshadsalim28: So if we assume 100 then 100 times 300 million = 30 billion is the legal worth of army's command structure correct?

asidd66: it is more but don't get into these fancy numbers.. plus the higher you go the more pricy you become. A full general is worth Rs 500 million plus

irshadsalim28: Have you in the process of writing your book researched the worth of those generals who "wrote history" of Pakistan

asidd66: Which ones are you referring to?

irshadsalim28: Ayub, Yayha, Zia, Musa, Tikka, et al

asidd66: I do not intend writing a sensational thriller

irshadsalim28: How much land does the forces own in each province?

asidd66: Difficult to bifurcate but to give you a taste - they own about 7-9 million acres in Punjab alone

irshadsalim28: What percentage is it of whole of Punjab?

asidd66: I am still trying to figure this out. It is not an issue of what percentage is this of Punjab but that a major portion of state land is appropriated by one group

irshadsalim28: What about Sindh?

asidd66: My sense is that it is less in Sindh

irshadsalim28: Why is that?

asidd66: Most of the land is around the 2 barrages constructed after independence. Because they didn't make new barrages.

irshadsalim28: What is their modus operandi in getting these lands allotment

asidd66: 10 % of land, according to the colonization of land Act 1912, is allotted to the military

irshadsalim28: 10% everywhere?

asidd66: Yes it would be everywhere land is found. Colonization of land refers to each land reclaimed due to creation of water channels and other irrigation projects. However, they tend to get more in Punjab

irshadsalim28: Does India have this act too?

asidd66: No. They got rid of such acts when they did land reforms. Remember India is a state moving towards capitalism. A capitalist state would not create means for institutionalizing feudalism

irshadsalim28: Are you saying Pak army has institutionalized feudalism?

asidd66: I am saying that it is a feudal institution as well

irshadsalim28: So in that case their interests converge with feudal system correct?

asidd66: Yes

irshadsalim28: Do u think they resisted land reform along with the feudal?

asidd66: I wouldn't say that they resisted but they had sufficient stakes not to pursue a policy that had a negative impact on their benefits. For example, who buys the land the Faujis sell? The local feudal or the new rural capitalist class that is equally feudal in nature. Why should the officers then try to destroy the class that bails them out financially. After 1999, generals have started to keep their lands

irshadsalim28: What happened after 1999

asidd66: Since the value of land has gone up, especially after 9/11, generals now keep lands and have turned into absentee land lords

irshadsalim28: Why did the value of land in Pak go up after 9/11

asidd66: Because of the money that started to flow in from Pakistani expats plus other Muslim countries

irshadsalim28: What is their modus operandi in getting these lands allotted to generals individually and to their housing societies collectively?

asidd66: The provincial governments allot the land to the Ministry of Defense who then gives the land to the three services for further dispersal. The land is also given to the Jawans but the quantity is lesser than what is given to the senior officers. Plus, the generals get greater facilities in making the land cultivable.

irshadsalim28: All this is based on 1912 colonization of land act that India got rid of and Pak still has?

asidd66: Yes, but they have done alterations as well. For instance, the act does not say that land meant for operational purpose be appropriated for personal use. It is against the law

irshadsalim28: Are you saying that land meant for operational purposes are or have been appropriated to the generals for personal use or to the housing societies?

asidd66: Of course. All land in the cities is military land turned into housing colonies

irshadsalim28: Why did u resign?

asidd66: I thought I could do much more with my time by writing and joining academia. Had gone on secondment from the civil service. Refused to take uniform.

irshadsalim28: Were you forced to resign or ever asked to resign due to your findings, etc?

asidd66: I wasn't forced but things were looking unpleasant when I left. There was a lot of arm twisting and it was getting unpleasant

irshadsalim28: Is it true that you were one of the whistle blowers who started to bring to light financial dealings in the forces?

asidd66: I am not sure if that is the right term but i was trying my best to put things in perspective such as analyzing and opposing weapons procurement deals that would not benefit the navy.

irshadsalim28: Is it true that more than once you had unpleasant analytical discussions with your superiors in such matters that led to arm twisting, etc

asidd66: We often had unpleasant discussions and arm twisting as well

irshadsalim28: What is the conclusion of your book?

asidd66: Simple: The political leadership in Pakistan has to negotiate the military's gradual withdrawal from the economy if they want democratic institutions to grow

irshadsalim28: Benazir Bhutto and the World Bank have voiced similar views, do you concur with them then?

asidd66: Of course

irshadsalim28: In the light of the post 9/11 scenario where the West have given a cart blanche to Pak army on all matters, where do your findings stand?

asidd66: The military always had the carte blanche from the West. They need to see that the alienation of society is one of the consequences of military's predation. Where does the poor man go in Pakistan, Turkey and Indonesia if not to God. There is no other means of transferring power except alternative ideologies, especially when the military has turned into a class and protects its interests along with other elite groups

irshadsalim28: Isn't the West party to Pak army's predatory growth as an economic institution?

asidd66: It benefits too

irshadsalim28: Specially during the Afghan war the west looked the other way, no?

asidd66: They have always looked the other way. They ignored Ayub, Yahya as well..

irshadsalim28: In that case why is the World Bank crying foul now? Is it because their interests are colliding now?

asidd66: It is making nice noises not crying foul. It will raise objections but what have they done about it. The man who once was part of the World Bank is now Governor State Bank of Pakistan

irshadsalim28: At what value does the army buy land?

asidd66: Between Rs. 30-60 per acre. In some cases they pay more. This refers to the private housing schemes

irshadsalim28: You mean in Defense society in Karachi, the army gets land from the provincial govt for 30 to 60 rupees an acre only?

asidd66: There are 2 methods for getting land. All the military land converted for personal use is given at the ridiculous price I quoted. Then there are other schemes where they pay a little more. For instance, the Cantt board distributed plots of 500 yards each by appropriating part of the parking lot of the Karachi stadium. Each plot was for about Rs 600,000

irshadsalim28: What was the fair market value of each plot at that time?

asidd66: One and a half crore

irshadsalim28: Who got these plots?

asidd66: Generals. The bulk goes to generals. This was done by General Tauqeer Zia. As Chairman Cricket Control Board he authorized himself to return this land that once belonged to the Cantt board for further distribution

irshadsalim28: Any more instances of such land grabbing?

asidd66: The entire Lahore Cantt was turned into housing schemes. In fact, except for Defense phase I & II (Lahore), the rest of the land does not even belong to the military

irshadsalim28: How many acres is Lahore Cantt if u know?

asidd66: About 8000 to 10,000

irshadsalim28: What is its fair market worth now

asidd66: Runs into billions. It should be around Rs. 700 billion

irshadsalim28: What was the "grabbing price"

asidd66: As I said, Rs. 30-60. This is the rate that officers pay

irshadsalim28: Thanks for your candid responses

asidd66: Thanks. Will catch up with you tomorrow....

(End of part 1 of Dr Siddiqa's interview)

indianguy4u · 01-18-2006, 09:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Anoop C

Much has been written about the business interests of the PA via the Fauji Foundation. Now read about it from one of Pak's own:

http://www.despardes.com/oscartango/080605.html

Anoopbhai,
This post deserves a separate thread.

12-26-2005, 05:06 AM	#16 (permalink)
Neo Silent lurker *Senior Contributor* Join Date: 04-06-05 Location: Amsterdam Posts: 7,920 Country:	U.S. eyes big India, Pakistan arms sales in 2006 WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The Bush administration is maneuvering to balance possible big new U.S. arms sales to archrivals India and Pakistan in the new year. In the past week, U.S. Vice President Dick Cheney and Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld have made separate visits, not announced in advance, to Pakistan, a key ally in the U.S.-declared war on terrorism. F-16 Fighting Falcons from the 57th Wing at Nellis Air Force Base in Nevada are seen in this undated file photo. The Bush administration is maneuvering to balance possible big new U.S. arms sales to archrivals India and Pakistan in the new year. (REUTERS/US Air Force-Handout) Islamabad will make up its mind in the coming year on a U.S. offer to resume F-16 fighter aircraft sales after a 16-year break, Foreign Minister Khursheed Kasuri was quoted by the Associated Press of Pakistan as saying after Cheney left. Earlier this month, Air Force Lt. Gen. Jeffrey Kohler, head of the Pentagon's Defense Security Cooperation Agency, said he expected Pakistan to modify buying plans because of the Oct. 8 earthquake that killed more than 73,000 people. "I think that what we were ready to do right before the earthquake is probably going to have to change," Kohler said in a Dec. 7 interview with Reuters in Washington. "We'll get back with Pakistan early in the new year and see what they want to do," he added. Before the temblor, Pakistan had asked about buying as many as 75 new F-16C/D models and 11 refurbished F-16s, Kohler said in May. The single-engine multi-role F-16 is built by Bethesda, Maryland-based Lockheed Martin Corp. New purchases would boost a fleet of about 32 F-16s acquired before Congress cut off sales in 1990 over Pakistan's nuclear program. In May, the Pentagon told Congress it was proposing to let Pakistan buy 300 AIM-9M-1/2 "Sidewinder" heat-seeking, air-to-air missiles and 60 Harpoon missiles with a combined value of up to $226 million. INDIA AS CHINA HEDGE Separately, the United States is poised to push in the new year for major arms sales to India, a hedge against China's growing regional military clout and influence. The Bush administration is weighing, among other things, whether to let India buy a state-of-the-art radar system as part of a U.S. bid for a potential $5 billion contract to supply 126 multi-role fighters, Kohler said in the interview. The possible supply of Active Electronically Scanned Array Radar, or AESA, would boost U.S. prospects against expected competition from Sweden, France and Russia. The technology is meant to let U.S. fighters detect and destroy enemy aircraft at significantly longer ranges. An Indian purchase of either the F-16 or the F/A-18E/F Super Hornet built by Boeing Co., the other U.S. fighter on offer, would cement a sea change in U.S.-Indian bilateral ties since the end of the Cold War. "Their pilots (would) come to our schools. We'll train with them. We will work very closely with their maintenance technicians," said Kohler, who has visited India three times in the past year. He said he may go back to New Delhi in March and was planning to send his deputy, Richard Millies, in late January or early February to coincide with an arms bazaar. New Delhi's ultimate choice of its next fighter aircraft "will be a fairly significant political statement," he said. India is widely said to be interested also in a range of U.S. arms, including P-3C Orion maritime patrol aircraft, PAC-3 anti-missile systems and electronic warfare systems. Analysts fear U.S. sales could fuel an arms race between India and Pakistan, which have fought three wars since the 1947 partition of British India. If their rivalry flared anew, the United States could be on the hook to deliver sophisticated weaponry to a region on the brink of war, said Matt Schroeder of the Federation of American Scientists' arms sales monitoring project. __________________ Administrator @ Defence.pk

12-27-2005, 06:01 AM	#17 (permalink)
Endangered is a *Senior Contributor* Join Date: 08-13-05 Location: Bangalore, India Posts: 1,748	US troops to leave Pakistan in March next year Islamabad: American troops assisting in relief and rehabilitation operations will leave Pakistan's earthquake-hit areas in March next year, US Ambassador Ryan C Crocker has said. There are over 1,000 American personnel in Pakistan to 'assist with relief efforts', according to the US embassy. Crocker announced the withdrawal of the soldiers during a visit to the quake-hit areas in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir and North West Frontier Province, private Geo television reported today. The channel quoted Crocker as saying that he had discussed the issue with the country's relief commissioner and the understanding is that the soldiers will leave Pakistan by the end of March, 2006. However, the Ambassador said that the US forces can stay if a request is made and if they are needed there. Crocker visited US soldiers in PoK capital Muzaffarabad and Shinkiari, a town in NWFP, and exchanged Christmas greetings with them. A US Army Mobile Army Surgical Hospital operating in Muzaffarabad and a US Combined Medical Relief Team operating in Shinkiari have provided urgent medical care to over 9,000 injured people. The US has pledged a total of $510 million in earthquake relief and reconstruction efforts to assist Pakistan and to support government relief efforts. This total includes $300 million in humanitarian relief and reconstruction assistance, $110 million in military support for relief operations, and at least $100 million anticipated from US private contributions. __________________ Wild Wild Web

12-27-2005, 16:56 PM	#18 (permalink)
Neo Silent lurker *Senior Contributor* Join Date: 04-06-05 Location: Amsterdam Posts: 7,920 Country:	By aiding Pakistan, U.S. helps itself While military operations against terrorism are essential in places like Iraq or Afghanistan, the global campaign against Islamic extremism will be won as much — if not more — in the Muslim heart and mind as it will be on the battlefield — at least that’s what a new Pakistani survey suggests. According to a new poll conducted by ACNielsen, Pakistan — long a hotbed of terrorism and extremism — now holds the United States in higher regard than at any time since 9/11. More importantly: Even though Pakistan is suspected of being the hiding place for Osama bin Laden and other terrorists, support for al-Qaeda and terrorism among Pakistanis has plummeted. Turns out that American humanitarian aid and assistance in the aftermath of October’s devastating earthquake made all the difference. Following the earthquake, which killed over 75,000 people, the United States pledged nearly $500 million for relief and reconstruction efforts. More than 250 U.S. military and civilian cargo airlifts delivered over 7,000 tons of supplies, adding to the more than 1,000 U.S. civilians who traveled to Asia to lend a hand. U.S. military helicopters have flown more than 3,000 relief missions. A Navy “Sea Bee” construction unit is clearing debris, erecting support facilities and building refugee camps. A U.S. Army MASH medical unit has provided medical care. So how did this Herculean humanitarian effort pay off with the 1,450 Pakistanis polled in November’s survey? Seventy-eight percent of those asked have a more favorable opinion of the United States, with the strongest support coming from those under 35 years of age. Positive opinions of the United States in Pakistan doubled from 23 percent in May to more than 46 percent in November, while negative views fell from 48 to 28 percent. Over the same period, support for the “mythical” Osama bin Laden, dropped from 51 percent to 33 percent, while those opposing the al-Qaeda leader shot up from 23 percent to 41 percent. Those respondents who see terrorist suicide attacks as never justifiable increased from 45 percent to 73 percent during the same six-month period. And, shockingly, the United States proved more popular than both other Western countries and radical Islamist groups. It wasn’t all sunshine and light though: Pakistanis increasingly don’t support the American-led war on terror. The survey showed that those who opposed the war on terror grew from 52 percent in May to 64 percent now. So what does this mean? First, American humanitarian aid can make a difference in favorably changing public opinion in the Muslim world about the United States, terrorism and radicalism. Interestingly, similar positive polling results were found in Indonesia — a country that has been struck by al-Qaeda affiliate Jemaah Islamiya four times in three years — following the strong U.S. response to last December’s tsunami. Second, while a necessary component of our counterterrorism strategy for now, the U.S.-led military element of the war on terror is still unpopular in the Muslim world. While not much can be done about that in the short term, every effort should be made to transition as soon as practicable from the use of U.S. “hard power” to “soft power” that supports the development of political, economic and social freedom. Third, and perhaps most important, if support for Islamic extremism can be undermined in Pakistan, it can be overcome anywhere. So, with a new parliament in Afghanistan, 11 million Iraqis hitting the polls for the third time in 11 months and polls like this in Pakistan, it’s no wonder the world hasn’t heard a peep from Osama bin Laden in almost a year.

12-27-2005, 17:08 PM	#19 (permalink)
Neo Silent lurker *Senior Contributor* Join Date: 04-06-05 Location: Amsterdam Posts: 7,920 Country:	US to finalise F-16s deal in 2006 NEW DELHI (APP) - Amidst hectic business with India and Pakistan next year, the United States is expected to finalise the civilian nuclear agreement with New Delhi and sell F-16 fighter aircraft to Islamabad. The Bush administration would also negotiate a dollar five billion deal for multi-role combat jet fighters and state-of- the-art AESA radar system with India, said a news report by Press Trust of India (PTI). Though American administration have the ‘political will’ and ‘muscle’ to push through the civilian nuclear deal with India, analysts are however of the view that the campaign to clinch it before President George W Bush’s India visit in early 2006 has lost its steam, the report added. There have been only three hearings on the subject in the American Congress and the next one will not take place before the first week of February when lawmakers return after recess, maintained the report. The Amrican administration would have to have ‘something concrete’ on the nuclear deal before sending it to the American Congress, the report said adding, it means some movement must be ensured in the contentious separation of the Indian nuclear programme. The United States is putting Lockheed Martin and Boeing in the forefront of the bidding for 130 multi-role combat jet fighters with a potential price tag of at least dollar five billion, observed the report.

12-27-2005, 17:09 PM	#20 (permalink)
Neo Silent lurker *Senior Contributor* Join Date: 04-06-05 Location: Amsterdam Posts: 7,920 Country:	Pak bans export of nuclear material, equipment Pakistan on Tuesday announced banning export of technologies, material and equipment related to nuclear and biological weapons and their delivery systems. The control lists have been notified pursuant to the 'Export Control Act on Goods, Technologies, Materials, Equipment related to Nuclear and Biological Weapons and their Delivery Systems', which was adopted by the country's Parliament in September 2004, a Foreign Office statement said. The control lists adopted by Pakistan encompass the lists and scope of export controls maintained by the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG), the Australia Group (AG) which relates to biological agents and toxins, and the Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR), it said. The classification system is based on the European Union's integrated list and latest international standard in this regard, the statement said. Lists controlling the exports of chemical weapons related agents and their delivery system are already being maintained by Pakistan pursuant to the Chemical Weapons Convention Implementation Ordinance 2000. The statement said that the notification of the Control Lists further highlights Pakistan's policy to implement its national and international non-proliferation commitments as a responsible nuclear weapons state. The lists are being notified to all concerned, including manufacturers of such goods and technologies as well to the enforcement agencies for effective controls at the borders, it said. http://www.pakistanpapers.com/

12-27-2005, 17:11 PM	#21 (permalink)
Neo Silent lurker *Senior Contributor* Join Date: 04-06-05 Location: Amsterdam Posts: 7,920 Country:	Pakistani soldiers to get technical training in Spain Pakistan will send its military personnel for technical training to Spain. The offer to provide technical training to soldiers was made by the visiting Spanish defence minister Jose Bono to his Pakistani counterpart Rao Sikandar Iqbal during the official talks held in Rawalpindi today. The two ministers reviewed the current state of cooperation in the field of defence and agreed to expand it further. ''Matters relating to Pakistan-Spain cooperation in combating drug trafficking, counter-terrorism and the post-October 8 earthquake situation in Pakistan with a focus on the ongoing relief operations in the quake-hit PoK region by a Spanish team, also came under discussion,'' said a statement, issued by the defence ministry after the talks. The Spanish minister expressed sympathies over the colossal loss of life caused by the October 8 earthquake and said his country would continue to assist Pakistan in dealing with the aftermath of the tragedy. The quake killed over 75,000 people and rendered more than 3.5 million homeless. The two sides emphasised on the need of more visits between the two countries and hoped that it would broaden the scope of cooperation in defence. Traveling with a 60-member delegation, the Spanish minister later visited his country’s contingent, carrying out relief operations in the PoK.

12-28-2005, 12:41 PM	#22 (permalink)
Neo Silent lurker *Senior Contributor* Join Date: 04-06-05 Location: Amsterdam Posts: 7,920 Country:	F-16s, Why Not? Heavy military spending and arms race are discouraged the world over, however one sees that countries, specially those having no need to acquire more and more sophisticated military armament are still doing so spending millions on the same. On the other hand Pakistan has been opposed even for trying to fulfill its minimal defence requirements. The massive task of rehabilitation and reconstruction of October 8 quake-victims provided an excuse to certain quarters at the national and at the international level, who have had always scant respect for the Pakistan security needs, to ask for the cancellation of its deal with the US for the purchase of F-16 aircraft badly needed by the PAF. The deferment of the deal by the government has been though acclaimed by the interested quarters yet, it is has caused concern for many regarding the security needs of the motherland. For Pakistan it was big question of do or not to do. And though the decision was taken keeping in view the rehabilitation of the quake-victims, which is certainly the top most priority of the government, yet one cannot totally relegate the defence requirements of the country. There are many factors to be considered seriously regarding the acquisition of the military equipment by Pakistan, specially the much needed fighter jets. It is too well known a fact that Pakistan has never been in confrontation with other countries rather our quest for the military equipment is always aimed at safe guarding the country against any aggression by an adversary and maintaining a semblance of the balance of power in the region, as allowed by its meager means. On the international front we have had no conflict with any country, which unfortunately can not be said for thesubcontinental arena. Without going into the causes of these skirmishes and confrontations, or who is to be blamed for these, we would like to forget and forgive them as the undesirable events of the past. And we expect the same from India too who has also no conflict with any other country at the international level and is too strong for all the countries in the region put together. It is, therefore, quite perplexing to see the way she is arming her armed forces with the latest and most lethal war equipment. One can not help ask the question, “against whom is she increasing her military might which is already 5 to 7 times of Pakistan`s military strength – supposedly the next strongest country in the region?”. It would not be out of place if just to elaborate the point a stock of only one of the Indian armed forces – the Indian Air Force – is taken. • The Indian Air Force is the world`s fourth largest air force. Has five Operational Commands, over 500 helicopters and more than 1700 aircraft. • Just about two months back in October India has been offered Eurofighter Typhoon fighter jet. According to reports the EADS (European Aeronautics and Defence Systems) is pitching for its multi-role Eurofighter Typhoon--a truly multi-role, suitable for air defense, bombing and air superiority missions-- sale to India. EADS also participated in the advanced light helicopter project in late-eighties, in October last in briefings to the Indian government, offered to take India on board its fifth generation fighter aircraft project, which is far well advanced than the Russian project, and the first Typhoons could be delivered by 2006. According to the EADS team executives, the aircraft can be entirely produced in India and it would be involved right from R and D stage, if it (India) chooses to deal with EASD. • During the same month (October 2005) according to reports Indian Air Force planned to increase the number of Medium Multi-Role Combat Aircraft (MMRCA) and plans to buy 200 of them. • The Indian Cabinet Committee on Security, which clears major defense programs, in October, accepted the Air Force`s proposal to increase the number from the original 126, for which a request for information already has been sent to overseas vendors. The value of the original contract was $5 billion; the revised plan brings the combined value of one or more contracts to $8.5 billion. • The reports quoting a senior Defence Ministry official said the Air Force plans to phase out 60 of its 140 Jaguar aircraft in the next five years, by which time MMRCAs would start arriving. The additional planes will replace more Jaguars, MiG-23s, and some squadrons of MiG-27s. • A request for information for the initial 126 planes was sent to Lockheed Martin for its F-16, Saab for the JAS 39 Gripen, Russian Aircraft Corporation MiG (RAC MiG) for the MiG-29 SMT, and Dassault Aviation for the Mirage 2000-5. Boeing also has offered its F/A-18 aircraft for consideration, as has RAC MiG for the MiG-35, as reported by India defence site. • Another matter of concern for us is that India and the United States have entered into a new strategic partnership, with Washington agreeing to provide nuclear and space technology for civilian use. The purchase of the F-16 or F/A-18 would signal the beginning of a new defense relationship between India and the United States, said Surya Pal Singh, a retired Indian Air Force air commodore. • He added that the purchase of two types of MMRCAs not only will help speed up acquisition of the aircraft, it also may help the Air Force acquire American aircraft, which have been offered with the latest radar, Singh said. • “India wants as part of the MMRCA package the U.S. Active Electronically Scanned Array radar as well as new-generation missiles”, the Defence Ministry official said. • Recently IAF has ordered 150 fourth-generations Su-30MK and most will be produced in India under a technology transfer agreement with Russia, besides it will be getting Israeli Phalcon AWACS advanced surveillance. By looking at the IAF structure we can clearly observe that of its five operational air commands, two are directly of concern to us as its Western Air Command with headquarters in Delhi being the prime one, is responsible for air operations from Kashmir southwards to Rajasthan including the capital and Punjab, with an Operations Group dedicated for Jammu & Kashmir including Ladakh. The second one is South Western Air Command, at Jodhpur, which is responsible for air operations in most of Rajasthan, southwards through Gujrarat to Saurashtra and the Kutch area. The IAF five Operational Commands through administrative Wings, control some 45 fixed-wing squadrons, 20 helicopter units and numerous surface -to- air missile squadrons, with unit establishments varying from 12 to 18 aircraft. This represents total aircraft strength of nearly 1,700. In such a situation we should not appear indifferent to our security needs and press the government for rolling back the purchase F-16 and not to buy the Swedish Erieye aircraft will be highly irresponsible as it will render the nation vulnerable to enemy`s attack. If we at all are bent upon sparing money for social activities than why those opposing and ignoring the defence needs, are not forcing the government for quashing import of two VVIP business jets including an airbus for Prime Minister`s foreign trips. According to reports the first of these two, a used 12-seater Gulf Stream business jet costing $28 million is likely to arrive in Pakistan this month. The agreement envisages its buyback by the supplier for $22 million after two years and its replacement with a newer version for $33 million; hence the net additional cost will be $11 million after two years. Now why on earth we are going to spend such a huge amount on one person? Is the Prime Minister above the welfare and the security of the country? Could he not travel in a PIA flight or in case of special circumstances not charter a PIA aircraft for tours abroad. Earlier we had inflicted losses of millions on national exchequer by importing 40 Mercedes cars for the vulnerable ministers. The so-called ministers can travel without luxury vehicles but the country`s defence can not be put at stake in any case. Similarly millions could be saved by shelving the construction of the new GHQ complex at Islamabad when a fully operational GHQ is available nearby at Rawalpindi. We had been trying for the acquisition of F-16 for nearly 15 years and it was only after 9/11 that the US has had a change of heart about them for Pakistan. Most of the payment for the jet fighters has already been made to the USA so there is no justification for backing on the deal now. By her unstinted support to US for its war on terror Pakistan has already ensured that there might not be another 9/11, and another most favorable time for Pakistan to take advantage of to fulfill the minimum requirement of its air force.

12-28-2005, 18:36 PM	#23 (permalink)
Jay Tamizhanban *Senior Contributor* Join Date: 08-06-03 Location: Edison, NJ Posts: 6,492 Country:	Neo, check post #11 and the above post! __________________ A grain of wheat eclipsed the sun of Adam !!

01-10-2006, 00:41 AM	#26 (permalink)
Endangered is a *Senior Contributor* Join Date: 08-13-05 Location: Bangalore, India Posts: 1,748	Govt will provide all resources to PAF, says Shaukat Aziz ISLAMABAD: The government will provide all necessary resources to the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) as it has a crucial role to play in securing the country’s air space and guarding the aerial frontiers, said Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz on Saturday. Talking to Air Chief Marshal Kaleem Saadat, the chief of air staff, at the Prime Minister’s House, Shaukat discussed matters pertaining to further strengthening of the Pakistan Air Force. He said that the government was committed to strengthening the professional capabilities of the armed forces of the country. “The PAF has a crucial role to play in securing the air space and guarding our aerial frontiers. The government will provide all necessary resources to the PAF in this regard,” he added. The PAF development and modernisation programme was also discussed during the meeting. The prime minister said that the JF-17 project was moving ahead satisfactorily. “Acquisition of modern technology and expertise in its use will provide additional strength to air power. The government is committed to making the PAF impregnable,” he said. Source

01-11-2006, 01:31 AM	#27 (permalink)
Endangered is a *Senior Contributor* Join Date: 08-13-05 Location: Bangalore, India Posts: 1,748	Pak paramilitary, militants clash in N Waziristan; 21 killed Islamabad Jan 10 (UNI) Twenty one people were killed in an overnight clash between Pakistani paramilitary troops and suspected militants in the country’s troubled North Waziristan tribal region, official reports today said. The militants attacked the Frontier Corps post near the regional headquarters of Miranshah, killing seven paramilitary soldiers. Chief Military spokesman Major General Shaukat Sultan confirmed the attack and the fatalities while talking to the media here said the security forces also retaliated. However, a TV channel quoting unnamed official sources said 14 militants were killed when the security forces targeted their hideouts in retaliation. According to the details provided to the media in the tribal region, those killed included a local commander while others are yet to be identified. They were all allegedly involved in the overnight attack, the report quoting the officials said. Security had been beefed up in and around Miranshah after the incident. The latest attack came three days after suspected militants targeted another militia checkpoint in Mir Ali town of North Waziristan on Saturday killing eight paramilitary soldiers. The Pakistani army on Saturday had set a 24-hour deadline for the tribesmen to handover the assailants but extended it to a week on Sunday. However, Mr Sultan said today that after the overnight attack on paramilitary soldiers, the security forces would retaliate. The Pakistani army is fighting suspected Taliban and al-Qaeda fugitives hiding in Pakistan, particularly in the North and South Waziristan border regions after the US-led coalition ousted the radical Taliban regime in neighbouring Afghanistan in late 2001. At least 700 suspected militants have been arrested since the war on terrorism began more than four years ago.