ISLAMABAD: The country has attained self-sufficiency in defence production sector and any sanctions from the west cannot hamper the defence supplies to the armed forces, said Chairman Pakistan Ordnance Factories Board Lt. Gen. Syed Sabahat Hussain. Talking to mediapersons after addressing the first convocation of Wah Medical College in Wah, the POF chief said that the country’s defence needs are being met through generation of indigenous resources.

He said that the POF had already reached six agreements with renowned international firms to undertake joint ventures for manufacturing of modern weapons. “These agreements are on transfer of technology basis,” he said. He said around 23 development projects are in the different stages of completion with the aim to enhance the level and standard of POF production.

General Sabahat who will be retiring on Wednesday from the service, said that the POF during the last year earned record revenue of Rs 500 million besides securing record export orders for the surplus production of POF.

He said the POF has secured orders worth US $ 80 million which is around 8 times higher than the last years proceeds earned in the sector. He said that the POF has advance bookings for supply of arms and ammo for 2010 which speaks volume about the standard and quality of the material being produced by the POF.

Answering a question regarding the welfare of the POF employees, he said that the government was asked to allow financial autonomy in line to increase the salary package of employees besides providing impetus to the economic well-being of the organisation.

“The case for giving autonomy to POF is pending with the Ministry of Finance for the last four years,” he said. Earlier, addressing the convocation, he urged upon the graduating doctors to go in the practical field with the spirit of devotion and dedication to provide a real service to the sick humanity.

“You all are the future leaders in the field of medical and you should set new examples of service through your sheer hardwork and devotion.” In his address, Vice Chancellor of Medical Health Sciences Dr Mubashar Hussain called upon the need for undertaking maximum research in the Human Health sector. “We can start research work without having modern laboratories·

we can undertake research on the major diseases without spending a lot of money,” he said. He appreciated the talent of the Pakistani youth and said “ we have a lot of talent but it needs proper guidance and leadership to get maximum out put,” he said.

Following strong persuasions by Dr. Mubashir Hussain, the Chairman POF announced to set up an independent department of Medical Education in the Wah Medical College with the aim to impart education skills and acquaint the teaching faculty of various medical colleges about latest research. All the 75 graduating doctors were awarded with degrees. The function was attended by former POF chief Lt.Gen ® Abdul Qayyum, Faculty members, and parents of the graduating students.-APP

KAHUTA: Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani Tuesday said the government was fully aware and capable of meeting country’s defence needs and was pursuing the policy of credible minimum deterrence to maintain peace and stability in the region. The Prime Minister was addressing a gathering of nuclear scientists as he visited Kahuta Research Laboratories here, where he was given briefing on the working of the setup. Prime Minister Gilani said the government was focusing on a strong defence and stable economy for sustainable peace in the country.

“We will do our best and the government will take care of all the defence needs,” he said and added that strong defence and political security leads to economic stability. The Prime Minister said Pakistan was a frontline state in war against terrorism and needed international support towards its stability. “A strong and stable Pakistan is in the interest of the whole world,” he said.

Gilani hoped that the Friends of Pakistan group in its meeting in Tokyo would deliberate upon extending economic assistance to the country. He said the government was striving to ensure political stability and build strong economy, and added that the government was taking prudent steps in this regard.

Prime Minister Gilani appreciated the contribution of Kahuta Research Labs towards the country’s defence by reinforcing credible minimum deterrence. He expressed satisfaction over the working of KRL, that was providing weapon systems for the armed forces, thus saving a lot of foreign exchange. Gilani said he was proud of the country’s defence forces, that were doing a tremendous job and fully capable of safeguarding the geographical frontiers of the country.

The Prime Minister paid tribute to KRL scientists for their hardwork and dedication, and described them as a “real asset” for the nation. He said the government would establish an institute for research?based studies in the higher education system. The Prime Minister announced a one?month basic salary as honorarium for all the KRL employees.

Earlier, the Prime Minister visited various sections of the Kahuta Research Labs where he was briefed by its Chairman Karim Ahmad on the research activities. Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee and KRL Director General (Strategic Planning Division) Lt Gen Khalid Kidwai were also present. Later, Prime Minister Gilani wrote comments in the visitors book about his visit to the KRL.

Lahore: The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), General Ashfaq Parvez Kayani left for United Kingdom today on an official visit. This is General Ashfaq Parvez Kayani’s first visit to UK as Chief Of Army Staff. During this visit, General Ashfaq Parvez Kayani is scheduled to meet the senior Military and Government officials of United Kingdom. Earlier, General Ashfaq Parvez Kayani was seen off at Lahore Airport by Lieutenant General Ijaz Ahmed Bakhshi, Corps Commander and other senior military officials.-ISPR

ISLAMABAD: Going for serial production in 2000 Al-Khalid Main Battle Tank, with origional designation of Type 98 of China has emerged as one of the most selling heavy weapon following US built M1A1 Abram. Pakistan unlike India adopted a different route to develop its Main Battle Tank with armour from China and engine from Ukrain.

Rest of the parts are manufactured at Heavy Industries Taxila. This facility has attained Gunnery, auto-tracking of target, night vision combat capability, ‘Hunter Killer’s Eye, Tracks, Auto Ammunition Leading System and ERA plates which neutralize anti-tabk missiles several other parts.

The HIT attained Armour cutting and molding system through its Skoda facility. This facility also grinds and molds guns upto 150 mm. When the serial production with Lt. Gen. Hamid Javaid Chairman of HIT it was prioritized that the Al-Khalid weapon system should be cost effective.

The HIT is at present also manufacturing M113 APCs which sold to Pakistan Army and exported to the United Nations for Peace Keeping Forces and NATO forces.

According to annual analysis “The Market for Tanks,” the Forecast International Weapons Group projects that the international market will produce over 6,500 main battle tanks, worth in excess of $26.76 billion, through 2018. However, while increased modernization and retrofit remains transparent to FI’s analysis of new-production tanks, this factor remains a significant component of the international market. Dean Lockwood, weapons systems analyst at Forecast International, notes that “in 2008, U.S. Department of Defense contract awards for the maintenance, RESET, and upgrade of the existing M1 Abrams inventories carried a total value in excess of $1.46 billion.

That was equivalent to more than 46 percent of the total value of all new-production main battle tanks entering the international market in 2008 (nearly $3.17 billion).

Last year, the Chinese Type 98 program maintained its position as the single largest new-production program. Yet, with a total value of $395.79 million (for 116 new-production tanks), the Type 98 program was worth only about 27.11 percent what the U.S. DoD spent on the M1 Abrams in 2008.”

The expense associated with the modernization and retrofit of high-end main battle tanks pales in comparison with the prospect of new tank procurement.

Thus, FI expects new production of high-end tanks to remain relatively low, accounting for 14.9 percent of all production and 24.22 percent of the value of the market during the forecast period.

In terms of sheer numbers, Forecast International expects Pakistan’s Al Khalid, the Type 98 of the People’s Republic of China, and the Russian Federation’s T-90 (including India’s licensed T-90S production program) to continue to dominate the market, representing 60.57 percent of all new tanks rolling out worldwide, and accounting for 52.28 percent of the value of the market, through 2018.

In the international market for main battle tanks, the days of U.S. and European domination over new production are long gone. Nevertheless, the established U.S. and European players continue to make their presence felt.

The 120mm Rh 120 smoothbore ordnance, the state-of-the-art Leopard 2, and the combat-proven M1 Abrams continue to set the standard for main battle tank design worldwide.

Second only to the infantryman in terms of combat effectiveness, the “mailed fist” of heavy armor remains the arm of decision on the modern battlefield.

Further, as Operation Iraqi Freedom (2003-present) evolved from a war of movement into a security operation, the main battle tank has proven surprisingly adaptable. According to Lockwood, “In the congested streets of Iraqi cities, the Abrams serves as a significant force multiplier, fully up to meeting the challenges of an asymmetric warfare environment.”
Courtesy : Arab News

ISLAMABAD: Commander of the National Guard of Bahrain Major General Sheikh Mohammad Bin Issa Al-Khalifa had a luncheon meeting with President Asif Ali Zardari in the Presidency on Thursday. Matters related to military co-operation, the regional security situation, bilateral relations and other issues of mutual interest were discussed in the meeting.

The President applauded the excellent relations between Bahrain and Pakistan, particularly between the armed forces of the two countries. Commander of the National Guard of Bahrain thanked the President for receiving him and extending hospitality to him. He expressed his resolve to continue working for enhancement of co-operation between the two countries.

Input from Agencies

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Yusuf Raza Gilani on Monday chaired a meeting of the Defence Committee of Cabinet, that deliberated on the security situation in the country particularly in Swat and tribal areas. In the meeting held at PM House, the committee was briefed on the progress on the inquiry based on information provided by Indian authorities concerning the Mumbai attacks.

The meeting decided that on the basis of inquiry conducted by FIA, the case should be registered and further investigation be carried out so that the perpetrators of the heinous crime, wherever they may be, are brought to justice in accordance with the law of the land.

The meeting acknowledged that inquiry had been conducted professionally and endorsed the recommendations of the Interior Ministry to proceed with the registration of the case.

The meeting however, observed that without substantial evidence from India it will be exceedingly difficult to complete the investigation and proceed with the case.

In order to complete the investigation the questions which are arising from the inquiry carried out by the FIA need to be answered by the Indian authorities.

These will be communicated to the Indian authorities shortly.

The meeting was attended by the Minister for Defence, Ch. Ahmad Mukhtar, Minister for Defence Production, Mr. Abdul Qayyum Khan Jatoi, Minister for Foreign Affairs, Makhdoom Shah Mehmood Qureshi, Minister for Information and Broadcasting, Sherry Rehman, Minister for Law, Farooq H Naik, Advisor to PM on Finance, Shaukat A. Tareen, Advisor to PM on Interior, Rehman Malik, Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee, General Tariq Majid, Chief of Army Staff, General Ashfaq Pervez Kayani, Chief of Naval Staff, Admiral Noman Bashir, Chief of Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal Tanvir Mehmood Ahmad, DG ISI, Secretary Cabinet, Secretary Foreign Affairs, Secretary Defence, Secretary Interior and DG IB.

ISLAMABAD: Director General ISPR, Major General Athar Abbas has said the strategy to deal with the militancy in Swat has been changed to reflect aspirations of the people. In an interview he said during his visit to Swat, Chief of Army Staff General Ashfaq Pervez Kayani briefed the commanders about the new strategy that would give confidence to the people who would be forthcoming in the support of the government against militancy.

However, he said, the strategy would take some time to yield results. To a question, DG ISPR said there was a successful operation in Bajaur and Mohmand Agencies. In Khyber Agency, Frontier Corps is carrying out operations against criminals who are disturbing the life of the people.

Answering a question, General Athar Abbas said that the roads in Bajaur and Mohmand Agencies have been opened for traffic where militants were creating hurdles. He said that the operations in FATA are being carried out to create better conditions for those who were displaced due to militants’ activities.-SANA

ISLAMABAD: On a chilly morning of December staff cars were called to line up when at 3 am. It was announced ,”Shun the Chief is Leaving”.

After already spending several sleepless nights a determined and still fresh General Ashfaq Pervez Kayani and his senior colleagues left General Headquarters for their respective residences to be back 8 am. His close staffers have been over the days or weeks were mainly spending times in discussing several threat perceptions, expected ripost and were engaged in weighing several options how to go for a Defence ,Pre-Emptive or Offensive or Defencive war in case the Indian Army moves in to encircle some of vulnerable border points.

The Chief has so far not issued any Order of the Day but merely adopted measures needed for regular vigilance. He has already called two infantry brigades from Federally Administered Tribal Areas from WANA and deployed them at peace locations at Okara and Kasur bordering India.

Confirmed reports suggested so far Indian Army has not broken its main Armoured Division from Jhansi or moved its RAPIDS. That in an era of long range missiles and sophisticated airforces are though required but there appeared no such hurry on Eastern border. Perhaps by now South Block too has realised that war was not a solution and more than India Pakistan was to gain in case of any conflict atleast it could disengage its troops from North West. This kind of eventuality could have caused more harm to the US-led Coalition in Afghanistan then to India.

Finally both Indian and Pakistan governments while continuing traditional rhetoric preferred for diplomatic solution. The realization at political leadership has indeed come slowly but surely. But who suffered the most after Novemeber’s Mumbai terrorist attacks.

Forces who do not approve ‘Normalization between Islamabad and New Delhi. Traditional enemies normally follow policy of ‘Once bitten Twice Shy. This remains the hallmark of both General Headquarters and the South Block of India.

Pakistan Army has recalled its reserverists and Indian Army too adopted similar measures. Foreign Office Pakistan had a sigh of relief after the visit to Delhi by the Foreign Minister of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to New Delhi to persuade India not to go for war and as Pakistan to deal with extremists with more force and control them. In such situations possibilities of escalation cannot be ruled out as any error in Field Intelligence Reports can cause bigger damage.

A mere street survey by this correspondent reveals ,“majority of Pakistanis donot want war. They do want to compete with India in the fields of Education, Science, Computer, Information Technology and Culture.Interestingly Media hype on both sides this time could not create a real war hysteria.

Of 10 Pakistanis atleast 8 said, “we want to live like honourable and respected neighbours with India. Wars have given nothing to India and Pakistan. Majority favoured promotion in trade and commerce relation because in bilateral trade two countries have the chance of saving lot of money from their overseas imports.

As the military commanders are not relaxing finally Pakistan has geared up its diplomatic efforts. Role of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia was much appreciated by majority of Pakistanis in atleast defusing the situation.

Another effort by Iran is turning out to be the first country of the region that has decided to play a mediatory role at the head of the state level between Pakistan and India. Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmedinejad is dashing to New Delhi early this week for talks with the Indian leaders with regard to the alarming situation prevailing in the neighbourhood. He may visit Islamabad immediately after concluding his discussions in the Indian capital. The Iranian president, who is deeply concerned about the rising tension between the two neighbouring nuclear states on its southeast, has been maintaining interaction with both the countries termed friends by Tehran.

The Iranian president will convert his endeavour into shuttle diplomacy if he gets encouraging signals from both the capitals. Pakistan will welcome such an effort. Iranian Foreign Minister Manouchehar Mottaki has already spoken to his Pakistani and Indian counterparts about the situation separately.

Senior planners at the Foreign Office are likely to press for a fresh proposal for the formation of an OIC force dedicated to anti-Terrorism duties and militancy to curtail street power of extreme religious organisations and discipline them for moderation and peace.This kind of multilateral arrangement is only foreseeable when Pakistan will seek a nod from its traditional OIC friends effectively.

LAHORE: Pakistan Air Force airplanes flew over Islamabad and Rawalpindi for 20 minutes on Monday. Large number of people came out of their homes and chanted slogans in favor of the PAF. According to private TV, the PAF sources said that the air force was on high alert for the defence of the country and these flights were aimed to remain prepare to meet any eventuality.

The PAF jet fighters flights were continued for about 20 minute. Meanwhile, PIA officials said that the flights of the national air carrier were not suspended which were continued according to the flight schedule.-SANA

ISI is protecting the national security of Pakistan and combating any viable threat to its borders from outside and since 1971 from within. It is not different to the work of the CIA, KGB, RAW, Mossad, and MI5 & MI6 who work day in day out to avert any threat to the security of their own respective countries. The passionate work of this institution though is hardly in the public domain but is paramount when the threat is looming from its neighboring country on its borders, heavy presence of a foreign force on its western borders, and the presence of groups like ‘Makti bahni’ which are promoted, financed and cultured inside Pakistani bordering areas by its enemy. The need of their passionate work become more imperative when the corrupt elite of the country wish to derail the sovereignty of the country and endanger the security of the state by forging an alliance with super power in lust for power putting aside national interest.

Pakistan army unfortunately has spent around 4 decades in power corridors and no other but indecisive & corrupt politicians who lack political will, weaker institutions, tame judiciary and selfish & unprofessional bureaucracy is cumulatively responsible for not erecting a viable democracy where rule of law, good governance, justice and constitutionalism holds sway. In fact, non action on ‘Murree accord,’ continued violation of our air space by drones and China’s support of unchallenged UNSC Resolution no. 1267 is a self evidence of our politician’s poor performance. In fact, our rulers allegedly in an ultra parliamentary decision requested china to let go of the technical hold, making it a strong case for Parliamentary intervention to probe unless they seek army intervention by their default. Former premier Nawaz Sharif is through his vision calling those who are calling shots to make their promises to learn lessons from the history before its too late and is foreseeing those coming who never went out of politics. In the absence of Parliament which stood on 12 Oct 1999, it will be an uphill struggle to put barricades in the way of military unless Charter of Democracy is enacted forthwith, though it is not looking imminent. I think Q league’s Mushahid Hussain has put forward a claim for national government but to many when air force is on high alert and any time Indian air forces may attempt to target some of the MDI outlets emphasises the need of ‘national security government’ due to a weaker political leadership who endanger the security more. That National Security government may be a joint work of DSC and Parliament where army and civilian leadership in conformity work to safeguard the country and avert the threat of aggression against its borders as it’s do or die stage for Pakistan.

As long as all stake holders do not sit on one table and see eye to eye with each other and have a joint aim to safeguard the national interest, promote supreme parliament concept and produce a good governance. In the absence of a failure of the implementation on COD and negation of 18th Feb mandate, I am afraid we will keep seeing illusions everywhere. Pakistan no doubt, is in a very critical situation but sending DG ISI will not solve problems with India. India is playing at the hands of others and going to aggression will ignite a fire within India too which will not be easily put out. With Bombay attacks India is coercively rewarded and Pakistan’s hand is twisted to do more. Pakistan though is committed on war on terrorism but wishes to redraw the procedure under which he will contribute.

Pakistani leaders need to decide whether they wish to move forward democratically or are ready to cave in meagerly at the hands of US pressure as matters have gone ahead of drone attacks now. In this cloud the work of ISI is praiseworthy, As it is combating major intelligence forces in the region and in particular Indian threat successfully. Its a thankless job, unlike Army Generals who enjoy the perks and privileges but the work of this agency is far more difficult then one can comprehend. Extremism has given new twist to international information sharing process, and India has rightly advantaged this weakness. Their aim is to weaken the country and do not allow it to flourish an economic or military power. They also wish it to remain weak on political front with a military run regime where legitimacy always question their viability as a state. I think ISI made Pakistan stronger in the wake of emanating threats from around since 1971 and no doubt, it has advanced in order to meet the 21st century requirements and has developed from human intelligence to scientific knowledge. It’s a high time that people sees ISI separately than army rule. In army rule ISI’s job is doubled but in civil they revert to their old task to safe guard the state from any danger to its ‘national security’ from outside. Looking at the bleak situation of Pakistani rulers, there is not much help to this institution from our incumbent leaders and this freelance protector of national security is carrying on its job silently, rewardlessly and quietly in the line of its duty. Pakistanis need to understand that their country’s security from foreign espionage is intact despite the high level of threat