Chinese Troops and Turkish Military Band to Participate in Pakistan Day Parade: ISPR

ISPR, on Monday, announced that Chinese troops and Turkish military bands will participate in Pakistan Day parade which is to be held on 23rd of this month in Islamabad.

DG ISPR Major General Asif Ghafoor stated that Chinese Army troops will arrive in Islamabad to participate in Pakistan Day celebrations. A Turkish military band will also participate in the parade.

The parade is organized by joint staff headquarters in Rawalpindi, which oversees the three armed forces of Pakistan.Pakistan in 2015, held its first Pakistan Day parade after a hiatus of seven years. The display of pageantry aimed at showing the country has the upper hand in the fight against terrorists as the nation reeled from the worst militant attack in its history as 142 children were killed an army-run school in Peshawar.

The decision to invite friendly countries in national day parade is a significant move by Islamabad in the context of Indian diplomatic overtures to isolate Pakistan in the international community. This is not the only occasion when Pakistan is going to use its military diplomacy to thwart the perception of being isolated globally. Last year, Pakistan held international PACES multilateral military games in Lahore in which troops from 16 nations participated

Nucleus of Indian Foreign Policy: Isolating Pakistan & Beyond!

By Shahzad Masood Roomi

Indian Prime Minister’s visit to the US was yet another vivid display of Indian foreign policy which is being driven by the Hindutva-inspired ultra-nationalism and hegemonic mindset where Pakistan is being considered an ultimate challenge in Indian ambitions of becoming a regional power hence needs to be dealt with.

While addressing to joint session of the US congress on 8^th of June, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi made it crystal that the idea of isolating Pakistan, under the pretext of harboring terrorism, is the nucleus of Indian foreign policy but that is not the only objective India is eying as far as “fixing” Pakistan is concerned. India wants world against and at war with Pakistan. The text of Modi’s speech leaves very little to imagine other than that, this has become ‘the strategic’ goal of India. 

Chabahar Port- A joint Iran- India Initiative to Outsmart Gwadar

By Tariq Niaz

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Iran in late May and signed a series of twelve memorandums of understanding (MOU) which centered upon the Iranian Port of Chabahar. In addition to bilateral MOUs, PM Modi also signed a trilateral transit agreement with Iran and Afghanistan which allows Indian goods to reach Afghanistan through Iran. The expanding Indian economic cooperation with Iran reflect on its changing foreign policy initiatives in the fast evolving geopolitics of the region and its response to much hyped China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) and development of Gwadar Port in Baluchistan. 

Tempest-II Wargame: PAF Seeks Operational Synergy With Army, Navy

By News Desk

Islamabad—Pakistan Air Force (PAF) seeks to enhance its operational synergy with two sister forces in latest wargame, Tempest-II which commenced yesterday here in Islamabad. According to news, a detailed inaugural briefing regarding the aim, objectives and conduct of the PAF exercise Tempest-II was held at Nur Khan Auditorium Air Headquarters, Islamabad, on Tuesday. Opening cermony was attended by Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee (CJCS) General Rashad Mahmood along with top tier of tri-service was also present along with Air Chief Marshal (ACM) Sohail Aman, Chief of the Air Staff, Pakistan Air Force.

Pakistan, US and F-16s: What is Wrong in the Mix?

By Shahzad Masood Roomi

In the latest twist in ever shaky Pak-US relations, the US has told Pakistan to arrange the full US$699 million to get 8 F-16s Block 52s instead of spending just US$276 million for the same after Senate Committee on Foreign Relations members and head barred the Obama administration from using the American taxpayers money to subsidies the deal. According to original deal, the US was to arrange US$430 million through Foreign Military Financing (FMF).

ISIS Eying Europe to Acquire Nuclear Material

 

By Shahzad Masood Roomi

Pakistan is often sighted by many western analysts as potential source of supply of nuclear material for international nuclear terrorism. India has used these fear for her own geopolitical reasons. For instance, in May 2015, India "warns" the world that ISIS could obtain nuclear weapon from Pakistan.

Defence Minister Rao Inderjit Singh, while speaking on the sidelines of the Shangri-La regional security conference in Singapore, claimed "With the rise of Isis in West Asia, one is afraid to an extent that perhaps they might get access to a nuclear arsenal from states like Pakistan." 

To corroborate his claim he just had a statement issued by ISIS last year just days before Rao's speech in Singapore. Despite the lack of any proof, the statement of Indian minister got attention of wider western populace. But today, UK based news service, The Guardian, has exposed chilling details about ISIS's original plan to acquire nuclear material (for possible purpose of making a dirty bomb) and according to the news, ISIS is actually eying Germany for acquisition of nuclear material.  

According to the Guardian, Salah Abdeslam, a prime suspect in the Paris attacks, possessed documents about a nuclear research centre in Germany. The news outlet cited German newspaper reports as source of this disclosure.

The Juelich centre near the Belgium-Germany border is used for the storage of atomic waste. Thoguh German media is trying to downplaying the incident by saying "that there was no indication of any danger and that Juelich was in contact with security authorities and nuclear supervisors." But question remains, how an ISIS fighter was able to get its hands on such information.

As per Guardian's report, German media, however, confirmed that Abdeslam had photos of the Juelich chairman, Wolfgang Marquardt, in his apartment in the Molenbeek area of Brussels. This is serious development. Kidnapping of such officials at any nuclear facility could lead to far serious security dilemma. This revelations must also put the entire debate on nuclear security into a completely new perspective based on objectivity and transparency rather than geopolitical maneuvering by any nation state against anyone. 

  

"Zarb-e-Azb is Not Only an Operation But a Wholesome Concept", Gen Raheel Sharif

BY NewsDesk

Pakistan Army chief, Gen. Raheel has declared that operation Zarb-e-Azb is not only an operation but a wholesome concept. "Ladies and Gentlemen, Op Zarb-e-Azb is not only an operation but a wholesome concept. It ultimately aims at breaking the syndicate of terrorism, extremism and corruption.", he said. He was addressing to a seminar held at a hotel here in Gawadar.

Pak-China Joint Air Force Exercise 'Shaheen-5' Begins

By News Desk

China's air force on Saturday began joint training exercises with that of Pakistan, China's defence ministry said, as the two nations' militaries strengthen operational ties. The military drill, code-named “Shaheen (Eagle)-5” began on April 9 in Pakistan and will continue till April 30.
“China’s Air Force hopes to widen the scope of cooperation and dialogue with all countries and regions,” the Chinese Ministry of Defense statement said in a statement quoted by Reuters. 

 

As far as the composition of participating units, no details  where offered by Pakistani or Chinese side. Considering the respective components from the both sides in the previous exercises it is prudent that both sides will deploy front-line fighters along with force multipliers (AWACS and Air Refuelers).  The exercise will continue next three weeks.
Last year’s Shaheen-4, featured fourth-generation fighter jets and bombers as well as airborne early warning and control (AEW&C) aircraft. The PAF alone participated with three different types of frontline fighter aircraft from different squadrons (likely the JF-17 Thunder, Dassault Mirage III/5, and F7 PG fighter aircraft).
The PLAAF and PAF have held Shaheen series exercises on regular basis since March 2011. The second training exercise took place in the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region in western China in September 2013, the third was held in Punjab, Pakistan, in May 2014.
Speaking to Reuters, the PAF second-in-command, Air-Vice Marshal Muhammad Ashfaque Arain, said that the PAF heavily relies on its fleet of around 70 U.S.-made F-16 fighter jets in its anti-terrorist operations in Pakistan. Whether any F-16 aircraft will participate in the training exercise is unknown. In February, the United States finally approved a possible of eight additional F-16 Block-52 fighters to Pakistan in a deal valued at $699 million.
Earlier, this Monday, the PAF also inducted 16 upgraded JF-17 Thunder Block II combat aircraft during a handover ceremony in Kamra, also known as Aviation City, the center of aircraft manufacturing in Pakistan. And now the chief of air staff, Air Chief Marshal Sohail Aman has said that Pakistan is going to produce 24 JF-17 Thunder fighters in 2016 after achieving the milestone of producing 16 in 2015.

Zarb: Pakistan's Latest Anti-Ship Missile

By News Desk

DEVELOPING STORY:

Pakistan Navy on Saturday successfully test-fired ground based anti-ship missile, Zarb.

It is not clear if this a navalized version of Babur LACM cruise missile or a variant of Chinese C-602 anti-ship missile. Range of the missile has not been disclosed so far by Pakistan Navy neither any picture of the missile is available till now.

Pakistan reveals interest in Russian dual-control Mi-28NEs

BY News Desk

(IHS Janes)Pakistan has shown interest in acquiring the latest Russian Mil Mi-28NE Night Hunter dual-control variant of the Mil Mi-28 attack helicopter.  IHS Jane's reported on 24 March citing a Pakistani diplomatic source .

Due to its ballistic and radio-electronic protection,  dual-control variant of Mi-28NE meets the Pakistani armed forces' requirements for a platform in counter-terrorism operations. The dual-control Mi-28NE's advanced ballistic protection kit allows the helicopter to withstand several hits from 23 mm (airframe) and 30 mm (composite rotor blades) shells. Apart from it, its combat effectiveness has been improved over the basic Mi-28NE as both the pilot and gunner can control the aircraft.

Such features can significantly enhance the level of a helicopter's survivability on the modern battlefield, where adversaries frequently have anti-aircraft guns and man-portable air-defence systems (MANPADS).

Russia has previously offered Pakistan four Mi-28NEs without dual controls to support Islamabad's counter-terrorism operations: an offer that fostered resentment from India. The source noted that, although that offer was not furthered, when Rostvertol, Mil's parent company, launched serial production of the dual-control Mi-28NE, "Pakistan showed its intention to take the issue from the table".

In 2015 Islamabad signed a contract with Russian defence export agency Rosoboronexport for four Mi-35M ('Hind-J') attack helicopters, the deliveries of which are scheduled for 2016.

More RAW Agents Apprehended

BY News Desk

Based on the information of captured RAW officer Kulbhushan Yadev, Intelligence agencies have apprehended four more operatives of the Indian covert agency RAW . Latest arrests were made from Lahore and Karachi after Yadev started singing like a bird during the investigations.

One of these four operatives hailing from Kalat, Balochistan was identified as Deepak Kumar Prakash, according sources, whose linkage to RAW was established through an ‘undercover officer’ of the Indian high commission. He visited India in 2014, where he was given 50,000 rupees and extension in visa. One of Deepak’s brothers also lives in India, who was also given 4-5 lacs.

Another member of Kulbhushan Yadav’s spy network named Nadeem alias Uncle was rounded from Karachi, said sources. He was arrested in a joint operation together with intelligence personnel.

Muhammad Shafiq, another foreign agent, was also nabbed from Karachi.

While two more Indian nationals working as engineers in a sugar mill belonging to sharif family which is quiet a serious matter and is being debated in national media as well.


Khara Sach with Mubashir Lucman – 28th March 2016 by kashifkhemtio23

Pakistan Seeks Iranian Help to Stop RAW's Ingress in Baluchistan

BY News Desk

ISLAMABAD: According to ISRP (media wing of Pakistan military), the involvement of India’s top spy agency in Balochistan was discussed in a meeting between Chief of Army Staff General Raheel Sharif and Iranian President Hassan Rowhani.

Lt. Gen. Asim Bajwa tweeted following messages after the meeting.

RAW's Baluchistan Project

By Shahzad Masood Rooomi

Pakistani intelligence operatives, on Thursday, arrested Kal Boshan Yadav a serving Indian Navy commander level officer from Baluchistan near Pak-Afghan border. He was given a fake identity of Hussain Mubarik Patel in Pakistan by Indian foreign intelligence agency, Research and Analysis Wing (RAW).

PAF's Ambitious Plan to Replace 190 Fighters till 2020

By Shahzad Masood Roomi

PAF has announced an ambitious plan to replace 190 of its fighter planes by 2020. This has been confirmed for the first time by senior officials to daily Dawn. In that respect PAF is looking to secure 10 more advanced F-16s C/D Block 52 from the US after concluding the ongoing deal of 8 aircraft. Keeping in mind the resistance current deal faced, it is obvious that Pakistani government will have to do some aggressive and effective diplomacy in Washington. Officials have hinted that PAF is looking to maintain a fighter fleet of 350-400 modern multi-role jets.

Islamic Military Alliance: Options for Pakistan

By Shahzad Masood Roomi

Saudi Arabia has asked for Pakistani cooperation to establish a military alliance of Muslim countries on the footprints of NATO.

Pakistan has accepted the request and has shown its willingness to cooperate with the Kingdom but no details of this cooperation have come fore so far. 

According to media reports, the request was made to PM Nawaz Sharif and COAS Gen Raheel Sharif on their return to home after attending the concluding ceremony of "North Thunder" military exercises where military contingents from 20 Muslim countries participated. 

ANALYSIS: Gen Raheel and Saudi Led Islamic Military Alliance

By Shahzad Masood Roomi

Pakistan media is buzzed with the news that Gen. Raheel Shareef, COAS Pakistan Army, has been asked by the Saudi led 34 countries alliance to become its commander in-chief after his retirement which is due November later this year. Source of information according to Daily The News International is "US military and political sources."

Sale of F-16 C/D Block 52 to PAF Takes a Step Further

F-16 C/D Block 52 sale to PAF has moved a step further after the issuance of federal notification about it.. 

Washington: It seems that all the investment New Delhi made for lobbying anti-Pakistan law making in Washington turned into a vain attempt as the US government has formally published federal notification for the sale of eight F-16 fighter jets to Pakistan despite opposition from some American law makers belonging to Indian caucus.

Earth Breaking Cermony of PAF's ACE (Air Power Center of Excellence)

Islamabad:  Earth breaking ceremony of PAF's ACE (Air power Center of Excellence)  was held at PAF Base, Mushaf on 22 February, 2016. 

According to PAF sources, ACE will be one of the very few air power centers of the world and the first of its class in the region. The institute would link operations, research and doctrine to orchestrate air campaigns with air combat tactics. The institute would enhance PAF capability to undertake complex, demanding future challenges and counter terrorist operations.

Pakistan Army Will Pay Every Price To Make CPEC Reality: Gen Raheel

By Shahzad Masood Roomi
“We are aware of all the campaigns against CPEC and I vow that the security forces are ready to pay any price to turn this long cherished dream into reality,”

This was stated by Chief of Army Staff General Raheel Sharif on Friday while he visited the HQ of newly raised Special Security Division (SSD) in Pakistan Army which has been given charge of security responsibilities of CPEC projects.

COAS was given a detailed briefing over raising of the force and the security threats faced by the CPEC project. Gen Raheel, after briefing, instructed SSD to take all possible measures to make all CPEC related projects secure including the security of work force involved in the projects.

FIR Registered Against the Attackers and Abettors of Pathankot Attack; What About Proofs?

By Shahzad Masood Roomi

The latest media reports suggest that Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD) of Punjab Police, Pakistan has registered a case against the alleged attackers and their abettors of the Pathankot airbase located in Indian Punjab.

According to reports, CTD lodged FIR # 06/2016 in a police station Gujranwala under the sections 302, 324 and 109 of the Pakistan Penal Code (PPC), and sections 7 and 21-I of the Anti-Terrorism Act (ATA).

Punjab Law Minister Rana Sanaullah addressing the media said, “The information provided by India was used to file the case and if need be, Pakistan will ask India for more information.”