Pakistan parliament backs neutrality in Yemen conflict

Asad Hashim | 10 Apr 2015 11:07 GMT | War & Conflict, Asia, Pakistan, Yemen

Lahore, Pakistan - Pakistan’s parliament has unanimously passed a resolution affirming the country’s "neutrality" in the Yemen conflict, in a move that indicates the South Asian country will not be joining a Saudi-led military coalition that is currently fighting Houthi rebels in Yemen.

A joint session of parliament has been debating the issue in the capital Islamabad all week, and unanimously passed the resolution, presented by Ishaq Dar, the finance minister, on Friday afternoon.

The resolution expresses the "desire that Pakistan should maintain neutrality in the Yemen conflict", while reaffirming Pakistan’s "unequivocal support of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia".

Members of parliament agreed that Pakistan would "stand shoulder to shoulder" with Saudi Arabia in case of a violation of that country’s territorial integrity, or a threat to Muslim holy sites in Mecca and Medina.

The vote on Friday comes on the heels of frenetic diplomatic activity, with Mohammad Javad Zarif, Iranian foreign minister, in Islamabad for a two-day visit that concluded on Thursday, following Pakistani leader Nawaz Sharif’s meetings in Turkey with that country’s leadership on the issue.

Pakistani leaders have also met senior Saudi officials in Riyadh in the last two weeks, while the country’s military leadership has been in talks with Iran and Egypt.

Peace broker's role

Pakistan, alongside regional ally Turkey, has placed itself as a peace broker in the conflict, calling on the UN and Organisation of Islamic Conference (OIC) to take a pro-active role in fostering dialogue to end the conflict. 

The parliamentary resolution is not binding on the executive, but the fact that text was proposed by senior cabinet member Dar, who is a member of the ruling PML-N party, and that it was passed unanimously indicate that it is highly unlikely the government would defy it.

The resolution passed on Friday "calls upon the warring factions in Yemen to resolve their differences peacefully through dialogue".

Members of both houses of parliament had been debating the issue since Monday, when the government convened the joint session to formulate a joint position on the conflict.

On Monday, Khawaja Asif, Pakistani defence minister, revealed that Saudi Arabia had, in meetings with the Pakistani leadership, conveyed a request for fighter jets, ground troops and naval warships to be contributed to Saudi Arabia’s Operation Decisive Storm.

Excerpt: http://www.aljazeera.com/news/2015/04/pakistan-rules-military-operations-yemen-150410074921586.html 

Op: Pakistan has sent military advisers and equipment to KSA. Also Pakistani troops have a small permanent garrison in KSA to protect the royal family.

The decision to remain neutral is a wise one, it's done great things for Switzerland, it can surely help Pakistan. I understand the need to return favors, however Pakistan has said unless Saudi Arabia is invaded on its own soil then Pakistan will remain neutral.

Pakistan has helped Saudi Arabia against Yemeni rebels in 1969. PAF sent pilots to fly RSAF fighter jets and conducted air strikes on Yemeni rebels making incursions into Saudi Arabia.

Pakistan has done a lot for Saudi Arabia.

Pakistan has the most urbanized population in South Asia - World Bank

Lahore Gulberg District aerial view.

Pakistan has the most urbanized population in South Asia with more percentage of people living in cities than any South Asian country. According to World Bank data in 2013 Pakistan had 38% of its population living in urban areas and cities, while nearby India in 2013 is at 32%. This is an important indicator because populations that are concentrated in more urban centric environments are better integrated into a modern economy. Which means higher employment rates, higher income rates, less poverty, and a stronger middle class.

Urban population (% of total) | Data | Table

Russia-Pakistan Deal May Lead to More Sales

By Usman Ansari  February 16, 2015

ISLAMABAD — A deal for Pakistan to directly import Russian engines for the JF-17 Thunder multi-role fighter will improve the program and may lead to more Russian-made parts for the aircraft, analysts say.

News broke over the weekend that Pakistan would directly import the Klimov RD-93 engines from Russia rather than via China, which reportedly also supports the deal. Kaiser Tufail, an analyst and former air commodore, said he believes the deal is significant on cost and political grounds.

"I think a direct deal with Russia for supply of the engines basically removes the Chinese middleman, resulting in cheaper procurement cost. It is also reflective of a thaw in what has been a frosty relationship with Russia over the past several decades," he said.

Considering the JF-17 is a Sino-Pakistani project, Tufail said: "China's approval of direct procurement from Russia is also significant, and can be seen as trilateral cooperation between the three countries, in which Pakistan enjoys a pivotal position."

Engine availability has always been a source of speculation for the JF-17 program — initially the lack of a Western-made powerplant — and whether Moscow would continue to supply the RD-93, leading Pakistan to look for an alternative.

An alternative does exist in the Chinese Guizhou WS-13, but analysts do not consider it yet to have matured. With the guaranteed availability of the RD-93, the only issue is whether a more powerful, and perhaps thrust-vectoring, variant may be adopted at a future date.

The European EJ200 is also being offered, but for potential customers such as Saudi Arabia.
Brian Cloughley, analyst and former Australia defense attache to Islamabad, said, "I think there is already examination of the means of upgrading the JF-17 in many ways, and it would be surprising if this did not include more powerful engines, and certainly an improved version of the RD-93 would be a sensible choice."

Cloughley said financing may be an issue, but it's something he said he believed politics will overcome. "As usual, it all comes down to cost — but Russia is cutting the price of its exported defense material in order to acquire and lock-in markets."

Cloughley also highlighted a perennial fear of sanctions for Pakistan that still shapes its policies. "This is yet another blowback effect of sanctions, and it may cost the west considerably in the long term."

However, Tufail questioned the need for the JF-17 needing a replacement engine.
"I believe it is a premature idea, as the current RD-93 is powerful enough, providing a thrust-to-weight ratio of almost 1:1," said Tufail.

Russia-Pakistan Deal May Lead to More Sales

Pakistani military says it kills more than 60 militants in various clashes -Reuters

Pakistan kills school massacre 'facilitator'

Pakistan kills 77 militants after Taliban school massacre

Pakistani security forces have killed a Taliban commander who allegedly facilitated the Peshawar school massacre, which left 150 people dead in the country's worst ever attack.

Officials on Friday said the fighter, named only as Saddam, was killed on Thursday night in a gunfight with security forces in the restive Khyber tribal area, which borders the northwestern city of Peshawar where last week's attack took place.

"Commander Saddam was a dreaded terrorist, who was killed in an exchange of fire with the security forces in Jamrud town of Khyber tribal region," top local administration official Shahab Ali Shah told a press conference in Peshawar.

"Six of his accomplices were injured and arrested."
He added that Saddam is believed to have facilitated the school attack, although the extent or capacity of his alleged involvement was not yet known.

"Authorities are currently interrogating the injured terrorists," Shah said.
He described Saddam as an important commander in the Pakistani Taliban, or Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), and said he had masterminded several bomb attacks.

Saddam and his accomplices had been involved in several recent attacks on security forces that had resulted in heavy casualties, Shah said.

The Taliban and other fighters have taken refuge in Khyber from a major army offensive launched in June in North Waziristan, another restive tribal area on the Afghan border that has been a hub for al-Qaeda and Taliban fighters since the early 2000s...

Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif has announced the establishment of military courts for terror-related cases in order to accelerate trials, and he has also lifted a six-year moratorium on the death penalty, reinstating it for terrorism-related cases.

Officials said Monday that Pakistan plans to execute around 500 fighters in the coming weeks.



Excerpt: Pakistan kills school massacre 'facilitator'

In Pakistan school attack, Taliban terrorists kill 145, mostly children

By Sophia Saifi and Greg Botelho, CNN

updated 1:28 AM EST, Wed December 17, 2014

Islamabad, Pakistan (CNN) -- "'God is great,'" the Taliban militants shouted as they roared through the hallways of a school in Peshawar, Pakistan.

Then, 14-year-old student Ahmed Faraz recalled, one of them took a harsher tone.

 " 'A lot of the children are under the benches,' " a Pakistani Taliban said, according to Ahmed. " 'Kill them.' "

By the time the hours-long siege at Army Public School and Degree College ended early Tuesday evening, at least 145 people -- 132 children, 10 school staff members and three soldiers -- were dead, military spokesman Gen. Asim Bajwa said. More than 100 were injured, many with gunshot wounds, according to Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province Information Minister Mushtaq Ghani.

he death toll does not include the terrorists who attacked the school, bursting into an auditorium where a large number of students were taking an exam and gunning down many of them within minutes, Bajwa said.

"They started shooting indiscriminately," Bajwa said, "and that's where maximum damage was caused."

Pakistani Taliban spokesman Mohammed Khurrassani said the militants scaled the school's walls around 10 a.m. (midnight ET), intent on killing older students there.

The Taliban had "300 to 400 people ... under their custody" at one point, said Khurrassani, whose group is called Tehreek e Taliban Pakistan, or TTP. But Bajwa said there was no hostage situation, as the attackers' focus was shooting to kill rather than taking captives.

They were eventually met by Pakistani troops who pushed through the complex building by building, room by room. By 4 p.m., they'd confined the attackers to four buildings. A few hours later, all the militants -- seven of them, according to Bajwa -- were dead.

Excerpt: In Pakistan school attack, Taliban terrorists kill 145, mostly children

Al Qaeda in search of its 'own territory' in India

India Conflict Map, SATP.org

Gabriel Domínguez, Sept 9, 2014

India has stepped up security after al Qaeda announced the formation of a local wing. But as analyst Gauri Khandekar tells DW, the militant group is in reality seeking recruits rather than launching a new branch.

In a video posted online, al Qaeda chief Ayman al-Zawahiri announced it had created an Indian branch and promised to spread Islamic rule and "raise the flag of jihad" across the "Indian subcontinent" and Myanmar. Indian authorities said they were taking the move seriously and put several states on high alert on September 4.

In the meantime, the announcement was hailed by a new breakaway faction of the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) called Jamat-ul-Ahrar. "We believe that the branch will work hard for the achievement of the rights of Muslims in the subcontinent," the splinter group's spokesman Ehsanullah Ehsan, said in a message posted on Twitter and Facebook.

Analysts say al Qaeda has been increasingly overshadowed by 'Islamic State', a renegade offshoot of the terror group which has managed to capture vast territory in Syria and Iraq and inspired thousands of fighters to join its jihadist mission.

So far, terror threats In India have largely come from neighboring Pakistan and Kashmir, the disputed Himalayan region. Gauri Khandekar, head of the Asia Program at the European think tank FRIDE, says in a DW interview that while there is no evidence of an al Qaeda presence in the subcontinent, the organization wants to take advantage of the large and young Muslim population in the region.

DW: How credible are the al Qaeda chief's claims of expansion and the creation of an Indian branch?

Gauri Khandekar: This is indeed worrisome. It has been said that al Qaeda (AQ) is trying to compete with IS for recruits and funding, but what has not been said is that the network is also differentiating itself from IS geographically. AQ does not want to compete with IS for territory, so it is trying to claim its own "territory of action" and channeling an undisclosed amount of its resources on the Indian subcontinent, especially as foreign troops prepare to leave Afghanistan.


Source: Al Qaeda in search of its 'own territory' in India 


It will be interesting to see how India and the new Prime Minister Modi handles this challenge. I think in the coming years India will face a wave of instability and internal attacks as militancy in the country intensifies.

Pakistan, Russia Sign 'Milestone' Military Cooperation Pact

 Nov, 20, 2014: Russian Defense Minister Gen. Sergei Shoigu (Left) and Pakistan Defense Minister Khwaja Asif (Right).

Nov. 20, 2014 - 03:58P By AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE

ISLAMABAD, PAKISTAN — Pakistan and Russia signed a “milestone” military cooperation pact on Thursday aimed at bringing peace and stability to the region, Islamabad’s defence ministry said.

The agreement was signed during a visit by Russian Defence Minister Gen. Sergei Shoigu with Pakistani Defence Minister Khawaja Asif.

“The signing of the military cooperation agreement between the two significant countries of the region is a milestone,” Asif said after the signing ceremony in a ministry statement.
“Both sides will translate this relationship in tangible terms and further strengthen military to military relations,” Asif added.

The pair expressed hope that the agreement will pave the way for exchange of views and information, as well as issues related to strengthening of mutual trust and international security, counter-terrorist and arms control activities.

“The first ever visit of the defence minister from Russian Federation has come at a very critical juncture when US-led NATO forces are drawing down from Afghanistan by the end of 2014,” the statement said.

“Apart from promoting bilateral defense relations, the visit will enable both countries to join hands in bringing peace and stability in the region,” it added.

Russia has long been the largest supplier of arms to Pakistan’s nuclear-armed arch rival India, which is the world’s top arms buyer.

Russia’s ITAR-TASS news agency reported in June that the country had lifted its embargo on arms supplies to Pakistan and was holding talks on supplying Islamabad with combat helicopters.

Shoigu, who is accompanied by a 41-member high level delegation, commended the skill and expertise of Pakistani armed forces in fighting the war against terrorism, the Pakistani defence ministry said.

“The world community not only praises but wants to do business with Pakistan now,” it quoted Shoigu as saying.


Source: Pakistan, Russia Sign 'Milestone' Military Cooperation Pact

IDEAS 2014 International Arms Fair

December 1, 2014: IDEAS 2014 International Arms Fair in Karachi, Pakistan highlights from the Expo.

Pakistan offers defence cooperation to Afghanistan

KARACHI, Pakistan: The minister for defence production Rana Tanvir Hussain said on Wednesday that Pakistan is ready to cooperate with Afghanistan in defence sector.


In a meeting with the Afghan Air Chief Major General Wahab Wardak during exhibition “Ideas 2014″ in Karachi on Wednesday, the minister said that Pakistan is desirous for a peaceful Afghanistan.

The minister said that steps being taken by the new Afghan President Ashraf Ghani are commendable.

The Afghan Air Chief and the Afghan General for Logistics General Afzal, who was also present on the occasion, expressed their willingness for greater cooperation with Pakistan.

The 8th biennial International Defence Exhibition and Seminar (IDEAS 2014) continues at the Expo Centre in Karachi, and 88 delegations from 47 countries are taking part in it.

Some of the major indigenously developed products being showcased in the four-day defence exhibition include Main Battle Tank Al-Khalid, JF-17 Thunder Fighter Aircraft, Armoured Personnel Carriers and missile boats.

“It is very important event in the history of Pakistan because now we have capable to defend our country and also import our defense products. The IDEAS 2014 is highly significant to introduce our defense products at international level,” the analyst Dr Manzoor Khan said.

“Pakistan is on the track of technological inventions and we are the nation with atomic power which is very important for the defense of the country,” he added.

Source: Pakistan offers Defense Cooperation with Afghanistan

Demand Booming in Pakistan's IDEAS Arms Fair 2014

By Our Correspondent / Photo: Athar Khan

Published: December 4, 2014

KARACHI: Pakistan’s military exports have doubled in a year, Minister for Defence Production Rana Tanveer said on Wednesday as he visited the eighth International Defence Exhibition and Seminar (IDEAS) in Karachi.


Although officials remained tightlipped about the exact figure of Pakistan’s defence exports, they said the Pakistan Ordnance Factory (POF) in particular has started exporting ammunition to Morocco, New Zealand and Thailand in recent months.
“We have also exported 400 semiautomatic MP5 carbines to the United States and are selling weapons in advance economies like Germany as well,” said POF Director Exports Tabassum Rahman. According to him, POF-produced weapons, besides being reliable, had an edge over competitors in terms of price.

“Our guns are available for half the price the Germans are charging,” he said. “So the future looks even better.”

According to officials, POF has also started selling its prized POF Eye – a rig that allows the user to look and shoot around corners – to the country’s security forces. They added that POF has also modified the army’s standard issue G-3 rifle to make it lighter and more effective.
While POF’s exhibit, along with the locally produced Al-Khalid main battle tank and JF-17 jet fighter, continued to draw massive crowds on the second day of IDEAS 2014, local companies specialising in armouring cars against bullets and bombs attracted a large number of visitors as well.
“It’s not just VVIPs. Even police need solid protection in the present security environment,” said an official for Pak Armoring, which claims to have sold around 2,800 bulletproof and bombproof vehicles. The company has also set its sights on exporting armoured vehicles to African countries.
Various foreign firms also displayed products specific to Pakistan’s challenges. Turkey’s Havelsan, a tech solution provider to military and civilian establishments, has brought an electronic voting machine that can verify and register a vote in less than a minute.
Around 256 defense equipment manufacturers, including 77 Pakistan firms, are taking part in IDEAS 2014.

Source:IDEAS 2014: Pak defence exports have doubled in a year, says minister


Photos:

 Chinese firearm exhibit booth

GIDS booth, showcasing UAV drone

Pakistani UN Peacekeeping troops rescued Turkish Ambassador at Ivory Coast

Pakistani UN Peacekeeping soldier in Ivory Coast

Pakistan Army troops rescued Turkish Ambassador at Ivory Coast Mr Yekcin Kaga Erensoi alongwith three other staff members, Mr Golant, Mr Mahmut (third Secretary) and Mr Ali Ahisk at Ivory Coast (Abijan) on 11 April 2011. Turkish Ambassador was trapped in a Hotel in a volatile situation where gun battle was going on in rival factions when he asked Pakistani troops for help Pakistani troops immediately rushed and rescued the Turkish Embassy staff.

Nine Nigerian citizens who were trapped in troubled area were also rescued by Pakistani troops.

It is pertinent to mention that Pakistan Army troops as part of UN Contingent are playing an active role in saving here the lives of the innocent people of Côte d'Ivoire.

Pakistani troops have performed extremely well by protecting foreign embassies and effectively controlling the situation in their area of responsibility. United Nations have greatly appreciated Pakistani Peacekeeper’s contributions in restoring peace in the country.

Pakistan troops are deployed in Ivory Coast since 2004 and their role has been commendable as UN Peacekeepers. During last Presidential elections an additional batch of Pakistani troops was specially moved from Liberia to establish law and order in the most turbulent areas of Ivory Coast. Pakistani troops executed the assigned task in a befitting manner which was highly appreciated by UN authorities.

Source: http://www.ispr.gov.pk/front/main.asp?o=t-press_release&id=1717#pr_link1717

Pakistan Partially Unblocks Access to YouTube

John Ribeiro, IDG News

May 27, 2010 6:10 am

 

Pakistan relaxed its block on YouTube on Wednesday evening, but a similar ban on Facebook remains in place. The country's telecommunications regulator, Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA), last week ordered operators to block YouTube, citing sacrilegious content on it.

While the authority is removing its blanket ban on YouTube, objectionable links on the site will remain blocked, PTA spokesman Khurram A. Mehran said in an email on Thursday.

On May 19, the Lahore High Court ordered the PTA to block Facebook until May 31. It was ruling on a petition by a lawyers' organization in Pakistan which objected to a page on the web site called "Everybody Draw Mohammed Day!" that invited users to draw cartoons of the prophet Mohammed.
There were also large protests on the streets of Pakistan against the page and Facebook.
Depictions of the prophet are prohibited in some Islamic traditions.

The block on Facebook on May 19 was followed the next day by a block of the YouTube web site. About 450 other links on the Internet were also blocked because of derogatory content, the PTA said.
In a post on Wednesday on his recently opened Twitter account, Pakistan's Interior Minister Rehman Malik said that the Pakistan cabinet accepted his proposal at a meeting on Wednesday to block only the objectionable sections on Facebook and YouTube.

However the block on Facebook is not likely to be removed until the Lahore High Court decides on the lawyers' petition on May 31, as it is still under judicial review, according to Mehran.
Facebook said in a statement last week that it was disappointed with the Pakistani court's decision to block Facebook without warning. It said that it was analyzing the situation and the legal considerations, and will take appropriate action, which may include making the content inaccessible to users in Pakistan.
Facebook has already made the page inaccessible in India, at the request of Indian authorities.


Source: http://www.pcworld.com/article/197310/pakistan_partially_unblocks_access_to_youtube.html

 

US Court Declares Dr Aafia Siddiqui Guilty

 

NEW YORK: US Court Wednesday held Dr Aafia Siddiqui–a US-educated Pakistani woman as guilty of trying to kill American servicemen in Afghanistan.

The court declared its verdict on Dr Siddiqui at 2pm (local time).

Aafia Siddiqui, 37, a neuroscientist trained at the prestigious Massachusetts Institute of Technology, was found guilty on all charges by a jury in federal court.

She was accused of being a would-be terrorist who in July 2008 grabbed a rifle at an Afghan police station where she was being interrogated and tried to gun down a group of US servicemen.

Dr Aafia was present at the time of the verdict. She listened to the verdict with great fortitude. Also, her brother was present on the occasion.

Source: http://rightnreal.com/us-court-declares-dr-aafia-siddiqui-guilty/





My Op:

No sufficient evidence has been presented against Dr. Aafia Siddiqui. Her accusers claim she had snatched an M4 rifle at baghram base which she allegedly tried to shoot her captors, NO finger prints of her or shell casings where ever found on the M4 rifle.

No beyond-a-reasonable doubt connection to Al-Qaeda and Dr. Aafia Siddiqui have been found.

I believe the Pakistan Government must exercise all it's might in forcing the US to set free Dr. Aafia Siddiqui. A strong message ought to be sent to the White House, on the diplomatic front and other vital fronts where pressure can be applied on Washington. This unjust court ruling must be turned over and Dr. Aafia Siddiqui must be set free.

What a lowly and miserable shame for our beloved nation of Pakistan both at home and abroad.


One of our educated, dignified, mother, and Doctor, Dr. Aafia Siddiqui tortured, imprisoned, falsely accused, and treated like a criminal/terrorist....


I don't understand how any true Pakistani will forever be able to forget and forgive such acts.

Pakistan may adopt tough stance over Indian talks offer

* Diplomats say Islamabad could seek ‘result-oriented dialogue’ linked to timeline for resolution of outstanding issues

By Sajjad Malik

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan might adopt a tough stance over India’s offer for talks and press for “result-oriented dialogue” linked to a timeline for the resolution of all outstanding issues between the two countries, including the Kashmir dispute, according to diplomatic sources.

The sources said Pakistan was wary of an “open-ended” peace process that could linger on for years without any tangible progress on key issues that had been a thorn in the side of relations for decades.

“We are not interested in just talks ... [we are looking for] a fruitful engagement that will result in the solution of real problems and help bring peace,” said the sources.

Pakistan would also seek India’s assurance that New Delhi would not unilaterally suspend the peace process in case of a terrorist attack by “non-state actors”.

They said Pakistan was serious about addressing all issues with India, and would hold in-depth discussions on the offer for talks tomorrow (Wednesday) to decide the key issues related to dialogue with India.

“We are expecting a candid exchange of views on all aspects of relations with India, including the agenda of the talks ... there are several issues, such as India’s refusal to resume the composite dialogue immediately,” they said.

Some diplomats believe that India is not sincere in the context of the resumption of the peace process and New Delhi had only agreed to engage Pakistan under increased foreign pressure and the ”looming loss of its influence in Afghanistan” because of Pakistan’s new role in reintegrating “peace loving” Taliban in the Afghan society.

The sources said Pakistan had already called back Indian High Commissioner Shahid Malik – who is arriving today (Tuesday) to attend the consultations at the Foreign Office and brief the high-ups on his meetings with Indian diplomats.

The peace process was suspended after the Mumbai terror attacks in November 2008. While Pakistan had perpetually sought the resumption of the peace talks, India had been refusing to come to the negotiations table until Pakistan brought the perpetrators of the attacks to justice. India has said that it has made the offer with “an open and positive” mind. While India has now agreed to talks, it is reluctant to fully restore the composite dialogue under domestic compulsions.

Analysts believe that both countries would have to come out of their “fixation” for any solution to bilateral problems.

Source: http://www.dailytimes.com.pk/default.asp?page=2010\02\09\story_9-2-2010_pg7_15

China mulls setting up military base in Pakistan

Picture courtesy of Armybase.us

Saibal Dasgupta, TNN, 28 January 2010, 07:58pm IST

BEIJING: China has signaled it wants to go the US way and set up military bases in overseas locations that would possibly include Pakistan. The obvious purpose would be to exert pressure on India as well as counter US influence in Pakistan and Afghanistan.

"(So) it is baseless to say that we will not set up any military bases in future because we have never sent troops abroad," an article published on Thursday at a Chinese government website said. "It is our right," the article said and went on to suggest that it would be done in the neighborhood, possibly Pakistan.

"As for the military aspect, we should be able to conduct the retaliatory attack within the country or at the neighboring area of our potential enemies. We should also be able to put pressure on the potential enemies' overseas interests," it said.

A military base in Pakistan will also help China keep a check on Muslim Uighur separatists fighting for an independent nation in its western region of Xingjian, which borders the North West Frontier Province of Pakistan. Beijing recently signed an agreement with the local government of NWFP in order to keep a close watch on the movement of Uighur ultras.

"I have personally felt for sometime that China might one day build a military base in India's neighborhood. China built the Gadwar port in Pakistan and is now broadening the Karokoram highway. These facilities can always be put to military use when the need arises," Ramesh V Phadke, former Air Commodore and advisor to the Institute of Defense Studies told TNN.

Phadke said the article in very significant. "The purpose may be to see how the international community reacts to it," he said.

China, which has no military bases outside its territory, has often criticized the United States for operating such overseas bases. It has not just changed its standpoint but also wants to enter the lucrative protection business.

"With further development, China will be in great demand of the military protection," the article said. Pakistan, which buys 70% of its military hardware from China, is likely to be an eager buyer for such protection. Beijing may also be able to pressurize Islamabad to accept its diktat using the threat of withholding military supplies.

A Pakistani expert on China-Pakistan relationship has a different view on the subject. "The Americans had a base in the past and it caused a political stink. I don’t think it would be politically possible for the Pakistani government to openly allow China to set up a military base," he said while requesting anonymity. Pakistan might allow use of its military facilities without publicly announcing it, he said.

A Chinese military base can tackle several international relations issues, it said. One of them is "the relationship between the base troops and the countries neighboring to the host country." This is another indication that Beijing is considering Pakistan as a possible base. China’s argument is that a foreign base would actually help regional stability.

"If the base troops can maintain the regional stability, it will be probably welcomed by all the countries in the region," the article said. Beijing is conscious that the move might result in opposition from the US, UK and France which has overseas military bases.

“Thirdly, the relationship between the big countries in the world. The establishment of the troop bases is sensitive to those big countries which have already set up the bases abroad," the article said.


Source: http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/china/China-mulls-setting-up-military-base-in-Pakistan/articleshow/5510235.cms





 My Op:

Such a monumental decision will take careful analysis and intense strategic planning on our part, before anything such as what is being allegedly being proposed can be finalized.

Several things must be taken into factor.

1) The sentiment of the Balochi people and what they think about a Chinese MB in their province, obviously the base would be in a remote part of Balochistan nonetheless their support or tolerance of a foreign MB will be critical.


2) Time-span

3) Roles and regulations on the activity of a foreign MB in Pakistan territory.

4) The purpose of this Chinese MB must be clearly defined.

"The time is right to revive Balochistan's geopolitical importance on national and international level and a chinese base is the perfect tool to serve mutual interests."- Dutch commentator on Pakistan Affairs.

Is it possible to revive Balochistan's geopolitical importance on a national and international level without a Chinese base? Also I got news for you, Balochistan's geopolitical importance on the inter/national stage has already been revived, not by us, not by the Chinese, but by other powers and factors.



You seriously have to think about these things before finalizing such a major plan and maneuver.

Pakistan offers training to Afghanistan army and police: Qureshi

LONDON: Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi said that Pakistan has offered training to Afghanistan army and police and also offered to increase cooperation in various fields with Afghanistan. 

Talking to a private TV channel He said that in the conference the importance of Pakistan was admitted and besides military options, other options for the solution of Afghanistan issue were also discussed." We would have to move forward by keeping the ground realities in mind, " adding, " the Afghanistan government has sought help from Pakistan and Saudi Arab in talks with Taliban". 

Qureshi said that Afghanistan has to prepare 0.3 million army and police officials by 2011.
"According to Pakistan point of view, the conference was very successful and addressing our reservations in it is our great success", he added. He said that Hamid Karzai has sought five years time for normalizing the situation in his country. 

British Prime Minister Gordon Brown said the international conference in London on Afghanistan’s future, marked a "decisive" moment in Afghanistan’s history.

While he warned that British and international troops fighting the Taliban would face more "tough times" ahead, he said a process was being put in place that would enable them to return home.

"It will take time but I believe that the conditions set out in the plan that we will sign up to today can be met sooner than many expect and, as a result, the process of handover district-by-district will begin later this year," he said Speaking to a 60-nation conference in London.

"It will mark the beginning of a new phase and a decisive step towards Afghans taking responsibility for their own security."

Mr Brown backed President Hamid Karzai’s plan to re-integrate Taliban fighters who are prepared to lay down their arms and renounce violence. 

"As an international community responding to President Karzai’s leadership, we are today establishing an international trust fund to finance this peace and re-integration programme to provide an economic alternative to those who have none," he said.

"But for those insurgents who refuse to accept the conditions for re-integration, we have no choice but to pursue them militarily."

In his opening address, Mr Karzai said a national council for peace, reconciliation and re-integration would be established in Afghanistan.
Afghan President Hamid Karzai called on Saudi Arabia on Thursday to play a prominent role in bringing peace to Afghanistan.He said he would call a loya jirga, or council of elders, to discuss how to bring about reconciliation in Afghanistan. 

"We will establish a national council for peace and reconciliation and reintegration, followed by a peace jirga in Afghanistan," he said. "We hope His Majesty (Saudi) King Abdullah bin Abdul-Aziz will kindly play a prominent role to guide and assist the peace process."
Karzai also said stability in Afghanistan depended not just on what happened inside the country but also on its neighbours. "We ask all our neighbours, particularly Pakistan, to support our peace and reconciliation effort," he said. He also urged Afghan insurgents to sever ties with al Qaeda.
The Afghan Foreign minister of Afghanistan Rangeen Dadfur Spanta has termed the, establishing of peace in Afghanistan as a great challenge.

UK Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs David Miliband has also announced U$. 140 million dollars for Afghanistan. He said that the aim of the conference was to unite the neighboring countries of Afghanistan.

He elaborated that the situation of Pakistan and Afghanistan were different from each other. And said that more powers would have to be given to Afghan people, as the poor prevalent situation could be improved with dialogue and not only by war.
However, the Taliban have rejected the declaration of London conference, saying, it was nothing more than a western propaganda. 

Mullah Zaeef said that relieving the occupation of Afghanistan by foreign forces was the first priority, and stressed that US would have to leave Afghanistan.


Source: http://www.onlinenews.com.pk/details.php?id=157894

Govt decides to expand Pak missile program

Upadated on: 20 Jan 10 09:29 PM

Staff Report

ISLAMABAD: The government has decided to expand its nuclear program, sources told SAMAA on Wednesday.


The government has asked the Finance Ministry tto provide funds to upgrade the missile program of the country.

Prime Minister Syed yousuf Raza Gilani presided the meeting of the strategic planing division on January 19, 2010. Finance Minister Shaukat Tareen, Chairman Joints Chief of Staff Committee General Tariq Majeed and Director General Strategic and Planning Division also joined the meeting, sources added.

The members of the meeting approved to supgrade the missile program of the country to maintain balance of power in the region, sources added.

The Finance Ministry has been instructed to provide resources for upgradation of the missile program, sources added. SAMAA


Source: http://www.samaa.tv/News16344-Govt_decides_to_expand_Pak_missile_program.aspx

Pakistan, China to enhance military cooperation

Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gilani talking to China’s Deputy Chief of the People’s Liberation Army General Staff, General Ma Xiaotian. – APP (Picture from Dawn.com)

Chinese Defense Minister Liang Guanglie (R) meets with Noman Bashir, visiting Pakistani chief of the naval staff, in Beijing, Dec. 18, 2009. (Xinhua/Zhang Duo)

Sunday 17 Jan 2010


Islamabad, Jan 17 : Pakistan and China have inked an agreement for further strengthening defence production, staging joint military exercises and training military officers.

Quoting sources, Online news agency reported Sunday the agreement was signed during the visit here of Chinese Deputy Chief of General Staff Gen. Ma Xiaotian.

Under the agreement, Pakistan and China have agreed that both countries would work jointly for strategic stability in the region and to enhance cooperation between institutions of defence production, the sources said.

It was also agreed that both countries would also ensure the implementation of memorandums of understanding signed in the past on the supply of latest planes and ships and any obstacles in the way would be removed through talks.

The sources further said that both countries agreed on the training of soldiers and frequent visits of senior military officers and contacts between them, adding that the agreement will have far-reaching impact on the relations between the two countries.

Pakistan-China relations began in 1950 when this country was among the first to break ties with Taiwan and recognise the People's Republic of China.

Following the Sino-Indian hostilities of 1962, Pakistan's relations with China became stronger. Since then, the two countries have regularly exchanged high-level visits, resulting in a variety of agreements.

The relationship has been described by Chinese President Hu Jintao as "higher than the mountains and deeper than the oceans".

Of late, military cooperation has deepened with joint projects producing armaments ranging from fighter jets to guided missile frigates.

Copyright Indo Asian News


Source: http://www.littleabout.com/news/58891,pakistan-china-enhance-military-cooperation.html

Black Water involved in Charsadda (Pakistan) Car Blast (Capital Talk with Hamid Mir)