Army News - III

[Usman S.]

Old thread is here: http://www.pakdef.info/forum/showthread.php?s=&threadid=3349

[Aziz]

Musharraf gets a new spokesman
Indo-Asian News Service
Islamabad, May 11

Major General Rashid Qureshi, chief spokesman for Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf, has been replaced as the director general of Inter Service Public Relations (ISPR).

According to Online news agency, he has been appointed the Director General of National Guards while Brigadier Shaukat Sultan Khan will be his successor.

Qureshi will no more be the official spokesman of President Musharraf, the news agency said.

Qureshi took charge as head of ISPR in January 1999 and played a key role defending Pakistan's role during the Kargil conflict in Jammu and Kashmir with India in 1999.

He also travelled to Agra two years later with Musharraf for the India-Pakistan summit in the Taj Mahal city.

Aziz

[H Khan]

By EDITH M. LEDERER
.c The Associated Press

UNITED NATIONS (AP) - France asked for U.N. approval Wednesday to deploy an international force in northeastern Congo where an upsurge in ethnic violence and atrocities has killed nearly 400 people.

France's U.N. ambassador, Jean-Marc de La Sabliere, expressed confidence the Security Council would approve the resolution on Friday and said he expects the first troops to arrive in Bunia next week.

``I think we have to show that the whole international community is ready to act when there is an emergency situation,'' he said.

France will lead the battalion, which is expected to have about 1,000 troops from a number of countries in Europe as well as Pakistan, South Africa and Nigeria.

The force would be deployed only until September, when 1,500 Bangladesh-led troops are expected to be deployed to Bunia and the surrounding Ituri region as part of a the U.N. peacekeeping force for Congo.

The French-led troops will work with the 750 U.N. peacekeepers from Uruguay already in Bunia to bring stability and protect the airport, refugees, and the people in town ``if the situation requires it.''

The crisis began on May 7 when Uganda withdrew over 6,000 troops from in and around Bunia as part of a U.N.-brokered peace accord. Rival Lendu and Hema tribal groups fought for control of the town in street battles that killed nearly 400 people, U.N. spokesman Hamadoun Toure said in the Congolese capital, Kinshasa.

Carolyn McAskie, the U.N. deputy emergency relief coordinator, who just returned from Bunia, said the situation ``is extremely volatile.'' She estimated that about 85 percent of the population has fled, leaving some 15,000 people sheltering in the U.N. military compound or in camps near the airport, and about 20,000 elsewhere in town. Bunia had about 250,000 people before the fighting.

``We have seen the most horrible things in Bunia - women who've lost their arms and legs, children amputees, men chopped to bits, women raped,'' McAskie told a news conference.

Now, ethnic fighters holding Bunia have threatened to attack civilians sheltering with U.N. forces, Toure said Wednesday, denouncing what he called the ``inadmissible threat.''

U.S. deputy ambassador Richard Williamson warned rebel groups they ``would be ill-advised to take any advantage of the current situation.'' He expressed hope of a return to calm once the French-led force arrives.

``The real story,'' McAskie said, is nobody knows what's happening in the rest of Ituri, which is hard to access. The district has a population of between 3 million and 4 million.

She said ``elements'' of the bloodshed in Bunia are ``reminiscent'' of the 1994 genocide in Rwanda though not comparable in scale.

``In addition to this volatile cocktail of different rebel groups fighting each other, you have a number of leaders who are inciting ethnic hatred,'' she said. ``The hate messages and the fact that the men, women and children are attacking each other brutally turns on the alarm bells and the comparisons in our minds.''

The United Nations was criticized for not doing enough to stop the slaughter of more than 500,000 Tutsis and politically moderate Hutus in Rwanda.

Congo's civil war, which began in 1998, has killed 3.3 million people, most through famine and disease, according to aid groups. Foreign forces have withdrawn from Congo under a series of peace deals. Rebels and the government signed a power-sharing deal in December, but eastern Congo still remains a battle zone.



05/28/03 20:22 EDT

[Waqqas]

http://jang-group.com/jang/may2003-daily/31-05-2003/editorial/col5.htm

[Usman S.]

National Defence College course participants call on President

ISLAMABAD (May 29 2003) : The participants of the national defence course at the National Defence College NDC), including civil servants, officers of the Pakistan Armed Forces and military officers from Australia, Bangladesh, China, Egypt, Germany, Jordan, Malaysia, Nigeria, Nepal, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Sri Lanka, Turkey, the United Arab Emirates and the United States called on President General Pervez Musharraf at the Aiwan-e-Sadr on Wednesday.

Welcoming the participants, the President expressed the hope that they had found their stay at the country's premier defence institution pleasurable and professionally rewarding.

He also spoke at length on various important international, regional and national issues.

NDC Commandant Lieutenant General Javed Hassan and members of the faculty were also present during the call.-APP

www.brecorder.com

[Usman S.]

General Yusaf visits Mangla garrison

MANGLA (May 23 2003) : Vice Chief of Army Staff, General Muhammad Yusaf Khan visited the Mangla garrison, here on Thursday.

While addressing the commanding officers, General Yusaf said, it is the quality of leadership that will play a decisive role in the complex environments of the future battlefield.

Lauding the performance of Pakistan army during the recent stand off with the Indian army, VCOAS added: "learning from this valuable experience, train your regiments to the pitch of professional perfection. You must excel in every aspect of fighting. Create pride and sense of belonging in your men, remember every soldier wants to be part of the best."

Earlier, he was received by the Corps Commander, Lieutenant General Javed Alam Khan and other senior officers of the garrison.-NNI

www.brecorder.com
________________________

PS. Lt Gen Javed Alam Khan is the younger brother of Brig (Retd.) Z A Khan, the author of 'The Way It Was'.

[ROMMEL]

Kashmir will remain inseparable part of our policy: Pak army Press Trust of India Despite international pressure, Kashmir will remain an "inseparable" part of Pakistan's national policy, Vice Chief of Army Staff Gen Mohammad Yusuf Khan has said.
"The international pressures notwithstanding, Kashmir shall remain an inseparable component of our national policy and consequently a vital strand of our strategy," Khan said, addressing the participants of a War Course at Naval War College on Monday in Lahore. Welcoming the offer of talks by Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, he however asked the Pakistan military not to lower its guard in the face of the emergence of the new peace process between India and Pakistan. "The recent peace proposal of the Indian Prime Minister is surely a welcome step. But let me emphasise that as professional soldiers and sailors, we must never let our guards down. We ought to be very clear that the only guarantee for peace is our preparedness for war," he was quoted as saying by the official APP news agency. Gen Yusuf also said that Pakistan army should beef up its conventional forces if the deterrence with India failed. "We must be able to deter aggression and defend land frontiers of Pakistan. However, in case deterrence fails, we have to maintain a strong defensive capability to absorb enemy's offensive, inflict serious attrition, and embroil enemy's committed forces. "We also have to have credible offensive capability not only to retain strategic options for ending the war on a favourable note," he said adding that Pakistan needed to step up its indigenous defence production.

[Usman S.]

Zafarwalian's new colonel

EAS BOKHARI

Ever since I have had some rapport with Col. Talib, an ex-Commanding Officer of 12 Medium, I have never missed the auspicious ceremonies of the Zafarwalians. Of course last year the Indian border deployment robbed me of this - which in fact could not be celebrated. This year - Lahore’s sultry and oppressive weather notwithstanding - the ceremony coupled with the installation of new rotund, flamboyant and beefy Brigadier Mazhar-Ul-Haq was held on 31 May–01 June 2003 in the unit lines. Brigadier Mazhar replaces Col Mir Akbar who though located in Karachi has been a most active and vigilant Col of the Regiment.
I thought he was both compassionate, efficient and erudite. The impressive ceremony was presided over by Lt Gen Abdul Qayyum HI (M) -Chairman POF’s Board Wah - who is also the Colonel Commandant of the Regiment of Artillery. I thought it was a fairly heavily attended ceremony -Gen Saeed-Uz-Zafar former Secretary Railways, General Tahir, the DG Artillery at GHQ, Gen Afzal Muzaffar - GOC 10 Div - General Bhatti the Punjab NAB head - besides Gen Qayyum who I think is running WAH - like the famous German house of Krupps. It was instructive to talk to him. I found him knowledgeable about the problems of ballistics - (internal, terminal and external) and management of armament and ammunition production.
The programme on the 31 May consisted of a dinner and a sort of get together - and luckily the weather became pleasant due to light breeze which made it bracing and enjoyable. It could have been very trying had there been no wind as the ambient temperature was around 44 which could be terribly oppressive.
The officers’ and retired officers’ families and children also took part and were invited in this colourful and well laid out dinner. It was nice to meet Colonel Selman Akbar - now attending NTDC and Col Talib and some more officers who are no more with the unit and there were many pleasantries which we could share.
The 1st June was almost a male affair - but yes there was an elegant and upright lonely woman Lt Col Dr Lubna the proud sister of the newly-installed Col of the Regiment to congratulate him for the honour bestowed on him.
It was nice to hear from the Commanding Officer a resume of the activities of the unit and how well the unit is doing in the field of administration, training and ‘war fighting.’ The outgoing Col of the Regiment made an eloquent speech telling us how well he relished his tenure and then bidding farewell - he congratulated Brigadier Mazhar. The impressive ceremony was held in the shadows of sophisticated and state of the art 155 MM US supplied guns–which are towed by a Mercedes Gun Towers. It was thrilling- though a bit ‘hot’ to be there. I have seen the unit (way back in 1949) - then equipped with the older 5.5 inch guns with their characteristic equiliberators which could be seen and located from a distance. These guns were towed by what I should say reluctant and fretting US Macks and British Matadors - and with these sojourn from Peshawar to Nowshera was a real ordeal. The unit is lucky to possess one of the best medium guns now and I would be still happier if the gun was Self Propelled (SP) that is it carried its own mobility on it.
While addressing the gathering the Cononel Commandant of the Regiment of Artillery - Gen Qayyum exhorted 12 Medium to take a leaf from the activities and performance of some of the older and retired personnel of the unit (present during the ceremony) and try to further raise the levels of battle worthiness. He said that there is no end to military competence.
I had another session with Gen Qayyum- and it was heartening to learn that besides the normal activity - the POFs Wah is now producing both solid and liquid propellants in the ranges of single base, double based and even triple base. Some years back we only produced single base propellants (NC) and that too with the assistance of Bofors and the Chinese. It was confidence giving to learn that a very effective and elaborate R&D organisation is functioning at Wah, and some of the more elaborate and complicated fuzes like the VT (Variable Time) and electronic fuzes are now being fabricated at Wah.
Finally it was nice to meet some of the old and fading stalwarts (and I am one of those old sinners too) like Brigadier Chaudhary, Col Ifzal Bhatti, Major Yousaf Rajput and ex-MPA and PPP stalwart, Col Ghazanfar and Col JJ Tajik-who seems to be ballooning with weight mass. But then there were some who must be included in the deletion list like Col GR Virk a very stubborn and tough officer and the elegant Brigadier Riaz-Ul-Haq who was the father of the newly-installed Col of the regiment. I have never seen the hockey legend Brigadier Hamidi - who should be invited in the next function.
I suppose it was one of the most enjoyable functions that I attended. God bless the Zafarwalians. Keep it up 12 Medium- sky is your limit.

http://www.nation.com.pk/daily/June-2003/5/EDITOR/op4.asp

[Maruf29]

http://www.dailystarnews.com/200306/06/n3060601.htm#BODY12

Maruf

[Shah Khan]

Call for close ties between Pakistan, BD
By Our Reporter

LAHORE, June 5: Bangladesh will never allow India to use its territory to take its army and ammunition to fight against the rebellion people in eastern provinces.

This was stated by the leader of a 20-member delegation of Bangladeshi politicians, parliamentarians, intellectuals and journalists, Anwar Zahid, here on Thursday at a reception held by the Nazaria-i-Pakistan Foundation and Pakistan Movement Workers Trust at their auditorium here on Thursday.

Mr Zahid said: "Once we allowed the Indian troops to go through our territory, that would possibly be the end of Bangladesh."He said Indian states of Assam, Tripura, Mizoram were the eastern neighbours of Bangladesh and they were fighting for their independence. India wanted to destabilize Bangladesh to an extent that is started depending upon it. It wanted to use the rail and road network and ports of Bangladesh to fight freedom fighters in those provinces.

"India wants us to oblige it because it had helped us in 1971. Now who should like our obligations first, our immediate neighbours in the east or those far away in New Delhi?" he said, adding that this was dilemma and "we cannot allow India to pass through our territory, militarily speaking."

He said the people in both Bangladesh and Pakistan had many commonalities - faith, aspirations and even enemy. "We should combine our efforts for a better life and future of our people."

Mr Zahid said combined efforts were also required to combat the enemies that were bent upon subverting "our independence and prosperity. The people of Bangladesh are resisting these acts of subversion."

He said in 1971 India wanted to dismember Pakistan not out of love for the right to self-determination of the people of Bangladesh, but due to its own geographical strategies, political and economic interests. The then Indian premier Indira Gandhi had advanced a theory that the economies of both Bangladesh and India were complimentary. "It had never been nor is it now. Through this theory India wanted to subvert the economy of Bangladesh."

Mr Zahid, a seasoned journalist who had been PFUJ secretary before 1971 and now managing director of Bangladesh Inquilab Television, said the need of the hour was that both the Muslim countries should develop cooperation in every field, including defence, trade, commerce and other sectors.

He said Pakistan's becoming a nuclear power had encouraged not only their people but it had invoked new hopes and given strength to the people of every Muslim country. The Ummat was not in happy state these days. It was unfortunate that invasion and occupation of Iraq had been mostly facilitated by Iraq's Muslim neighbour countries.

Mr Zahid welcomed the recent initiative taken by Pakistan and India to hold a dialogue which would help diffuse tension. Such a diffusion of tension would help consolidate the independence of smaller nations of the region.

Earlier, federal minister Mahmood Ali said the seeds of separation of East Pakistan had been sown by Gen Ayub Khan. The 1958 martial law started the process of dismemberment of the country.

He said the Tehrik Takmil-i-Pakistan believed in the theory of "one nation, two states" which could bring Pakistan and Bangladesh close to each other. Poverty alleviation, particularly of the Muslims of the subcontinent, was the main purpose of launching the struggle for independence as evident in Allama Iqbal's and the Quaid's statements. Unless Pakistan got rid of the policies of the World Bank and IMF, it could never succeed in its poverty alleviation programme.

Pakistan Movement Workers Trust chairman Dr Javid Iqbal said after invading East Pakistan and succeeding in creating Bangladesh, Ms Gandhi had said she had proved the two-nation theory wrong. She was wrong. Her statement was challenged by the next premier Morarji Desai who had said that instead of one, there were two Pakistans.

Dr Iqbal, who is a former senator, said the two-nation theory was valid and alive. It was not possible in the present times to unite two countries into one state. What was required was a broader unity of the Muslim countries on the pattern of Mahmood Ali's theory which could be extended to all Muslim countries to call "one nation, many states."

He said visa requirement between Bangladesh and Pakistan should be ended which could bring the people of the two countries closer to one another.Nazaria-i-Pakistan Foundation secretary Dr Rafiq Ahmad presented welcome address.

http://www.dawn.com/2003/06/06/nat25.htm

[Maruf29]

It seems like the present govt. in bangladesh is extremely friendly to Pakistan :)

Maruf

[Usman S.]

Musharraf okays Army Heritage Foundation projects

ISLAMABAD (June 05 2003) : President, General Pervez Musharraf, on Wednesday approved establishment of "Theme Park" and "Army Museum" under the aegis of Army Heritage Foundation (AHF).

A meeting to review the projects was held at the general headquarters, which was presided over by President Pervez Musharraf.

Director General AHF, Brigadier Hamid Mansoor (Retd) presented a detailed briefing on the project, which is to be carried out in the space available between Ayub Park and Golf Course.

IG Training and Evaluation Development, General Tauqir Zia and other senior officers were also present during the meeting.-APP

www.brecorder.com

[SSAAD]

Originally posted by Maruf29
It seems like the present govt. in bangladesh is extremely friendly to Pakistan :)

Maruf

And I hope it stays this way. In all honesty, the new generations of Pakistanis and Bangladeshis should be more concerned about the Indian dreams of hegemony than the issues of the past. They should workout an economic and military (as needed) partnership that would ensure that their interests are taken care of.

[Sardar Agha]

A confederation with the Bengali's wouldn't be that bad a idea, regardless of their traitorous past it would be a nice way to put a squeeze on the Indians. Anything to pique the Indians sounds good to me.

Start slow with trade liberalization between the two nations, end of visa restrictions then move on to common formulation of economic and foreign policies and see what type of defense cooperation can go on. And if there's room, then create the confederation if not alteast a formalized alliance.

[Maruf29]

Syed,

I know you don't like anything from bharat rakshak. But I could not resist myself to post the news below:

Pak weapons for Bangladesh, Myanmar

6 June 2003: Pakistan has decided to export one hundred Al Khalid tanks to Bangladesh and another fifty to Myanmar to upgrade military-to-military relations with these countries.

Besides this, upto five hundred Igla-II and Igla-III surface-to-air missiles are being sold to Bangladesh and one hundred of them to Myanmar, although diplomats say this could be a cover to sell the lethal Stinger missiles whose export is barred by the US.

Indian officials are not alarmed by these sales but say that India must step up military-to-military ties with these countries, especially Bangladesh whose armed forces are being sucked into Islamic fundamentalism.

Al Khalids are Pakistan's main battle tank jointly developed with China and Ukraine and have a low profile, a lower weight than comparable tanks, and carry a 125-mm gun that can fire missiles.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Source Bharat rakshak forum.

How far is this news true?

Maruf

[SSAAD]

Originally posted by Sardar Agha
A confederation with the Bengali's wouldn't be that bad a idea, regardless of their traitorous past it would be a nice way to put a squeeze on the Indians.


Pardon me but I don't agree with the usage of the terms "traitorous past". I believe that it is a generalization of the nth degree and still shows how some of us Pakistanis still hold a grudge against the Bangladeshis since the break-up of East Pakistan even though there is more of a need for soul searching on our side than theirs.

I think the focus should be on understanding what those policies were that led to the breakup and how we can avoid similar mistakes in the future.

We simply cannot make good on any dealings with Bangladesh as long as we continue to hold on to such biased assumptions about them. I am sure Bangladeshis have a lot more to complain about than just treachery if we let open up the flood gates of recrimination.

Again this is just my opinion.
Regards

One correction. Misread Sardar's post.

[Sardar Agha]

We're all entitled to our own opinion.

Though I will acknowledge that we (West Pakistan) were no saints and have, to this day, some of the same inadequacies that led us to suffer our humiliating defeat and dismemberment in 1971.

Perhaps it was all for the better anyway?

[Usman S.]

Defence budget almost static

By Shakil Shaikh

ISLAMABAD: The government on Saturday announced its defence budget at estimated Rs 160.250 billion for the fiscal 2003-04, thus keeping its defence spendings almost at the level of the previous fiscal with substantive decrease of defence expenditure in real terms.

Taking a bold decision of keeping its defence spendings at the level of outgoing fiscal, Pakistan dispelled all impressions of joining arms race in South Asia, though India had already announced increase in its defence budget by almost 17 per cent this year.

In this year's defence budget, there is a negligible increase of just Rs 0.11 billion as compared to outgoing fiscal's Rs 160.139 billion.

Originally, Rs 146.022 billion were allocated as defence budget, including administrative expenditure, for the financial year 20002-03. However, it was revised to Rs 160.139 billion primarily because of massive build-up by enemy forces all along the borders.

Defence expenditure is estimated at Rs 160.250 billion, which is almost equal to Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP) of Rs 160 billion for year 2003-04. However, in real terms the defence budget is decreased by almost 3.3 per cent as official inflation rate is also 3.3 per cent and there was expectation of matching the defence expenditure increase to that level.

Out of Rs 160.250 billion, an amount of Rs 484 million is allocated to defence administration, while Rs 159.765 billion are given to defence services.

The previous year's Indian defence budget represented yet alarmingly sharp increase of 28 per cent over the preceding year (from Rs 470 billion to Rs 585 billion). In terms of long-term trend, the Indian defence spending jumped from $ 7.53 billion in 1991 to $ 12.87 billion in 2001.

During the same period Pakistan's allocation for defence had negligible increase from $ 3.07 billion to $ 3.15 billion. While India has been sharply increasing its defence expenditure, Pakistan's defence budget during the last three years had remained almost static with considerable decrease in real terms.

www.jang.com.pk/thenews/index.html

[Ahmed M]

During the same period Pakistan's allocation for defence had negligible increase from $ 3.07 billion to $ 3.15 billion.

But at the current rate, Rs. 160.250 billion as allocated in this budget only come upto $2.77 billion.

[Shakeel Ahmed]

I'll tell you somehting about Mangla Garrison, during the tensions when we tested nukes, india planted a spy outside it. Seriously.

He was a guy dressed as a beggar, had no legs, was positioned above it.........he'd spend all day spying reporting news, and begging. In the night they'd come and pick him up.

One day a soldier (i don't know which rank) thought who can be telling them our movemnts and they then searched the area for a spy only to find the beggar with communicatins equipment.

My Father was in Pakistan at the time, it was big news.

We had an even closer Encounter with a RAW agent, he passed thru out front yard, dressed as a pathan selling pots...

Anyway, some peole at the local PCO got suspect of him for one reason or another and asked him to come read namaz with them(masjid is next to our house), he went, couldn't read, they thought he was a spy, locked him up called the police found huge viles of poison on him, he was told to poison the wells when a war started.

Back then if we hadn't tested our nukes it was war for definite.

[TahirN]

I'm afraid, Mirpur which is close to Mangla Cannt is teeming with Afghan refugees who make up the majorrty of beggers.

I wouldn't be surprised that the Indians have many spies throughout Pakistan pretending to be Afghan Refugees...

[Sardar Agha]

I wouldn't be surprised if RAW agents WERE Afghan refugees.

Not all that hard to lure destitute and helpless people into working for you with a bit of money not to mention not to mention the fact that many Afghans aren't exactly our friends.

[Sheikh]

I know this sounds ruthless but we need to throw these refugees in to sealed compounds. These Pseudo-Ghettos need to be used, not just for our safety but theres too. In this area we can have NGOs come and teach them to be respectable citizens. This will also allows Pakistan to heavily regulate what the Afghans hear and see thus making them more malliable. This is what Iran has done with great success. You will never see Iran just open its gate like we did. Iran also threw Naughty Afghans back into Afghanistan to die.

Some might say that Afghans will get angry but I would like to remind you that some Afghans hate us now despite our extreme care of their refugees for 20 DAMN years! While Iran idolized by Afghans! Maybe Afghans only repect power because they sure as hell like to spit in your face for kindness.

( I would like to apologize to any member it might have offended. But I have seen too many Afghan refugees who hate Pakistan and consider it to be the root of evil despite all we have done for them! )

[Usman S.]

Maj. Gen Shaukat Sultan assumes chagre of DG ISPR

(Updated at 1750 PST)

ISLAMABAD: Major General Shaukat Sultan on Monday assumed the charge as Director General Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR).

On arrival in the office, he was received by Director ISPR Brig. Saulat Raza, who later introduced him to the officers of the Military's public relations department.

Addressing the officers and staff of the ISPR, Major Gen Shaukat Sultan said, "we will continue to work for the projection of Pak forces in an appropriate manner."

Major General Sultan who was commissioned in 1972 in the Punjab
Regiment commanded the Sindh Regiment. He has vast experience of
command, staff and instruction appointments.

He is a graduate from Command and Staff College Quetta and
National Defence College (NDC) Islamabad. He has the honour to be
the Instructor in both of these prestigious institutions.
Major General Sultan also attended an advance course in USA.

http://www.jang.com.pk/thenews/index.html

[Sardar Agha]

I agree with you Sheikh. In fact, we should take it a step further and give them the boot. These Afghan refugees are changing the face of our demographics especially in places such as Punjab and elsewhere. Not a good thing.

Notify the US and UN that we will no longer be hosting our guests, send them on busses to Afghanistan and tell the US to pay for their upkeep.

And you know all those refugee camps? Bring in the Bihari's from Bangladesh, after all, they are Pakistani's in the truest sense of the word and rehabilitate them. Wouldn't be a bad idea to populate the Gwadar region with Bihari's either.

[Usman S.]

General Munir installed as 'Chamb dee Rani' Colonel

MANGLA (June 10 2003) : A simple and graceful ceremony to install Colonel of Artillery Regiment 'Chamb Dee Rani' was held here the other day.

The Artillery Regiment is also one of the oldest artillery units of Pakistan Army which was raised initially in 1756 and re-raised on April 1, 1947.

This unit participated in all War operations from 1757 Plassey War to Kargil operation, 2000.

Lieutenant General Khalid Munir Khan, Crops Commander, Gujranwala, was installed as new Colonel of Regiment, succeeding Major General (R) Mujtaba Hassan Shah.

Chief guest of the ceremony was Lieutenant General Abdul Qayyum, Colonel Commandant of Artillery and Chairman of POF Wah.

A large number of serving and retired officers, junior commissioned officers and other ranks attended the ceremony.

The guests included Lieutenant General Javed Alam Khan, Crops Commander, Mangla, Lieutenant General (R) Faiz Ali Chishty, Lieutenant General (R) Assad Durrani, Major General Afzal Muzaffar and Major General Javed Zia.-APP

www.brecorder.com

[Usman S.]

Annual get-together for 7th Laraka officers on June 14

RECORDER REPORT

ISLAMABAD (June 12 2003) : The annual get-together for officers and families of 7th War Course, Pakistan Military Academy, popularly known as 7th Laraka, will be held at the Army Public College (Boys Wing), Ordnance Road, Rawalpindi Cantt on June 14.

The function is being co-ordinated by Brigadier Hubdar Ahmed Madni (Retd), Member Advisory Committee of the 7th Laraka, and Secretary Major Khalid Mahmood Shaikh (Retd).

A special event of this get-together will be a multimedia presentation of the 7th Laraka's training activities at the Pakistan Military Academy, as well as a large screen Internet facility, to enable the retired officers and their families to browse through the glimpses of their life in PMA over 36 years back.

Members of the 7th Laraka, who wish to attend this get-together, should contact 7th Laraka Secretary Major Khalid Mahmood Shaikh (Retd) on telephone No 9209694 and 2256048.

www.brecorder.com

[H Khan]

ISLAMABAD, June 17 (AFP) - 09:52 GMT - British defence chief General Sir Michael Walker is arriving here on Wednesday for talks with top Pakistan military officials on bilateral matters and defence cooperation, officials said.
Walker will visit Pakistan from June 18 to 20 at the invitation of Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee General Muhammad Aziz Khan, a military spokesman told AFP.

Describing the visit as "important", he said during his meeting with General Aziz the British the defence chief of staff will discuss "issues of bilateral interest and on-going military co-operation".

The visit came as Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf left for Britain early Monday for talks with Prime Minister Tony Blair on defence and other relations between the two countries, including "training and supply of spare parts" by Britain to Pakistan, official sources said.

Reports here said Walker may call on Musharraf later in the day before leaving for Pakistan.

During his stay in Pakistan he will call on Prime Minister Zafarullah Jamali and chiefs of Pakistan's navy and air force, the spokesman said.

Walker will also visit the northwestern town of Landi Kotal, which borders Afghanistan, and also travel to the Line of Control in Kashmir that divides the disputed Himalayan region between Pakistan and India, he added.

Pakistan-Britain defence relations have been progressing on an upbeat note since Pakistan joined the 18-month old US-led war against terrorism.

In early May the Pakistan-United Kingdom Defence Consultative Forum met in Islamabad to give "structure impetus" and continuity to the developing defence relations between the two countries.

[H Khan]

RAWALPINDI (June 26 2003) : A high level meeting of the Defence Production Research and Development Board was held here Wednesday at the Joint Staff Headquarters.

Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee General Muhammad Aziz Khan presided the meeting, says an ISPR release here.

Various research and development projects pertaining to three services were discussed during the meeting.

Secretaries of Defence, Defence Production, Science and Technology and Finance and senior representatives of the three services attended the meeting.-NNI

[Sheikh]

No Plan To Recognize Israel In Near Future: Sikandar






ISLAMABAD, Pakistan: June 29 (PNS) - Defence Minister Rao Sikandar Iqbal has categorically stated, there is no plan to recognize Israel in near future and speculations in this regard are incorrect.

The Minister said this on Saturday while responding to a question about the issue of Israel before attending the joint parliamentary party meeting of Pakistan Muslim League (Q) and its allied parties. Responding to a question about the test of a series of Trishul Missile by India, the Minister said, "We do not need to respond to India because defence of the country is in safe hands and there is no need to worry."

To a question about reported plan to send army troops to Iraq, Rao Sikandar Iqbal said, "This is very clear that there is no decision to send troops to Iraq so far, however the matter is on the cards still."

Regarding the visit of the President to USA and other countries without any elected representative, he said that the President left the country having full confidence of the elected government and this is not an issue.

When asked about the issue of F-16 aircraft, he said that matter relating to F-16 aircraft was not on the agenda and did not came under discussion. About the use of US $ 1.5 billion grant recently announced by the US administration, he said that the US administration has already mentioned that this grant will be used for military purposes.

Responding to another question about notices issued by the leadership of Pakistan Peoples Party Parliamentarians, he confirmed that we have received notices but there is no justification to send such type of notices to leaders of Pakistan Peoples Party Parliamentarians (Patriots).

He said that Pakistan Peoples Party Parliamentarians (Patriots) is a separate party having registration with Election Commission of Pakistan and we do not need to respond to such notice.

He said that only Benazir Bhutto has the right to ask us regarding the formation of new group because we left the party because of the excesses of the party leadership.

When asked about his contact with Benazir Bhutto, he said that there is no contact with Benazir Bhutto since long.

The End.

[Ash]

http://www.independent.co.uk/US soldiers injured after Iraqis blame army for mosque attackBy Patrick Cockburn in Fallujah and Kim Sengupta
02 July 2003

At least six American soldiers were wounded yesterday in the rising tide of anti-US violence in Iraq. And US forces were blamed for a blast at a mosque in the troubled town of Fallujah, west of Baghdad, which killed 10 Iraqis, including the imam who was preaching when the explosion happened on Monday night.

In the latest attack on the occupying US soldiers, a vehicle was hit by a rocket-propelled grenade fired from a car near Baghdad university, wounding four. Two other American soldiers were seen being evacuated by helicopter from their partly burnt vehicle, which was hit when their convoy came under attack on the road from the capital to Fallujah.

In western Baghdad, American troops shot and killed two people when their car did not stop at a checkpoint, witnesses said, and later, two civilians were shot and killed at another checkpoint, one by soldiers and another by a stray bullet.

The Americans have responded to the insurgency, which has killed more than 20 US soldiers and six British military police since the war was officially declared over on 1 May, by launching an operation to hunt down the Iraqi fighters. Donald Rumsfeld, the US Defence Secretary, describes them as "terrorist" remnants of Saddam Hussein's regime.

Commenting on the upsurge in attacks on US troops, President Geoge Bush said the violence was expected because Saddam loyalists will stop at nothing to regain power.

"These groups believe they have found an opportunity to harm America, to shake our resolve in the war on terror, and to cause us to leave Iraq before freedom is fully established. They are wrong and they will not succeed," he said.

The Government announced yesterday that Britain is to lead a 16,000-strong multinational division in Iraq that will concentrate on peace-keeping duties, freeing American forces to combat the growing armed resistance. About 11,000 UK troops are due to be joined by contingents from the Netherlands, Italy, Norway, Portugal, Romania, New Zealand and Lithuania. Denmark has already sent soldiers to the British-controlled zone and the Czech Republic has set up a field hospital.

After the killing of six members of the Royal Military Police in Majar al-Kabir, north of Basra, the Ministry of Defence in London considered sending reinforcements to Iraq. The arrival of soldiers from other countries means this will no longer be necessary.

Plans are also being drawn up for two other divisions to supplement the British-led one. One is expected to be led by Poland. Washington wants the third to be led by India. No fewer than 70 nations have been asked by the US to contribute troops. Spain, Italy, Slovakia, Pakistan, Hungary and Ukraine are all said to be prepared to send soldiers.

Pakistan's President, General Pervez Musharraf, pledged around 4,000 troops after a visit to the US during which he secured promised loans from President George Bush.

[H Khan]

BEIJING (July 14 2003) : The Vice Chief of Army Staff, General Mohammad Yousaf Khan will pay a week-long visit to China from Monday.

He will be accompanied by senior officials of the Pakistan Army.

During his week-long stay in Beijing, he is scheduled to meet top Chinese leadership to discuss matters of bilateral co-operation in the defence sector.

Defence sources told APP in Beijing that Pakistan-China enjoy strategic partnership in the defence sector, and it is hoped that the visit would give boost to these relations.

Both sides have pledged to work for further promoting the time-tested and all weather friendship in all sectors of bilateral interest promoting peace and development in the region.-APP

[ROMMEL]

What do you guys think is in the itenary of General Yusaf's visit. I am sure High Altitude SAM is one. Maybe SPA?? MLRS?? What do you guys think?

Cheers,

[Zarrar]

MLRS ?

whats that ??

r u referring to the multi barrel artillery rocket systems ??

i thought we already had those ?? (atleast we have those as mine despincers )

[Usman S.]

Originally posted by ROMMEL
What do you guys think is in the itenary of General Yusaf's visit. I am sure High Altitude SAM is one. Maybe SPA?? MLRS?? What do you guys think?

Cheers,

Certainly MLRS and High Altitude SAM systems are on menu but what exact systems we will choose? Two long range MLRS systems are available, WS-1B and A100 and both were being marketed at IDEAS 2002 exhibition. The only high-altitude SAM system available from China is the FT-2000 but it only has a passive anti-radiation sensor that allows it to intercept jamming planes and radiation sources. There are rumors that Chinese have also developed a radar-guided version of this missile, which if true would be a good choice.

[SSAAD]

Originally posted by Zarrar
MLRS ?

whats that ??

r u referring to the multi barrel artillery rocket systems ??

i thought we already had those ?? (atleast we have those as mine despincers )


Multi Launch Rocket System.

The ones Pakistan has are 122mm. The IA is looking to induct Smerch which is far more capable in terms of payload (300mm rockets) and range than the older 122mm systems. I think the range is 30-70km which by far outclasses the Pakistani artillery.

As Usman pointed out, the WS-1B lookes very capable both in terms of range and payload.

[Pervaiz_K]

More on the WS-1B system (http://www.army-technology.com/projects/ws1b/)

[iftik_ali]

Originally posted by Usman Shabbir


Certainly MLRS and High Altitude SAM systems are on menu but what exact systems we will choose? Two long range MLRS systems are available, WS-1B and A100 and both were being marketed at IDEAS 2002 exhibition. The only high-altitude SAM system available from China is the FT-2000 but it only has a passive anti-radiation sensor that allows it to intercept jamming planes and radiation sources. There are rumors that Chinese have also developed a radar-guided version of this missile, which if true would be a good choice.

The FTC2000 as my african american colleage says-sucks @rse.
The system has no proven capability to hit passive target which is moving fast,i mean you launch darn thing and if the attacked aircraft ceases emitting and moves away-thats one expensive missile wasted.
Cant be loitering type with chute thats only good for ARM's againt ground targets.
Am sure PAF wont waste money on such junk.

The WS1B and A100 are ok systems though.China is world class or approaching same only in one field and thats artillery systems.

[TahirN]

Hi All,

A couple of questions:

1. Has the WS1B had any export success?

2. Does anyone know how much this system may cost to purchase?

[SyedA]

Graduation ceremony of Transport Conversion School held at Chaklala Base
ISLAMABAD (July 20 2003) : A graduation ceremony of Transport Conversion School (TCS) was held on Saturday at the its auditorium Pakistan Air Force Base Chaklala.

Acting Chief of the Air Staff Air Marshal Tanveer M Ahmed was the chief guest on the occasion.

Speaking on the accession, Air Marshal Tanveer M Ahmed emphasised on the fact that the transport element has emerged as the vast vital force in the modern warfare thus rapid deployment of air assets and moving the war resources quickly from one theatre of war to another has been the philosophy of modern warfare, which specially applies to small air forces like PAF, having large frontiers to defend with meagre resources.

He advised the graduating officers that they must keep the importance of military air transport operations in mind and must further crystallise their professional competence to be able to rise to the occasion.

Earlier, a report on the course was presented by Group Captain Khalid Kemal, the Officer Commanding, Transport Conversion School in which main features of the course and progress was highlighted.

Later, the chief guest awarded wings to the graduates. Certificates and trophies were awarded to the outstanding students.

The best all-round performance trophy for the co-pilot course was awarded to Flying Officer Khuram Shahzad.

The Transport Conversion School of PAF is primarily responsible for the training of operators for the transport fleet of Pakistan Air Force, which includes pilots, flight engineers, navigators and load-masters.

In addition, the school also imparts training to the transport crews of friendly countries.-APP

[Usman S.]

Institute of Optronics Pakistan GP/NVB-4A and GP/NVB-5A general purpose night vision binoculars

Type

Night vision binoculars.

Description

These are lightweight, hand-held, passive night vision devices for general purpose long-range observation and surveillance. The 18 mm high performance image intensifier tube incorporated in the system creates almost `day light' viewing conditions to facilitate the observation of a target position during night time.
The units have been engineered to minimise weight and cost without sacrificing performance and quality. They have a rugged construction and are easy to operate and maintain. Specific applications include long-range night observation and surveillance for tank commanders, forward area observers, border patrols and special forces.

Operational status

In production.

Contractor

Institute of Optronics Pakistan.

Source: Jane's Electro-Optic Systems

[Usman S.]

GP/NVB-4A and GP/NVB-5A picture.

[SyedA]

POL course for army officers concludes
RECORDER REPORT
KARACHI (July 25 2003) : The 35th advanced POL course for Pakistan armed forces officers, organised by Pakistan State Oil, concluded at the PSO House, Karachi, on Thursday (July 24,'03).

The Managing Director of PSO, Tariq Kirmani, distributed the certificates among 16 army officers who attended the course.

Addressing the participants, the Managing Director said that training was a lifelong process. "You pick up things from meetings and discussions," he said. "You learn when you see somebody doing things differently."

The Managing Director said that if one saw something good, one could always emulate. "There should not be any re-invention of wheel."

Kirmani said that while PSO had a full-fledged training centre, the company still sent people for training within the country and abroad. "We put great emphasis on training and that is something that reflects in our performance," he said.

The Managing Director said that PSO had introduced lots of firsts, including the highest petrol pump in the world that the company operated at around 13,000 feet.

He said that over the years Pakistan State Oil had upgraded the syllabus of the POL course, including lubricants, and for this year new things were added.

The Managing Director added that PSO and the armed forces were working together to improve the two institutions and the country.

Lieutenant Colonel Azhar Yousuf, Chief Instructor, ASC School, Nowshera, said the POL course had turned his officers into mini-scientists. He added that swift availability of correct quality POL at battlefield was what really mattered in the thick of battle.

The participants of the course were briefed on world energy outlook and energy scenario in Pakistan.

They were also informed about PSO, its operations and the New Vision Programme.

The principle of lubrication, bulk depot operations, maintenance and operation of installations, movement and measurement of POL products, health, safety and environment, quality control measures and CNG were some of the other topics that were broadly covered.

[SyedA]

General Yousaf visits Army Air Defence School
KARACHI (July 27 2003) : The Vice Chief of Army Staff, General Yousaf Khan, spent a busy day, visiting Army Air Defence School, Headquarters Corps Reserve and the Old Race Course Park here on Saturday.

On arrival at the School of Army Air Defence the Vice Chief of Army Staff was received by Lieutenant General Khateer Hasan Khan, Commander Army Air Defence Command, and was introduced to the faculty members. General Muhammad Yousuf Khan was given a detailed briefing on the aim and scope of the training activities at this institution of Pakistan Army by the Commandant, Brigadier Mushtaq.

The VCOAS also went around the simulators and other facilities and saw student officers busy in training.-PR

[H Khan]

ISLAMABAD (July 29 2003) : The head of the US Armed Forces, General Richard B. Myres, along with seven-member delegation will arrive on July 29 on a day-long official visit to Peshawar.

General Myres is scheduled to meet Vice Chief of Army Staff General Muhammad Yusaf and Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee General Muhammad Aziz Khan during his stay here.-APP

Copyright 2003 APP (Published under arrangements with Associated Press of Pakistan)

[H Khan]

RECORDER REPORT
RAWALPINDI (July 30 2003) : General Richard B Myres, Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff of United States Armed Forces along with seven member delegation arrived here on Tuesday on a day long official visit to Pakistan.

Soon after his arrival the United States Armed Forces delegation visited Joints Staff Headquarter and called on General Muhammad Aziz Khan Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee.

During the meeting professional maters and issues of mutual interests were discussed.

Chairman Joint Chief of Staff US Armed Forces and other members of his delegation also attended a briefing at the Joint Staff Headquarter about security perspective of Pakistan.

Earlier on his arrival at PAF base Chaklala the US delegation was warmly received by senior officers of the armed forces.

[H Khan]

Why is this site showing that PA has Apache?

http://www.combataircraft.com/aircraft/hah64.asp

[Abbas]

It's inaccurate.

NavBaby.

[Sultan]

The site also says that we've got the UH 60 Blackhawk!!! Even though the site is inaccurate it makes the army aviation look good, at least on cyberspace :D .

Also apparently the CN 235 can be fitted with armament such as rocket launchers, 30mm gun and exocet. Never knew that the CN 235 can be used in the same role as the AC130.

[Sultan]

Quick question are Pakistani Cobras cleared to carry Mavericks?? Which versions do we currently have?? (checked Pakmilitary site)

[Murad]

Originally posted by Sultan
Quick question are Pakistani Cobras cleared to carry Mavericks?? Which versions do we currently have?? (checked Pakmilitary site)

Sultan, we currently have AH-1F cobras, they can only carry TOW (or possibly Baktar Shikan) missiles and not mavericks or Hellfires.

[H Khan]

Staff Report

GILGIT: The Northern Areas administration has allocated Rs 41 million for the construction of 664 bunkers along the Line of Control (LoC) in Baltistan and Astore regions, Northern Areas Home and Information Secretary Saeed Ahmed Khan said on Monday.

Mr Khan said the plan had been approved as Indian forces continued to shell the civilian population in the border areas, recently injuring a 6-year-old boy.

“Despite peace overtures between the two neighbouring countries, shelling from the Indian side continues and it is essential to build these bunkers urgently to minimise civilian casualties,” said Mr Khan.

Mr Khan said the proposed bunkers would be constructed at a cost of Rs 65,000 per bunker. He said the federal government had been asked to increase the amount allocated for construction of the bunkers and other protective measures in the border areas.

[H Khan]

.c Kyodo News Service

ISLAMABAD, Aug. 11 (Kyodo) - A battalion of nearly 1,000 Pakistan Army personnel are to start leaving for Congo on Tuesday to join the United Nations mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo, the Foreign Ministry said Monday.

The ministry said Pakistani peacekeepers are being sent to Congo in response to a specific request from the U.N. to restore peace and stability in the African country. The troops will form part of the Ituri Brigade in northeastern Congo authorized by the U.N. Security Council.

The ministry said in a statement that it was the second time that Pakistan is sending peacekeepers to Congo as part of a U.N. mission.

It sent troops for similar operations in 1960.

Foreign Ministry spokesman Masood Ahmad Khan told a briefing that the U.N. is also planning operations in three phases in Liberia and has approached Pakistan to contribute troops for second and third phases.

In the first phase, African countries would provide the vanguard force, followed by multinational forces in the second phase and peacekeepers in a third phase.

Khan said Pakistan had agreed in principle to contribute troops to Liberia, but the number of troops to the two phases was still being decided.

Asked about sending troops to Iraq, Khan said a resolution would be tabled about deployment of U.N. troops to Iraq during the British chairmanship of Security Council next month.

Pakistan will actively participate in the debate on the resolution as a member of the council, Khan added, without elaboration.



08/11/03 08:09 EDT

[SyedA]

http://www.monuc.org/gender/

[Maruf29]

BD, France ink military agreement

DHAKA, Aug 3: Dhaka and Paris signed an agreement on Sunday under which France will provide training for Bangladeshi military personnel, the defence ministry here said.

The agreement provided for the training of Bangladeshi armed forces personnel in French military training institutes, it said.

Bangladeshi military officers can undergo training in a number of different countries, including the United States and Britain. -AFP

Maruf

[H Khan]

Howard J. 'Mitch' Mitchell, Major General, USAF (Ret.) Joins Arrowhead


MCLEAN, Va., Aug. 14 /PRNewswire/ -- Arrowhead Global Solutions (Arrowhead) today announced that Major General Howard J. "Mitch" Mitchell, USAF (Ret.), has joined the company as Vice President, Western Operations. He will be based in Colorado Springs, CO at Arrowhead's Regional Office. General Mitchell retired on July 31, 2003 from the Air Force after an illustrious 30- year career.

"General Mitchell is known for his leadership skills, and knowledge of telecommunications and information technology, which are Arrowhead's primary areas of expertise. His understanding of national security issues and space- based communications systems is extraordinary," said Mary Ann Elliott, Arrowhead's President and CEO. She added, "General Mitchell will be a valuable addition to Arrowhead's Senior Executive team."

Throughout his Air Force career General Mitchell was very involved in the architecture and utilization of space-based communications in support of national security objectives. In his last military assignment, General Mitchell was the Defense Department's representative to Pakistan, and the U.S. Joint Central Command Liaison to the Pakistani military, in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. In his last Air Force assignment, General Mitchell was Director of Operations, Air Force Space Command Headquarters, Peterson Air Force Base, Colorado.

Commenting on his decision to join Arrowhead General Mitchell said, "This is an exciting time to join such a dynamic, growing company. In my new role I will be able to utilize all of the knowledge and skills gained in my many Air Force, Department of Defense, and National Reconnaissance Office assignments. Under Mary Ann Elliott's leadership, Arrowhead has become one of the DoD's premium providers of telecommunication and information technology, and I am excited about the prospects ahead."

Arrowhead Global Solutions is a leading provider of satellite and terrestrial telecommunications, professional services, server-based communication networks and integrated information technology solutions. Known for quality work, integrity, excellence and accountability, Arrowhead's motto and guiding mission is to be:

[Mohammed Ali]

http://feeds.bignewsnetwork.com/redir.php?jid=7f6338a498a90074

Afghans fire at Pak border post

By Mukarram Khan

GHALANAI: Afghan militia fired at a Pakistani military checkpost on the Pakistan-Afghan border in Mohmand Agency on Saturday night.

The militiamen used mortar guns and rocket launchers on the Spina Bara border checkpost close to Gosrai and fled. Pakistani forces did not retaliate and no casualties were reported.

[ROMMEL]

Gen. Richard Myers has called on the VCOAS today. It was not a scheduled call. Does anyone have an idea what was it all about? Was the general consoling the VCOAS about the shahadat of the two Pakistani soldiers or something else?

Cheers,

[Maruf29]

Bangladesh pledges 4,800 peacekeepers for Liberia

AP, United Nations

Aug 8: Bangladesh and Namibia pledged more than 6,000 troops for the UN peacekeeping force that will replace the multinational force now deploying in war-battered Liberia, UN officials and diplomats said.

Jacques Paul Klein, the new UN special envoy to Liberia who made the appeal Thursday to diplomats from dozens of countries, called for a robust UN force of between 12,000 and 15,000 troops to help stabilize the country, demobilize combatants and provide security so democratic elections can be held for a new government.

The UN Security Council has authorized a two-month deployment for the multinational force to help end fighting between forces loyal to President Charles Taylor and rebels trying to oust him - and to provide security once Taylor leaves.

Bangladesh pledged about 4,800 troops in two brigades - each with three 800-strong battalions - and Namibia offered two fully equipped battalions with a total of about 1,600 troops, UN officials and diplomats said, speaking on condition of anonymity.

Taylor submitted his resignation Thursday and tapped Vice President Moses Blah as the first West African peacekeepers arrived in the capital, Monrovia. The handover is planned for Monday, but rebels have warned they won’t allow a Taylor ally to hold power.

The UN Security Council ordered the multinational contingent to be replaced by a UN peacekeeping force no later than Oct. 1.

But the proposal given to potential troop-contributing nations at Thursday’s closed-door meeting calls for UN peacekeepers to start deploying on Nov. 1, according to a copy of the document obtained by The Associated Press.

UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan said after Friday’s vote that the United Nations would "do our best" to meet the Oct. 1 deadline, but diplomats said Klein called the date unrealistic. The world body has no standing army and relies on troop contributions from its 191 member states, and normally it takes four to six months to assemble a UN force.

The UN Peacekeeping Department invited 93 potential troop-contributing nations to Thursday’s meeting and there was a large turnout.

"It was good. ... I praised all of them for prior contributions ... and asked them to be as liberal and as generous with the mission in Liberia," Klein said as he left the meeting. "We obviously need some mechanized infantry ... engineers, communications, hospitals."

India, Pakistan, Ireland and South Africa may also provide troops for the UN force, they said.

A vanguard of about 500 Nigerian soldiers from the multinational force arrived in Liberia this week. West African leaders have promised to build up a 3,250-strong force that might include a small US contingent after Taylor leaves.

The UN peacekeeping plan envisions one brigade from the multinational force being "rehatted" as UN peacekeepers on Nov. 1. The entire UN force would be deployed by Feb. 28, 2004.

Klein has described Liberia as "the key to West Africa," and diplomats said he stressed this again on Thursday.

All the "good work" that the British have done in bringing peace to Sierra Leone and the French have done in Ivory Coast "unravels and comes undone unless we stabilize Liberia and bring it back into the family of nations," Klein warned Wednesday.

The UN proposal says the peacekeeping mission’s objective "is likely to be along the lines of establishing the conditions under which Liberia is governed by a duly elected democratic government."

"Achieving this objective will require military deployment on a sufficient scale to ensure stability across the country as a whole," it says. The UN force should be able "to support the delivery of humanitarian assistance, disarmament of ex-combatants, establishment of accountable military and security forces, support to the election process, and expansion of government authority throughout Liberia."

"The overall timescale (for the mission) is unlikely to be less than 2-4 years," the UN proposal said.

independent-bangladesh.co...3mt.htm#A4

[H Khan]

Originally posted by ROMMEL
Gen. Richard Myers has called on the VCOAS today. It was not a scheduled call. Does anyone have an idea what was it all about? Was the general consoling the VCOAS about the shahadat of the two Pakistani soldiers or something else?

Cheers,



RAWALPINDI (August 18 2003) : General Richard B. Myers, Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff, US Armed Forces, held a telephonic conversation with Vice Chief of Army Staff General Muhammad Yusaf Khan on Saturday night and expressed his regrets over the killing of two Pakistani by US forces at Pak-Afghan border in North Waziristan Agency.

General Myers said that the US attached great significance to its relations to Pakistan as an important ally in the global fight against terrorism.

He assured the vice chief of army staff that all measures would be initiated to ensure that such mistakes were not repeated.

General Yusaf expressed the hope that necessary steps would be taken immediately to prevent recurrence of such incidents in future.-APP

[H Khan]

ARTICLE (August 18 2003) : Military farms groups in Okara and Renala, which are indigenously meeting the total requirement whole milk powder, butter and cheese in respect of armed forces, consist of 2 dairy factories, 7 military farms and 22 chaks.

The land belongs to the Government of Punjab and was handed over to the army for defence use in 1913.

The total land involved is 20156 acres, out of which 16627 acres, spread over 22 chaks was being managed under the "Bhattai System". Each lessee was given on the average 10 acres.

These lands were utilised to raise fodder for 10000 (+) animals and also for growing cash crops to generate revenue for the government.

The revenue generated was around 40 million, but kept decreasing over the last 5 years as shown:

==============================================EVER DECREASING INCOME FROM BHATTAI SYSTEMYEAR RECEIPTS EXPENDITURE NET PROFIT============================================ ==1995-1996 127.67 86.88 40.791996-1997 129.68 96.50 33.181997-1998 115.55 75.91 39.641998-1999 132.65 104.98 27.671999-2000 104.70 88.83 15.87============================================= =
Decreasing profit along with the following factors led to the decision of changing over from Bhattai System to Contract System in June 2000:-

A. Lesser share: On completion of the harvest about 63% of the produce would go to lessees and only about 37% to the government, if everything was done fairly.

Any malpractice would further reduce the government share.

B. Lack of interest: Since the lessee knew that less than half of the produce has to go to the government, he would remain contented with whatever is produced.

No efforts were made by him to increase the production.

C. Lower productivity: The actual potential of the land was not being exploited and sub-optimal productions were being obtained due to following reasons:-

(1) INSUFFICIENT CANAL WATER: Our canal system provides water for 40% cropping intensity during Kharif and 60% during Rabi.

(2) INSUFFICIENT RESOURCES: A number of inputs are required to obtain maximum yield from a given piece of land.

The financial constraints restricted the Military Farms to spare budget for applying required quantities of fertilisers, pesticides, purchase of tractor, Implements and sinking of tube-wells to supplement the deficient canal water.

On the other hand the lessee would not invest form his own pocket.

(D) CONTROLLED SOWING PROGRAMME: Under the Bhattai System the Mil Farm authorities used to give a sowing programme basing it on the requirement of fodder and availability of irrigation water.

The lessees were bound to follow the given programme and to keep a fix area of land vacant.

This practice would cause lower production on area basis.

(E) MALPRACTICES: Malpractices at both ends would further reduce the government share besides bringing bad name to the organisation.

In order to implement the new system, a number of meetings were arranged between the Farm Administration and lessees.

During the meetings, it was mutually decided to implement the contract system on subsidised rates.

The land was to be given to the sitting lessees at Rs 2200-5000 per acre per annum.

Selected chaks were to provide green fodder in lieu of cash rent, to meet the requirement of farm animals.

A comparison of the old terms "Bhattai System" and the "Contract System" arrived at, which clearly indicates being more beneficial' to an honest lessee and at the same time preserves the state's interest is at A1 x A.

At the outset 324 lessees accepted the Theka System and paid the first instalment, but the remaining, misled by the leaders of Anjuman-e-Mazareen, refused to accept the new system and instead, asked for proprietary rights to the lands they were cultivating.

They collected millions of rupees from innocent lessees to contest their case.

Under instigation of their "leaders", the estranged lessees started showing hostile attitude towards government functionaries.

Farm officials were forcibly denied entry to the chaks.

The government property and crops were illegally disposed off without signing the contract agreement or depositing the lease rent.

So far trees worth approximately 20 million rupees have been cut and sold illicitly by the lessees.

In October 2000, the lessees attacked a police party detailed to retrieve the government stores.

In this incidence a number of police officials and Frontier Constabulary jawans were injured and heavy damage was caused to military farms tractor and police vehicles.

In September 2000, the lessees approached the local lower courts praying for grant of proprietary rights and to do away with the new "Theka System".

The courts dismissed their cases. The lessees then filed a writ petition in Lahore High Court, which too was rejected on 20 February 01. The operative part of the decision stated:-

"The petitioners are the lessees of the land and the period of their lease has since run over. They are in possession of the property without any lawful basis. If they want to stay on land, they have to adhere to the revised policy of the Ministry of Defence, Government of Pakistan and pay the rent in cash".

Intra Court Appeals filed by the lessees were also rejected by a bench of the honourable Lahore High Court.

Meanwhile Anjuman-e-Muzareen started collecting heavy donations from lessees. To justify the fund raising, the leaders started hiring mercenaries to create law and order situation and keep the issue alive.

SUBSEQUENT DEVELOPMENTS: In January 2002 armed lessees assaulted Military Farms Renala using firearms. In the ensuing clash an NCO of RV&FC and a number of civilians received bullet injuries.

One of the injured civilian (non lessee) later died in the hospital.

The situation in the area was volatile and even routine functioning at the Farms had become difficult.

Under the influence of the "leaders" the lessees started forcibly occupying land which was under self-cultivation of Military Farms and its status was neither on Battai nor on contract, which reflected extreme offensive posturing and high handedness.

They literally confined the officers, staff and families of Renala Farm, to their living and working premises and went even to the extent of threatening their lives.

No lease money was being paid and the lessees were consuming the land produce unlawfully.

A number of meetings were held with the Punjab Government and it was decided to once again initiate negotiations and also look into those areas which needed measures to improve the quality of life of the farmers.

Assisted by civil administration, Rangers were tasked to reinitiate negotiations and the Military Farms to work out a social programme.

Pursuant to this decision, the Rangers moved to Okara and Renala on 23 July 2002.

Notwithstanding this, the "leaders" continued to provoke the lessees to confront the law enforcing agencies.

On 24 August 2002 a mob of 1000 to 1200 lessees gathered near chak 4-4/L Military Farm Okara and on being egged on by the "leaders", the mob moved towards the GT Road to block it.

The Rangers tried their best to placate the mob, but provoked by the "leaders", it threatened the lives of the law enforcement agencies and lives and properties of peaceful citizens.

Police used tear-gas to disperse the mob. In the ensuing melee some one from chak No 4-4/L fired a shot gun.

The mob did not stop and advanced towards the Military Farm Neelum and the Embryo Transfer Technology Centre, and establishment of national importance.

In an attempt to protect the government property and government employees working in the said establishments, Rangers and Police fired few rounds, resulting into injuries to few people.

In this incidence unfortunately one life was lost, that of Salman Masih. While we grieve for him and his family, from the point of view of the issue, two things are to be noted.

One, Salman Masih, was a non lessee. Two, Salman Masih died of wounds sustained from shot-gun pellets.

Both Rangers and Police use rifles and not shot guns. Although one would hate to surmise, but was some one from amongst the mob wanting a "body" as a "means" to further the "ends"? Details of four deceased are at Anx B.

As for the social action programme planned by Military Farms, the salient features of new contract system introduced initially were:-

a. Land to be leased out to the sitting lessees.

b. Lease rates to be 40-45 % lesser than the market rates (Rs 2200-5000 per acre).

Market lease rates in the area are Rs 5000-11,000 per acre.

c. Lease money to be deposited by lessees in three instalments every year.

d. Under the "Bhattai System" which was in vogue, the agreement was renewed on yearly basis and state authorities held the option of not renewing a lessee's deed and giving the land to some one else.

Under the "Contract System" lease was to be given to siting lessees and more importantly not for one year, but 3-5 years.

The idea behind it was that a lessee would be more confident to invest and improve upon his earnings, if he had the confidence that the land would remain with him for 3-5 year and not just one year.

To elevate the quality of life of the lessee and his family following measures are being taken:-

a. Military Farms to retain 5% of the lease money. This amount is to be spent to provide and improve education, health, and other civic amenities for the lessees.

Lessees are to be included in the decision making by constituting Village Committees.

b. Military Farms will provide land for model villages for the existing residents of Military Farm chaks.

These model villages will be built by the Government of Punjab and will comprise schools, health units, veterinary dispensaries etc.

The lessees will have proprietary rights to the land given to them in model villages.

c. Provision of transport to the school and college going children of the lessees.

d. Instead of 3-5 year, the land is to be leased out for 7 years.

e. The next of kin of the lessee will be eligible to continue with the lease in case of death or inability of the lessee due to illness or old age.

f. One tree out of every ten planted by the lessee after June 2000 will be this property.

A number of articles have appeared in the Press painting pathetic and gloomy picture of the miseries of the lessees and the alleged high-handedness of law-enforcement agencies.

As per these news items the lessees, who were cultivating the Military Farms land under Bhattai System, after-change over to contract system would either lose their rights under Punjab Tenancy Act or they would be evicted from the land.

This disinformation has been spread by Anjuman-e-Muzareen. They have further raised the issue of legitimacy or otherwise of the Army's possession of these lands.

As per their claim, the Army was given the land for 20 years and the lease has since expired in 1933. This is incorrect.

VALIDITY OF POSSESSION BY ARMY: Under resolution No D-3428-A dated 10th December 1925, adapted by Pakistan vide.

The Pakistan (Adaptation of Existing Pakistan Laws) Order 1947;

"The Government of Pakistan has the right to remain in undisturbed possession of any land in its occupation in any province on the 1st April 1921, subject to the conditions then ruling, so long as such occupation is necessary for the effective discharge of its duties".

"A local Government has no power without the consent of the Government of Pakistan to alienate or in any way to interfere in regard to land situated within the provincial boundaries which is in the occupation of the Central Government."

Irrespective of any lease deed concluded between Centre and Government of Punjab, the above resolution alone validates the possession of land by the Army as long as the necessity exists. And the necessity does exist.

CLAIM OF OCCUPANCY RIGHT BY LESSEES: As for the right of occupancy tenancy, the Punjab Tenancy Act 1887, is very clear and candid.

None of the lessee qualifies for the occupancy rights, because no one meets the following conditions as stipulated in the above referred Act:-

a. At the commencement of the Act (1st November, 1887) the lessees occupied that land paying no rent therefore beyond the amount of the land revenue thereof and the rates and lessees for the time being chargeable thereon.

b. Two preceding generations in the male line of descent through grandfather or granduncle must have occupied the same on the same terms specified.

c. The period of such occupation must not be less than twenty years before 1st November, 1887.

It is pertinent to note that lands in Okara were developed in 1912-13 and thereafter the lessees were given these lands for cultivation under Bhattai System.

From the very start the lessees are paying the rent of the land to the Army in shape of Bhattai (rent in kind).

As such none of the conditions is met by any of the lessees.

EVICTION OF LESSEES: The fear of eviction has been instilled in the minds of lessees by the "leaders", to terrorise them.

The fact is that never ever has the Farm Administration planned the eviction of sitting lessees with whom a very cordial and congenial relationship existed. Due to this very reason no outsider was allowed to offer bid for the land, which would have been at a very high rate.

Viewing the financial position of sitting ex-lessees the lands were leased out to them at highly subsidised rates. Not a single lessee has been evicted.

With the persistent efforts of Rangers and the persuasion of Military Farm authorities the lessees have now recognised the benefits of the contract system.

All of them have signed the contract agreements and started paying lease rent.

They are co-operating with Farm Administration and reciprocally Farm Administration has initiated a number of welfare projects.

The situation is encouraging and lessees are feeling protected from miscreants.

The law enforcing agencies are closely monitoring the interest of lessees and miscreants are being isolate from innocent and law abiding lessees.

The present atmosphere is leading to peaceful relations between the administration and lessees.

================================================== ===================================== Anx AMain features - Battai vis-a-vis contract systemBattai system Contract system============================================ =========================================== - The lessee to pay the rent by The lessee to pay lease rent in cash. division of produce (in kind) The lease rent to be paid in three on each harvest. easy instalments - The lease period was for one year. The lease period is for seven years without annual increase. - All trees were exclusive property 10% trees planted after June 2000 of government. will be the property of lessee. - Cropping programme was The lessee can sow crops at his controlled by Mil Farm authorities. will. - No representation from lessees Village Committees having in Chaks' affairs. representatives from lessees to decide routine affairs. - Lessee was permitted to keep one Lessees will be at liberty to keep as cow or buffalo and two young many numbers of animals as they stocks only. No sheep and goat to desire. be kept.============================================= ================================================== ================================================ Anx BDetails of deceasedCase No 1================================================= ======= - NAME MUHAMMAD BASHIR - FATHER NAME MUHAMMAD ASHIQ - RESIDENT OF CHAK NO. 20/IRB - STATUS NON LESSEE - DATE OF DETAH 10-1-2002 - BRIEF OF INCIDENT On 07-1-2002 during an armed assault on Military Farm Renala by a mob of about 1000 people, Muhammad Bashir S/O Muhammad Ashiq was hit by one of his own accomplices. Later on he succumbed to injuries on 10-1-2002============================================== ================================================== ================Case No 2================================================= ======= - NAME SALMAN MASIH - FATHER NAME PITRUS MASIH - RESIDENT OF 10/4-L - STATUS NON LESSEE - DATE OF DEATH 24-8-2002 - BRIEF OF INCIDNET A mob of 1200 to 1500 people gathered in chak NO. 4/4-L on 24-8-2002 and started to move to block GT road, main railway line, to attack Mil Farm Neelum and Embryo Transfer Technology Centre,. The law enforces stopped the mob and fired teargas. In retaliation, the mob resorted to firing resulting into injury & ultimate death of Salman Mashi S/O Pitrus Mashi============================================= ================================================== =================Case No 3================================================= ======= - NAME MUHAMMD AMIR - FATHER NAME SULEMAN - RESIDENT OF DEPALPUR - STATUS NON LESSEE - DATE OF DEATH 11-5-2003 - BRIEF OF INCIDENT The deceased has come to visit Mr Talib of 5-A/4-L where an armed clash took place between Machi and Sindhi Group on dispute of cattle grazing. During cross fire the deceased received fatal injuries and expired=========================================== ================================================== ===================Case No 4================================================= ======= - NAME MUHAMMAD TUFAIL CHEEMA - FATHER NAME MUHAMMAD SHAFFI CHEEMA - RESIDENT OF DEPALPUR - STATUS NON LESSEE - DATE OF DEATH 20-5-2002 - BERIEF OF INCIDENT Residents of Dilman Gunj a procession on 20-5-2002 at the time of decision of wheat crop. Muhammad Tufail was basically hired by the miscreants. He was neither lessee nor relative of any lessee. On their way back, the mob killed Mr Muhammad Tufail with a shot at a close range using a 0.30 Pistol============================================ ============

[SyedA]

Pakistan to raise new anti-terrorism force


By Ismail Khan

PESHAWAR, Aug 20: Pakistan is raising a new force to combat domestic and international terrorism, a senior official said. The official, who requested anonymity, said the federal government has created the Special Investigation Group (SIG) within the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) to combat terrorism in the country.

"This is a highly specialised and hi-tech group, whose sole job would be to combat terrorism and other related crimes", a senior official told Dawn.

The first batch of over 40 officers is currently being trained at the FIA Headquarters in Islamabad. The three-month- long course is coming to an end soon while the core group is expected to be on the ground in about a month-and-a-half, the official familiar with the subject said.

The SIG, according to the official, has been modelled along a similar cell within the US Federal Bureau of Investigation. FBI experts are actively involved in training the SIG, the official said. "Obviously there is foreign assistance", the official said.

The first batch of SIG recruits has been drawn from the Police Service of Pakistan, Intelligence Bureau, the FIA and direct recruitment through the Federal Public Service Commission. The SIG strength would be increased gradually, the official.

"No other agency has the anti-terrorism role cut out for it which has now been exclusively assigned to the SIG. We will identify our targets and then go after them", the official said. "This is the only civilian agency dedicated to countering terrorism."

The SIG would specialise in identifying and investigating terrorists and terrorist activities, bank frauds and informal money transaction systems like hundi. The SIG will have a computer back-up and access to computer database.

The new anti terrorism force, the official said, would be headed by a commandant under the overall command and supervision of Director General FIA. The SIG will also have regional offices in all the four provinces under the administrative command of director FIA.

All civil and military intelligence agencies will share their information on terrorism with the SIG at the FIA level. After the collation of information and sifting, tasks would be assigned on need basis to the SIG in their respective regional offices.

The official said that the SIG is being trained in various types of weapons, explosives, different techniques in questioning and interrogation, investigating terrorism, tracing bank accounts and forgeries. "It is a multifaceted job. The SIG is being trained to cope with all aspects of terrorism", the official said.

The SIG officers have been offered handsome pay and allowance packages and other facilities to enable them to concentrate fully on their job to counter terrorism.

The official said that the SIG might if need be, seek assistance from police and other law enforcement agencies.

Reuters adds: "This is going to be a highly specialised and hi-tech force to track down terrorists and investigate acts of terrorism", the official told Reuters, speaking on condition of anonymity.

[Amar]

Assalam A laikoum

And what about the famous Moussa Company of SSG ?

Thanks

[Aziz]

Amar, Mousa Company is a special forces group whilst this new anti terrorist force is essentially an investigative force.

Aziz

[H Khan]

QUETTA (August 23 2003) : Afghan tribesmen abducted three Pakistani border troops last week and are demanding citizenship, jobs and land as ransom, Pakistani authorities said on Friday.

An official of Zhob district, which hugs the Afghan border in Pakistan's south-west province Balochistan, said members of the Sulemankhail tribe crossed the border and kidnapped seven Frontier Corps troops on August 11.

Four of the troops escaped while three remained captive in Afghanistan, district co-ordination officer Tahir Munir told AFP.

A delegation of local Pakistani tribal leaders and officials travelled over the border to meet the tribe to negotiate the troops' release but came away only with the demands of the tribe.

"A delegation of Pakistani tribal elders, led by an administrative official, returned unsuccessful as the kidnappers refused to set free the three Frontier Corps men," Munir said.

The captors demanded Pakistani citizenship, jobs with the tribal police force in Zhob, a nine square kilometre plot of land, and a meeting with the Zhob mayor.

"It is up to the border force what to do, otherwise the federal government will ask the Afghan government to pressurise the kidnappers to release the troops," Munir said.-AFP

[Mohammed Ali]

HKhan, could you post a link for that news. I cant seem to find it anywhere. Thanx.

[Rafaqat]

Mohammed,

I read that in dawn yesterday. I think it was in latest news section.

Regards,

rafaqat

[Amar]

Thanks Aziz, I understand now.

[Hasib]

I am not sure if it is the right place to post this.

“For more than 50 years the Pakistani army has marched to its own beat, at the same time securing its place as the pivotal force in political affairs. Now, under President General Pervez Musharraf, the army is being forced to march to his - and the American FBI's - tune, and many within the ranks are dangerously unhappy.” - Syed Saleem Shahzad

Please go to the link to read the article in full. I do not know how true it is? However it makes me ponder. May be forum members who have more knowledge and access to the resources may like to shed some light on this matter.

Hasib

http://www.atimes.com/atimes/South_Asia/EH30Df01.html

[SSAAD]

"When General Zia ul-Haq was president and the chief of army staff in the late 1970s and early 1980s, he encouraged his officers to say their prayers five times a day (as is customary in Muslim society), "


Last I checked, the five prayers a day were obligatory and not customary as some secular minds would have you believe......

[Shah Khan]

Pak army team to conduct joint exercises with Turkey
(Updated at 2200 PST)

ISLAMABAD: A group of the Pakistan Army comprising 50 soldiers left here on Sunday for joint exercises with Turkish forces.

http://jang.com.pk/thenews/aug2003-daily/31-08-2003/main/update.shtml#24

[Usman S.]

SSG operatives going to Turkey for regular (bi-annual) exercises with the Turkish Special Forces, designated as the "Ataturk" series.

[AkramIshaqKhan]

The news about the arrests of Pakistani officers is very dangerous. PM needs to manage this issue in the most delicate fashion. I just hope the ranks and files are not turning against him.

[Shah Khan]

Army officers being probed for extremist links: ISPR

ISLAMABAD: Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) spokesman Major-General Shaukat Sultan on Sunday said "three to four" Pakistani Army officers were under investigation for their alleged links with an extremist organisation.

"There are about three to four officers below the rank of lieutenant-colonel. They are under investigation for alleged possible links with some extremist organisation," he told Reuters. "There is no senior officer among them and they are totally being dealt with by the Pakistan Army," he said.

The spokesman denied as "absolutely absurd" a report in a local newspaper that the officers were arrested from the southern Afghan province of Zabul, the scene of attacks against US forces operating in the area that have been blamed on loyalists of the ousted Taliban regime and of renegade Afghan leader Gulbuddin Hekmatyar.

The spokesman also rejected as "baseless" the newspaper’s report that a total of 16 Army personnel were being interrogated. "This is absolutely baseless, absurd, concocted and pure figment of imagination" of the reporter, Shaukat said.

A local newspaper said on Sunday that US Federal Bureau of Investigation agents had reportedly arrested a Pakistan Army major and three of his subordinates in Zabul province. The paper said that the FBI took the Pakistanis to the Jacobabad airbase in Sindh and later handed them over to the army’s Field Investigation Unit (FIU) on the request of Pakistan.

It claimed the FIU, acting on information, launched an operation and placed 12 more officers and non-commissioned personnel under investigation. The spokesman, rejecting the report, said: "There was no FBI involvement."

http://jang.com.pk/thenews/sep2003-daily/01-09-2003/main/main7.htm

[Shah Khan]

Pakistan arrests army officers
By Zaffar Abbas
BBC correspondent in Islamabad

The military authorities in Pakistan say they have arrested at least three army officers on suspicion of having links with Islamic extremists.

The head of the armed forces public-relations department, Major-General Shaukat Sultan, told the BBC the arrested officers were being interrogated by the army's intelligence unit.

He refused to give further details.


This is the first known case of its kind since President Pervez Musharraf ordered a crackdown against Islamic extremist groups in the country almost two years ago.

The arrests were made public as the Pakistani military authorities stepped up their operation against the Taleban in the country's border region.

But it is not clear if the arrested officers were in any way involved in regrouping the remnants of the Islamic militia.

One of the arrested army officers has been identified as Lieutenant-Colonel Khalid Abbassi.

At the time of his arrest, he was posted in the town of Kohat, close to the border with Afghanistan.

Other arrested officers are in the junior ranks.

Questioning

Major-General Sultan said the army's field intelligence unit is interrogating the officers about their possible links with extremist groups.


He refused to identify the groups but said action was being taken against the arrested officers under the army's strict disciplinary rules.

A number of militant groups having affiliation with the Taleban or involved in sectarian violence were banned and scores of their members arrested.

It is widely believed that several officers of the Pakistani army developed sympathy with the Taleban when Islamabad was officially backing the Islamic militia.

Although Pakistan's official policy towards the Taleban changed after the events of 11 September 2001, there was no significant purge within the army.

But following recent concerns expressed by Washington and Kabul about Taleban remnants trying to regroup in the Pakistani border region, the authorities have increased vigilance, and in the last couple of days at least 18 suspected Taleban fighters have been arrested in the border area.


http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/pr/fr/-/2/hi/south_asia/3196769.stm

[Shah Khan]

20 army officers face probe: Links with Al Qaeda
By Our Staff Reporter

ISLAMABAD, Aug 31: Over 20 armymen, including six to seven officers up to the rank of lieutenant colonel, are facing investigation in two different cases for their alleged links with Al Qaeda and an enemy country.

Well-placed army sources disclosed that two groups of armymen were taken into custody at different times and for different reasons. One of the groups is under investigation for links with Al Qaeda, while the other, which is larger in size, was taken into custody for its connection with a neighbouring enemy country.

The group facing investigation for Al Qaeda connections was arrested some months ago in Rawalpindi after a lead was provided by Khalid Sheikh Mohammad, who was arrested from the residence of a Jamaat-i-Islami activist. The arrest of another Jamaat-i-Islami man from Mirpur, Ahsan Aziz, is also linked with the Al Qaeda group.

The sources said the family of Ahsan Aziz filed a habeas corpus petition in the Lahore High Court, Rawalpindi Bench, but no government department admitted that he was in its custody.

The family told the court that they had met Ahsan Aziz while he was in custody of an agency. The sources close to the family said that Ahsan Aziz was not being released as he was refusing to turn "approver" against certain officials.

ISPR Director-General Maj-Gen Shaukat Sultan confirmed that three to four officers were in custody for their links with extremist organizations, but said he was not in a position to comment about the second group of officers. He denied that the armymen were arrested from Afghanistan by the US FBI.

The second group was arrested from Sindh by the Field Intelligence Unit for their contacts with an enemy country. The government is keeping the arrests secret as it is trying to bust the entire net. In the second group, the officers are not above the major rank

http://www.dawn.com/2003/09/01/top3.htm

[Usman S.]

Defence Day arrangements hit peak

LAHORE (September 01 2003) : Arrangements are in full swing to hold a colourful demonstration and grand display of arms and equipment by the army at Fortress Stadium on September 6.

The demonstration and display, which is being held to mark the Defence Day celebrations, will start at 9:30 am.

The officers and jawans are working with missionary zeal and full devotion to make the function memorable.

The thrilling events of the demonstration are crash action by the artillery guns, band display, quick action of dismantling and assembling of a jeep by electrical and mechanical engineers and attack by the infantry jawans.-PPI

www.brecorder.com

[Usman S.]

Pakistani troops leave for Turkey

ISLAMABAD (September 01 2003) : A group of 50 Pakistani army personnel left for Turkey on Sunday to participate in joint special services exercises, the military here said.

The platoon-level special forces exercise is commencing in Turkey on Monday.

A statement by the military's Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said the two-week long joint exercises were aimed at "planning and conduct of special operations, including anti-terrorist and mountain training."

The Pakistani batch of Special Services Group includes 17 officers, it said.-AFP

www.brecorder.com

[TahirN]

Pakistan arrests army officers

By Zaffar Abbas
BBC correspondent in Islamabad

The military authorities in Pakistan say they have arrested at least three army officers on suspicion of having links with Islamic extremists.
The head of the armed forces public-relations department, Major-General Shaukat Sultan, told the BBC the arrested officers were being interrogated by the army's intelligence unit.

He refused to give further details.


This is the first known case of its kind since President Pervez Musharraf ordered a crackdown against Islamic extremist groups in the country almost two years ago.
The arrests were made public as the Pakistani military authorities stepped up their operation against the Taleban in the country's border region.

But it is not clear if the arrested officers were in any way involved in regrouping the remnants of the Islamic militia.

One of the arrested army officers has been identified as Lieutenant-Colonel Khalid Abbassi.

At the time of his arrest, he was posted in the town of Kohat, close to the border with Afghanistan.

Other arrested officers are in the junior ranks.

Questioning

Major-General Sultan said the army's field intelligence unit is interrogating the officers about their possible links with extremist groups.


He refused to identify the groups but said action was being taken against the arrested officers under the army's strict disciplinary rules.
A number of militant groups having affiliation with the Taleban or involved in sectarian violence were banned and scores of their members arrested.

It is widely believed that several officers of the Pakistani army developed sympathy with the Taleban when Islamabad was officially backing the Islamic militia.

Although Pakistan's official policy towards the Taleban changed after the events of 11 September 2001, there was no significant purge within the army.

But following recent concerns expressed by Washington and Kabul about Taleban remnants trying to regroup in the Pakistani border region, the authorities have increased vigilance, and in the last couple of days at least 18 suspected Taleban fighters have been arrested in the border area.

Story from BBC NEWS:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/pr/fr/-/1/hi/world/south_asia/3196769.stm

[H Khan]

Pakistan plans to acquire 10 Schweizer 333 light turbine helicopters for air force training. The air force issued a request for proposals for the helicopters earlier this year. Several manufacturers are believed to have responded, including Enstrom with its 480B.

Industry sources say Pakistan has chosen Schweizer and a contract is being negotiated.

Pakistan's army already operates 10 Schweizer 300s. The 333 is a newer version of the 300, with increased power and payload, and upgraded avionics.

[ahmed]

WASHINGTON, Sept 2: The United States does not believe that the Pakistan army is going to become a "breeding ground" for religious extremists because as an institution it has stayed above such trends, US officials said on Tuesday.

"No, we have no particular worries about the presence of extremists in the Pakistan army," a State Department official told Dawn while commenting on media reports suggesting that Pakistan had detained some army officers for their alleged links to the Al Qaeda organization.

"Our general view has been that the Pakistan army has kept itself above this sort of (tendencies) as an institution," said the State Department official.

Like all large institutions, he said, the Pakistan army also "has a wide variety of members, but has managed the situation very well."

The army, he said: "sees itself as the guardian of the Pakistani nation and not of any particular ideology," said the official. "We have no particular worries."

When asked to comment on a press report that the FBI had helped Pakistani authorities find the detained officers, the US official said: "We have no information about it."

Commenting on another news report that the United States is providing $9 billion to Pakistan for weapons purchase, the State Department official said he had never heard of such an offer.
http://www.dawn.com/2003/09/03/top10.htm

now we have news that fbi arrests pakistani officials...tomorrow we will have news that fbi appoints the election commision of pakistan...when the hell will musharaf stop? why dont he just come out open and make pakistan an official us colony....but oh wait...he is the defender of pakistan...second quaid e azam....and he has the guts to give a speach to our jawans while his croonies were busy arresting any islamically inclined person in the army....

[Usman S.]

Originally posted by ahmed
now we have news that fbi arrests paki officials...tomorrow we will have news that fbi appoints the election commision of pakistan...when the hell will musharaf stop? why dont he just come out open and make pakistan an official us colony....but oh wait...he is the defender of pakistan...second quaid e azam....and he has the guts to give a speach to our jawans while his croonies were busy arresting any islamically inclined person in the army....

Hold you horses. No one can confirm (and no one has) that FBI had anything to do with Pakistan Army officers arrests. So don’t start screaming like a 14 year old paranoid kid on something about which hardly any solid facts are known.

[AkramIshaqKhan]

Islamic inclination does not get you into trouble in the Pak Army. If you are religious you are welcome in the PAK Army. Infact if you on the other hand are the opposite and have a loose character that is frowned upon and can come into the way of your promotion.

With regards to the FBI arresting people, there is no confirmation, and I think it is over sensationalized. First and foremost, FBI does not operate in Afghanistan. It is I belive DMI or DCI so something like that. Directorate of Military Intelligence. So just the fact the article states FBI in Zabul makes me laugh.

Second if there were any arrests they could be of non-serving ex-military people. And if they were in Zabul then, who else was going to arrest them. Better for them it was DMI, rather than NA.

Finally, these rumors about army men being handed over to the US is total bull#hit. There is no truth to it. It can never happen. No matter what faults Musharraf might have, and there are a few among his many accomplishments, he cannot make such arbitrary decisions. Remember, PAK Army works quite a bit on concensus. That is the top cadre usually reaches a decision.

So everyone needs to cool their jets. FBI is not in control as some want to spread such a rumor. The intention of this rumor is to rile us up, to make us feel impotent, and that should be disregarded.
We are a proud, strong, great nation, with a great future, and that we all need to invest in.

Best,
JK.

[Shah Khan]

][/QUOTE]

....[/QUOTE]

Thanks Shoaib :)
SK

[H Khan]

Schweizer 333

[yasser]

http://www.dawn.com/2003/09/04/top7.htm

Quite impressive size! Shows we can deploy an entire Battalion quickly in one single drop! Air Assault!

[H Khan]

By RIAZ KHAN
.c The Associated Press

PESHAWAR, Pakistan (AP) - A fleet of Pakistani military helicopters swooped over the tribal belt that borders Afghanistan in a renewed hunt for al-Qaida and Taliban, witnesses said Thursday.

Government officials, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said several of the helicopters carried ``foreign'' forces, an apparent reference to U.S. forces.

The U.S. military earlier deployed an unknown number of special forces into Pakistan's rugged tribal region, but their whereabouts are secret and they keep a low profile, largely because of the deeply conservative nature of the area.

The tribesmen in the border region resent the presence of Pakistani troops and have demanded that U.S. forces stay out, a view echoed by radical Islamic lawmakers that rule in Pakistan's northwest.

``This kind of operation has jeopardized the independence and sovereignty of our country,'' said Ikramullah Shahid, the deputy speaker of the North West Frontier Province's legislature. ``No country has the right to trample our geographic frontiers and carry out operations on our land.''

The province is ruled by an alliance of six religious parties that has publicly expressed support for the defeated Taliban and share the religious militia's strict interpretation of Islam.

``This operation is against the feelings of the people in the province. This should be stopped immediately,'' said Yasmin Khan, a veiled woman lawmaker.

Local residents reported stepped up activity at the airport in Bannu.

``Right now there are 12 helicopters on the ground at the airport in Bannu,'' in northwest Pakistan, said Inayat Khan, a resident of the area. ``Yesterday there were 24 helicopters.''

Officials said the majority of troops have moved into Angoorada and Azam Warzak areas near the Afghan border.

There was no indication of who was being sought or whether there was some fresh intelligence of fugitives in the area.

However, both U.S. and Afghan officials have repeatedly said fugitive al-Qaida and Taliban have taken refuge in the region, where tribesmen have expressed a willingness to hide them.

There has also been speculation that suspected terrorist mastermind Osama bin Laden may have taken refuge in the region.

Pakistani authorities don't dismiss the possibility.

``He could be anywhere,'' said foreign ministry spokesman Masood Khan, earlier this week.

However, Interior Minister Faisal Saleh Hayyat said Wednesday there is no proof of his presence in the tribal belt.

But he added the ``noose was tightening'' around bin Laden, whose al-Qaida network is believed to have carried out the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks on the Untied States.

Hayyat didn't elaborate but said intelligence garnered from recently arrested top al-Qaida men has reduced the number of places bin Laden can hide.



09/04/03 08:49 EDT

[Usman S.]

Chinese defence team meets PM

ISLAMABAD: Chinese Chief of General Staff, General Liang Guanglie, heading a high-level delegation, on Friday called on Prime Minister Mir Zafarullah Khan Jamali and discussed matters relating to cooperation in different fields, including defence production between the two countries. Prime Minister Jamali recalled the time-tested and very strong friendship between the two fraternal countries. General Liang Guanglie appreciated the efforts by the two countries to strengthen the friendship and bilateral cooperation. He said Prime Minister Jamali being the first foreign leader received by the new generation of Chinese leadership shows the strong relations between the two countries. Prime Minister Jamali said Pak-China friendship is loftier than the Himalayas and deeper than oceans and both the countries share a long history of unshakeable friendship, understanding and cooperation. "Respect and trust is perpetual from both sides and besides political and military side of cooperation, we may now embark on economic trade and people-to-people contact," the prime minister added.

http://www.jang.com.pk/thenews/index.html

[Usman S.]

PLA chief calls on PM, VCOAS

ISLAMABAD, Sept 5: Chinese Chief of General Staff Gen Liang Guanglie heading a high level delegation called on Prime Minister Mir Zafarullah Khan Jamali on Friday and discussed matters related to cooperation in different fields including defence production between the two countries.

Gen Liang Guanglie appreciated the efforts by the two countries to strengthen the friendship and bilateral cooperation. He said Prime Minister Jamali being the first foreign leader received by the new generation of Chinese leadership showed the strong relations between the two countries.

Prime Minister Jamali said both the countries shared a long history of unshakeable friendship, understanding and cooperation.

"Respect and trust is perpetual from both sides and besides political and military side of cooperation, we may now embark on economic trade and people to people contact," the prime minister added.

He said China had always helped Pakistan in developing its industrial infrastructure. He specially mentioned the Heavy Industries Taxila, which had evolved with the passage of time to become the backbone of industrial development in Pakistan.

He also mentioned the mutually developed Jet Fighter JF-17 Thunder which made its successful test flight in China early this week and termed the aircraft a much-awaited reinforcement to Pakistani defence and a landmark in Sino-Pakistan defence cooperation history.

He appreciated Chinese assistance and cooperation in projects like Heavy Mechanical Complex, SANDAK Mines, Gwadar Deep Seaport and JF-17 project and stressed the need for exchange of youth in educational and training institutions.

The meeting was attended by Chinese ambassador Zhang Chunxiang, Major General Farooq Ahmad Khan, DG OPS and Plans, JSHQ and other high ranking military officials from both the sides.

General Liang Guanglie also visited the General Headquarters and called on the Vice Chief of Army Staff General Mohammad Yousaf.

The meeting was also attended by the Chief of General Staff, Lt Gen Shahid Aziz and other senior officers of the General Headquarters.

Welcoming the Chinese delegation, Gen Yousaf said, "We are immensely proud of our eternal friendship with China." He said the strategic cooperation between Pakistan and China was corner stone of Pakistan's foreign policy.

General Muhammad Yousaf said, "Our defence cooperation in particular has been a pillar of strength for this relationship. More importantly our friendship has been a fundamental factor in maintaining stability and peace in South Asia." -APP

http://www.dawn.com/2003/09/06/nat13.htm

[Abbas]

September 7, 2003
Pakistan Base in al - Qaida Hunt Attacked
By THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

Filed at 8:35 a.m. ET

BANNU, Pakistan (AP) -- Attackers fired three rockets at a small airport being used as a base by Pakistani troops hunting for al-Qaida and Taliban fugitives, but there were no injuries or damages, a military official said Sunday.

The attack happened late Friday in Bannu, about 155 miles southwest of the capital Islamabad, said Maj. Gen. Shaukat Sultan, a military spokesman.

There was no claim of responsibility, and Sultan said the military was trying to determine who might have carried out the attack. ``We are ascertaining details of the attack,'' he said.

Two rockets exploded in deserted areas inside the airport grounds. The third rocket was failed to explode, he said.

Bannu is located at the edge of a tribal region where Pakistani and U.S. officials are searching for al-Qaida and Taliban fugitives, who are believed to use Pakistani soil to launch attacks into neighboring Afghanistan.

Residents reported on Thursday that the Pakistani military has stepped up activity in the area, sending dozens of helicopters to Bannu airport. Some helicopters were spotted carrying ``foreign'' troops, a reference to American forces. The helicopters were flying over the tribal area near Bannu.

By Sunday, the helicopters were gone and the tiny airport all but abandoned.

Abbas Khan, 60, a worker at the airport, told The Associated Press that the Pakistani military had pulled out Saturday afternoon after an operation that lasted several days.

``At 3 p.m. all the helicopters and troops left. They were here for three days. There were a lot of flights but we don't know what they were doing,'' Khan said.

Ismail Khan, the owner of a tea house near the airport, said there were many Pakistani soldiers in the area, and that the townspeople speculated they were looking for al-Qaida.

``It was the talk of the town that they were here searching for al-Qaida people,'' Ismail Khan said. ``We don't have any al-Qaida people here in our area.''

Pakistan's military has said it deployed the troops in Bannu for a ``routine exercise,'' but military operations in the deeply conservative area are anything but routine.

Tribesman in the area, which borders Afghanistan, resent the presence of foreign and Pakistani troops. Sympathies among the tribesman run high for the Taliban because many share the ousted militia's harsh interpretation of Islam and its Pashtun ethnicity.

They are also suspected of sheltering fugitives from the Taliban and al-Qaida, a charge that was denied by tribal elders.

``Those involved in terrorism or having intentions of terrorist operations will not find shelter on our soil. We will punish and fine those giving them shelter,'' said Haji Mainal Khan, a 55-year-old elder from the Bakakhel tribe, most of whose members live near the airport.

Wearing a turban and sporting a graying beard, Khan said the tribe would hold a jirga, or meeting, on Monday to try to find out who launched the attack on the airport.

He said if someone from his tribe was found to be involved in the attack the perpetrator would be fined 5 million rupees, about $83,300, and his home would be demolished.

Some tribesmen, however, said they would not deny sanctuary to Taliban or al-Qaida fugitives.

`We are Muslims. Our doors are open for Muslims,'' said Attaullah Khan, 35, an AK-47 rifle slung over his shoulder as he watched over his small grocery store. ``It is our duty to help a Muslim brother in time of hardship.''

Copyright 2003 The Associated Press

[H Khan]

By Hameedullah Abid

ISLAMABAD: The fourth Pakistani contingent, a part of the United Nations peacekeeping force in Kosovo, has not been paid for five months due to delays by the UN agency office, sources told Daily Times on Monday.

They said the third contingent was paid for its nine-month service after it returned to Pakistan. Interior Ministry sources said 115 military officers went to Kosovo in April this year. They said the contingent, consisting of 30 officers each from the Punjab and Sindh Rangers and the NWFP Frontier Corps, 10 each from Balochistan Frontier Corps and the Pakistan Coastguards and five police officers from each of the four provinces, is not being paid monthly like contingents from other countries serving in the Balkan state.

An Interior Ministry officer said, “The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), signed between the UN and Pakistan, makes no provision for the method of payment. Our military adviser to the UN mission in New York and the Ministry of Interior coordinate with the UN authorities for payments to Pakistani peacekeeping forces.”

He said the delay was caused by the UN authorities concerned who did not transfer the money for the Pakistani forces to the State Bank of Pakistan on time. “So far we have received salaries for the contingents serving till December 2002. We have taken up the matter with the UN through our military adviser to the UN mission in New York. He informed us that the UN member countries are not paying their contributions on time which was causing the delay in the payment of salaries,” the source said. He added that Pakistan was considering a proposal to amend the MoU signed with the UN.

[yasser]

http://dawn.com/herald/main.htm

[MohammedA]

Any truth in this or any proof? Or is it just rumour? Other reports said these 20 were Al-Queda?

[yasser]

I truely have no idea, but Herald is a Pakistani magazine.
All 20 were non-commissioned, so the chances they held no valuable military secrets, but if the charges are true then we should execute them.......

[Muhammad Hasan]

3 promoted as Lt Generals

From Our Correspondent

ISLAMABAD – Three Major Generals of Pakistan Army have been promoted to the rank of Lieutenant General. According to Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR) the names of Major General Ashfaq Parvez Kayani, Major General Malik Arif Hayat, and Major General Anis Ahmed Abbasi have been approved for the promotion to the rank of Lieutenant General
“These promotions have been made by a Board at General Headquarters and it is a routine matter,” said an ISPR official while talking to The Nation.
He said Major General Ashfaq Parvez Kayani is currently serving as Director General Military Operations in GHQ while Major General Malik Arif Hayat is also posted at GHQ.
According to an ISPR official, Major General Anis Ahmed Abbasi is deputed at Quetta. The General Officers will put on the rank of Lt General on assumption of their new assignments which are yet to be decided. According to official sources, the promoted Generals are likely to replace Lt. Generals fast approaching to their retirements in next few days. For instance, the sources said , Lt General Touqir Zia, Inspector General Training and Evaluation would be retiring on Sept 12, 2003.
However, the sources hurriedly added that the Lt General Zia would not be retiring from his second post of the Chairman Pakistan Cricket Board.


http://www.nation.com.pk/daily/Sep-2003/11/main/top16.asp (nation)

[bsolomon]

Can anyone give more information on Gen Jehangir Karamat and the real reasons for his ouster? Were the reasons political? And what are your opinions on the general?

Over here in India, I have read only good reports about him.

Thanks and regards,
Bernard

[SSAAD]

He is known as a professional General with a rather straight forward outlook, an intellectual type.

The primary reason for his resignation was that he voiced his support for the formation of a National Security Council so the role of the armed forces could be institutionalized (or made formal in contrast to behind the scenes involvement) in the decision making process.

Nawaz Sharif did not like the fact that the CoAS stated as such and Karamat tendered his resignation.

In my opinion, he said the right thing at the right time. The NSC was eventually formed anyway. Its better for the Armed Forces to be involved in a higher dicision making body rather than repeating the cycle of coups d'état to do the same.

If you need more, I can further expand on the actual circumstances under which Karamat resigned.

[bsolomon]

Originally posted by syed saad

If you need more, I can further expand on the actual circumstances under which Karamat resigned. [/B]

I think I will take you up on your offer. :)

I was actually hoping he would continue on as Chief of Army Staff or whatever designation you have over there. He seemed to be a pragmatic officer compared to the others, and there seems to be a respect for him over here too.

Waiting for your reply ...

Thanks and regards,
Bernard

[Shah Khan]

New corps commanders for Pindi, Multan

Lt-Gen Kayani and Lt-Gen Akram to replace Lt-Gen Arif and Lt-Gen Tirmazi respectively

By Shakil Shaikh

ISLAMABAD: In a major reshuffle at command and staff positions, newly-promoted Lt-Gen Ashfaq Pervez Kayani and Military Secretary Lt-Gen Mohammad Akram are appointed Corps Commanders for Rawalpindi and Multan respectively.

Commander Rawalpindi Corps Lt-Gen Arif Hassan has been shifted to General Headquarters as PSO in capacity as military secretary to succeed Lt-Gen Akram, said an official source. The source said Commander Multan Corps Lt-Gen Shahid Siddiq Tirmazi has been shifted to Joint Staff Headquarters as Director-General, as Lt-Gen Mushtaq Hussain would be retiring by mid-October this year.

Both Lt-Gen Arif Hassan (Commander Rawalpindi Corps) and Lt-Gen Shahid Tirmazi (Commander Multan Corps) have served as Corps Commanders for almost two years, and one and a half-year respectively.

Lt-Gen Arif Hassan is also in charge of SAF Games, and he is putting in his best for holding these games in Pakistan in a befitting manner. Newly promoted Lt-Gen Ashfaq Kayani, who has been serving as Director-General Military Operations (DGMO) since December 2000, has now been appointed Corps Commander Rawalpindi, whose jurisdiction extends to the Line of Control, Siachen and the sprawling Norhern Areas.

Maj Gen Mohammad Akram was appointed Military Secretary in GHQ on his promotion as Lieutenant General in August 2001 after his shifting from the ISI. Now he is sent to Multan to head the strike corps, as he has completed two years as PSO.

In place of Ashfaq Kiyani, Maj Gen Mohammad Yousaf got the prestigious posting as DGMO. Yousaf has a vast experience and he once served at the Chief Executive Secretariat before being sent to the field as GOC.

Both the other newly-promoted Lieutenant Generals - Malik Arif Hayat and Anis Ahmed Abbasi - will continue to perform functions on their present positions as Commander Infantry School, Quetta, and Director-General (Computers) at GHQ. Following retirement of Inspector-General Training and Evaluation Lt-Gen Tauqir Zia from the army on Saturday, no one is appointed to succeed him and the decision is likely to be taken soon.

Tauqir Zia, who recently got profuse praise from President General Pervez Musharraf, will be the full-time Chairman Pakistan Cricket Board, as he starts sitting at Qaddafi Stadium from Monday and giving full attention to take Pakistan cricket to new heights.

In another move Major General Ihtesham Zamir of the ISI has been transferred to Okara as GOC in place of Major General Haroon Sikandar Pasha. In place of Major General Ihtesham, GOC Quetta Major General Ahmed Zaki Shafi has been brought into the ISI. GOC Okara Major General Pasha has been transferred to Regional Accountability Bureau, Karachi.

http://jang.com.pk/thenews/sep2003-daily/15-09-2003/main/main14.htm

[Shah Khan]

Security beefed up around Army House
By Our Staff Reporter

RAWALPINDI, Sept 14: Rawalpindi has been put on heightened security alert in the wake of intelligence reports of terrorists threat to President Pervez Musharraf, official sources said on Sunday.

Elite force and police contingents were deployed on roads leading to the Army House (the official residence of Gen Musharraf) late on Saturday night, the sources said, adding that police pickets had also been set up at all exit and entry points.

The elite force and police contingents continued patrolling around the Army House from dusk to dawn while travellers, including pedestrians using the road along the Army House, were being frisked and questioned.

"At the moment, there is nothing to suggest a specific threat to the president. However, we have taken precautionary security measures and deployed police and the elite force in the wake of intelligence reports," a police official said.

http://www.dawn.com/2003/09/15/nat3.htm

[H Khan]

14/09/2003 at 11:55:36



Date line: COLOMBO
Pakistan's top military general, Muhammad Aziz Khan, arrived here Sunday on a five-day official visit during which he is due to hold talks with President Chandrika Kumaratunga, officials said.

Kumaratunga is commander-in-chief of the military.

General Khan, who is chairman of the Joint Chief of Staff Committee, is to visit a military training academy in the central town of Diyatalawa and tour the historic cities of Kandy, Polonnaruwa and Sigiriya, officials said.

He is also expected to hold talks with Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe and Defence Minister Tilak Marapana.

Pakistan is a key supplier of small arms to Sri Lankan security forces.




© 2003 AFP

[H Khan]

QUETTA: A Pakistani spy drone Tuesday crashed into the mountains near Sibi. The plane was on routine flight when it crashed due to some technical fault. Before the accident, the plane also lost its contact with the control room. Special teams have been dispatched for locating the wreckage of the plane. —SANA

[H Khan]

By Hameedullah Abid

ISLAMABAD: In a meeting this week, Pakistan and the United States decided to send helicopters back from Islamabad to Quetta to launch new operations against Al Qaeda and Taliban activists along the Pakistan-Afghanistan border, sources told Daily Times on Tuesday.

Sources said a three-member committee consisting of Air Wing Operations Director Brig Shafiq-ur-Rehman, US Embassy Director Brooke Darby and Dyn Corporation Site Manager Curtis Adam, will work on completing training programmes in a month so that operations can start immediately.

Sources said the issue was raised by the Pakistani side which emphasised the need to start operations against Al Qaeda and Taliban remnants, and drugs and arms smugglers along the border. A number of military personnel have been training for the last year. Pakistan is using five US helicopters and three fixed wing aircraft. Three more US aircraft are expectedt to arrive at the end of the month. During the meeting, the Pakistani side said the US had spent $16.7 million on training personnel and maintaining the aircraft, which could have been better spent in an operation against Al Qaeda and Taliban remnants. The US maintains control over the financial allocations for the Border Security Project. Pakistan has demanded more transparency in the whole process. Ms Darby told the meeting that a contract to build hangers at Quetta airport had been awarded and the construction would be completed within nine months.

The US team expressed satisfaction at the expertise of Pakistani personnel but informed them that advance approval from the US embassy would be required for any operation because of the legal provisions in the agreement. “This is not Pakistan specific but a standard procedure for the entire world,” Ms Darby explained.

On the issue of the return of helicopters to Quetta from Islamabad, Ms Darby said the US Regional Security Office was finalising the specification for the required security upgrades at the Khalid Air Base in Quetta. She said the helicopters would return by the end of October.

The meeting was also attended by Interior Ministry Secretary Tasneem Noorani, Joint Secretary Junaid Iqbal and Deputy Secretary Shahzad Ahmed Malik.

[Usman S.]

Jundullah through ages

Ikram Ullah

An invitation from the commanding officer of Jundullah Colonel Akhlaque Hussain to join the 147 raising day celebrations of this great battalion in Nowshera, reminded me of when I commanded it during the war. Jundullah is commonly known as 12 Punjab Regiment.

The Burki Sector of the Lahore Front during 1965 war was under the gaze of the whole world and General Choudhary, the boastful Indian C-in-C had vowed to celebrate his victory in the Gymkhana Club Lahore on the evening of 6th September 1965.
The Pakistani army was spread from the Ravi north of Wahga and then southwards along the BRB up to Badian. The army launched two major attacks on the battalion front between 7th and 10th September which were repulsed, inflicting heavy losses on the enemy. Despite orders to pull back Major Abdul Habib insisted to remain on the East Bank of the BRB fearless of the advance of the Indian tanks.

He fell from the machine gun bullet of an enemy tank pierced that through the steel helmet on Habib's valiant head. In spite of recommendations for the highest award for this supreme display of leadership on the battlefield, Shaheed Habib's battle honour got lost somewhere on the way to GHQ. When Habib's widow (whom I had written a special letter of condolence assuring her that not only the Punjab Regiment but also the whole nation gratefully acknowledged Major Habib's great contribution in the defence of Lahore), one fine morning stopped General Musa's car on the road, as he emerged from the C-in-C House in Rawalpindi, and presented my letter acknowledging the Shaheed's services. Musa showed no courtesy to the lady and instead wrote a letter to General Riaz GOC 15 Division Sialkot to take necessary action against me for writing the said letter to the widow.

My GOC knowing me a little more than General Musa, took no action against me, rejecting my plea that I would like to face General Court Martial for any violation of Army Regulations or Discipline. I had removed a nephew of General Musa from the Battalion for misconduct and behaviour unbecoming of an officer. No other soldier deserved better than Maj Habib in the 1965 War.
In Nowshera Akhlaque and his dedicated team had gathered the living galaxy of Jundullah to celebrate the legendary history of 146 years. What a re-union. The entire Jundullah flock from the Chairman Joint Chief of Staff Committee General Muhammad Aziz Khan HI (M) SI (M) down to the 1965 war veterans like Subedar Major Abdul Qayyum had travelled by the dozen not only to revive the old glory of the Paltan but also to salute the ever dazzling son of the battalion Brigadier Saulat Abbas on his installation as the new Colonel of the battalion. Present on the occasion, in addition to the Colonel Commandant of the Punjab Regiment General Aziz were Lt Gen Imtiaz Shaheen, the Colonel of the Regiment and Lt Gen Ali Muhammad Jan Aurakzai Commander 11 Corps in addition to Lt Gen Muhammad Shafiq HI (M) SBt, besides a large number of shining stars, both serving as well as retired.

The high awards of gallantry like VC-04, DSO-05 IOM-38, MC-25, etc. make 12 Punjab as the highest decorated battalion of the British Empire. The real pride of this unit lies in the post independence service of the nation winning SJ-04, TJ-02, TBt-02, SBt-01, Imtiazi sanad-04, Commendation Certificates-06, during 1965 and 1971. The Shaheeds of 65 war including Major Abdul Habib and Subedar Alam Zeb SJ total 31. Those who offered the supreme sacrifice in East Pakistan during 71 including Subedar Mir Salam Khan also total 31. It is a strange coincidence that the grand total of 62 Shuhada is equally divided with precision between the 65 and 71 wars and according to the divine will equally divided between the sacred soils of the East and West Pakistan. No other battalion of the Pakistan Army can claim this
unique record of Shahadat.

The war record of the battalion during 1971 war is as brilliant as the 1965 war. The battalion was air lifted to East Pakistan and concentrated at Jessore on 31 March 1971. The Battalion, by fighting a number of actions against well-organized insurgents successfully controlled insurrection in Jessore Sector by 18 April. In the process, the battalion subdued two Indian Border Security Force sub-units who had infiltrated and established themselves at Jhhigar - Gacha. The Battalion moved to Pabna on 8 May for maintenance of law and order in the interior of the District. On 21 November it was airlifted back to Jessore Sector to help contain an Indian offensive and moved to its battle location on night 21/22 November along Road Chuagacha Jessore. On 24 November two of its sub-units moved South and took up defensive position at Mohamadipur.

The battalion braved many enemy efforts and did not allow a wedge in the defences. The battalion pulled out on night 6/7 December and moved towards Khulna under order. A number of delaying battles were fought en-rout and finally joined the Brigade Main Defences at Khulna on 11 December. On 12 December the battalion's screen positions on Road Satkria - Daulatpur halted an enemy APC borne battalion attack and inflicted heavy casualties. Two enemy APCs were knocked out. Despite the air, tank, APC and artillery support the enemy battalion could not evict the brave and determined men from this position. The fighting continued till 16 December 1971.

http://www.nation.com.pk/daily/Sep-2003/7/EDITOR/op4.asp

[Shah Khan]

LAHORE: A major component of Pakistani troops left here for Congo to perform peacekeeping duties under the aegis of the United Nations mission. Brigadier Shahid Zahoor bade them farewell at the Allama Iqbal International Airport before their departure on a UN-Chartered aircraft on Wednesday morning.

According to a press release issued by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the Democratic Republic of Congo, a strife-torn African country with a population of six million people, has suffered from almost four decades of intense civil war, as a result of which hundreds of people have lost their lives, while a major segment of its population have been rendered homeless.

The UN-peacekeeping force was approved for Congo as a result of the UN Security Council Resolution 1291 on February 24, 2000. Presently about 10 countries are contributing their troops. Pakistan has been recently inducted in the mission. Pakistani troops had earlier served as peacekeepers in the same country when it won independence in 1960. The UN mandate for the present mission is to ensure the cessation of hostilities through disengagements comprehensive disarmaments, demobilisation, resettlement and re-integration of members of armed groups involved in the conflict. —Staff Report

http://www.dailytimes.com.pk/default.asp?page=story_18-9-2003_pg7_18

[H Khan]

By AHSANULLAH WAZIR
.c The Associated Press

WANA, Pakistan (AP) - U.S. warplanes taking part in the anti-terrorism campaign in Afghanistan dropped three bombs that landed about 50 yards inside Pakistani territory on an empty field, residents and Pakistani intelligence officials said Friday.

No one was injured in the incident Thursday near the border town of Wana, 240 miles southwest of Islamabad.

Three Pakistani intelligence officials, all who spoke on condition of anonymity, said they believed the U.S. forces were targeting Taliban militants, who often take refuge on the Pakistani side of the border. U.S. forces do not have permission to pursue them across the frontier.

A U.S. Embassy spokesman said he had no information about a bombing on Pakistani territory. U.S. military officials at Bagram air base, the main military headquarters north of the Afghan capital, Kabul, had no immediate comment.

A Pakistani military official, who also spoke on condition of anonymity, said he was unaware of the incident. However, he added that if the bombing did occur, Islamabad would consider it an unintentional attack and would not complain.

Residents in Wana say they often see U.S. planes flying on the Afghan side of the border. The villagers said the three bombs caused no damage.

U.S. bombs have occasionally fallen on the Pakistani side since U.S.-led forces began their campaign in Afghanistan in late 2001. On Aug. 11, two Pakistani soldiers were killed during a U.S. air attack.

Pakistani troops on their side of the border are hunting for remnants of the Taliban and al-Qaida, and are trying to prevent them from crossing into Afghanistan.



09/19/03 10:14 EDT

[SyedA]

Gen Aziz to visit US


By Our Correspondent

NEW YORK, Sept 23: Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee Chairman Gen Mohammed Aziz Khan is scheduled to visit the United States from Oct 13 to 21, it was learnt on Tuesday.

Besides meeting with senior American military officials, Gen Aziz is also expected to visit the Pentagon and the headquarters of the US Central Command at Tampa, Florida.

[SyedA]

Hi-tech border monitoring system to be set up


By Our Staff Reporter

ISLAMABAD, Sept 23: The government has decided to establish a Rs501 million hi-tech border monitoring system to link up Pakistan's 20 border entry and exit points with a centralized system.

To be called the Personal Identification Secure Comparison and Evaluation System (Pisces), the project is expected to be approved by the Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (Ecnec) on Sept 27.

The Pisces project will enable the linking of all the 20 entry/exit points under real time networking environment and provide smooth working coordination and standardisation among different law enforcement agencies in the area of immigration control.

In this connection, the system has provisions to accommodate information on suspects from all law-enforcement agencies like immigration, police, narcotics control, anti-smuggling and Intelligence services.

In future, the machine readable passport (MRP) project will be integrated with the Pisces project and the authenticity of travellers' documents will also be checked with MRP database.

The main objective of the project is to enhance the capability of the Federal Investigation Agency to effectively prevent growing trafficking of effective check on illegal border crossing at all the 20 entry/exit points and prevention of suspects from entering into the country which is government's top priority as an ally of the US war against terror.

The project will provide latest technology to immigration staff of the FIA to maintain record of all incoming and outgoing passengers so that all suspects be detected, and the data will be used for other secondary users.

The project has a foreign exchange component of Rs317 million ($5.3 million), mostly in the shape of equipment to be supplied by the US government. Five major points (all airports), viz Karachi, Lahore, Islamabad, Peshawar and Quetta, have already been provided with Pisces facilities and remaining 15 points, including air, sea, land and railway routes, would be covered under the project.

An amount of Rs10 million was released for the project through anticipatory approval in October 2003. The project would be completed by September 2006. The facility will be operationally located in the existing accommodation.

According to statistical profile, the project will earn no income, generate employment for 124 persons, has no physical output and no economic rate of return or cost benefit ratio in the foreseeable future.

Originally, the project was only for Karachi airport but later the scope of work was expanded to cover all the 20 exit/entry points of the country.

The US government had asked Pakistan to bear the local cost of linking 20 entry/exit points. An expenditure of Rs317 million ($5.3 million) will be borne by the US government in the shape of Rs101 million worth of hardware, Rs179 million of software and Rs37 million of site preparation.

Pakistan will bear the cost of networking, office machinery, vehicles, establishment, repair and maintenance, communication, rent and royalties, utilities and other expenditure amounting to Rs184 million.

[Abbas Naqvi]

I think PISCES is a part of facilities of US intelligence network. Part of the project was developed at california technologies (Caltech).

Abbas

[Umair]

By Simon Denyer

ANGOR ADDA, Pakistan (Reuters) - Pakistani forces killed 12 suspected Taliban and al Qaeda fighters on Thursday and arrested 10 in an operation near the Afghan border touted as a demonstration of commitment to the U.S.-led war on terror.
Small-arms fire crackled and a Cobra helicopter swooped overhead firing machineguns at positions in the rugged tribal country just a few kilometers from the Afghan frontier.
Reporters taken by helicopter to the scene, 220 miles southwest of the capital Islamabad, saw four dead bodies under blankets and military officials said there were eight more bodies lying where they fell, some with Central Asian features.


"The fighting is still going on," said Major General Faisal Alavi. "Some of these guys got out of the houses and have gone into folds in the ground and into the trees. Our guys are trying to flush them out, but they are putting up very stiff resistance."
Two Pakistani soldiers were wounded by grenades.
Ten fighters were arrested, four possibly of Arabic origin and six apparently Pakistanis or Afghans. Some of the detainees were blindfolded and all had their hands tied behind their backs.
A large cache of arms, mines and basic surveillance equipment was found in one of the rebel compounds, located around 1.5 miles from the dusty frontier town of Angor Adda.
Alavi, commander of special forces in the area where the operation is taking place, said some captives appeared to be from Afghanistan ousted Taliban regime. The presence of foreign fighters at the scene suggested al Qaeda involvement.
The sweep came on the same day U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Richard Armitage had been expected in Pakistan on a regional tour. But his visit was delayed because of "scheduling issues," said Foreign Ministry spokesman Masood Khan.


The visit by Armitage, who has questioned the commitment of some in Pakistan's security community, would be rescheduled, Khan said. He is due to tour Pakistan, Afghanistan and Central Asia.


FIGHTERS CROSS FROM AFGHANISTAN


Alavi told reporters Pakistani troops had surrounded a compound late on Wednesday where they believed al Qaeda fighters were hiding.


He said about 40 militants had been seen crossing into Pakistan's semi-autonomous South Waziristan agency carrying the bodies of fighters killed in clashes inside Afghanistan.


Afghanistan has long accused Islamabad of not doing enough to stop Islamic militants it says cross from Pakistan's remote border regions to carry out strikes on U.S. and Afghan targets.


Most of the cross-border raids have been blamed on remnants of the hardline Taliban regime ousted from power in late 2001 and resurgent in some parts of Afghanistan.


Major General Shaukat Sultan, Pakistan military spokesman, said the rebels in the latest clash could have been involved in the raids, including one on U.S. soldiers near their base at Shkin this week in which one soldier was killed and two injured.

Many Taliban and al Qaeda guerrillas are believed to have taken refuge in Pakistan's border areas since U.S. bombing began in Afghanistan two years ago. Pakistan says it has arrested about 500 al Qaeda members since the September 11, 2001, attacks on the United States. They include Khalid Sheikh Mohammed, the suspected mastermind of the September 11 plot.

Pakistani and U.S. officials suspect that Saudi-born militant Osama bin Laden and his deputy, Ayman al-Zawahri, may be hiding in the Pakistan-Afghanistan border area.

An audio tape purporting to be of Zawahri was aired on Arabic television channels last week in which he urged Pakistanis to overthrow Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf for "betraying" Islam by supporting U.S. military action in Afghanistan.

A Pakistani military statement said no foreign troops or agents were involved in the operation, a sensitive issue in a country where the Islamic right is flexing its political muscle and opposes the presence of U.S. intelligence agents.

"Being a frontline coalition partner in the war on terrorism, this operation manifests Pakistan's commitment to eliminate terrorism in all its forms from her soil," the military said

[MohammedA]

Jang.com.pk


Pakistani soldier martyred, two injured in operation against al-Qaida
(Updated at 1820 PST)
ISLAMABAD: One Pakistani soldier martyred and two injured in the Waziristan operation against al-Qaida, Geo news channel reported on Thursday.

Pakistani troops early Thursday launched a major operation to capture al-Qaeda fugitives in the tribal district near the Afghan border, in which 12 al-Qaida suspects were killed.

12 al-Qaeda suspects killed in clash with Pakistani troops
(Updated at 1550 PST)
ANGOOR ADDA, Pakistan: Twelve al-Qaeda suspects were killed Thursday in a gunbattle with Pakistani troops during a raid on a camp in the tribal district of South Waziristan bordering Afghanistan, officials said.

At least 10 other militants were captured including four al-Qaeda and six Taliban suspects. Military commanders took journalists to the site of the operation to show them the bodies of four men described as foreign al-Qaeda suspects.

Another eight al-Qaeda suspects also died in the clash, the military officials said. Journalists were also shown the suspected al-Qaeda prisoners, who were stripped to the waist and blindfolded.

[Hanoud]

What martyrdom?!? It's a shameful way for a soldier to die- Muslim being killed at the hands of Muslims. I am just saddened by the whole ordeal. It's a no win situation for us as Muslims and Pakistanis, and no matter how we put it, deep down we all know the truth who are actual beneficiaries..

[RMS Azam]

Two Pakistani soldiers, not one, have been martyred according to ISPR.

It was sad to see Pak Army Cobra gunships being used inside Pakistani territory in South Waziristan as shown on PTV. Muslims killing Muslims leaves a bad taste in one's mouth no matter what the circumstances.

[Muhammad Hasan]

I was not waiting to see Muslims killing Muslims....not at all.

[RMS Azam]

The operation was carried out by the Pak Army's "Quick Reaction Force", which is a specialized unit combining Army Aviation and SSG elements trained by the US in anti-terrorism ops.

[TahirN]

Very sad news for all Muslims regardless on our nationalities. I hope the families of the dead have the strength to get through this trumatic experience. Also I hope that in any future skirmishes, Muslims are not killed on our soil... very sad :(

In regards to Al-Qaeda, I have no respect for anyone who goes against our national interest whatever their reasons, whether that would be Benazir the bitch or Bin Laden.

I think most Muslims can appreciate Al-Qaeda's grieviences but not their tactics. If Al-Qaeda was responsible for 9/11 then most of us can agree that they committed the most greatest act against the Muslim Ummah.

[Ammar Bhutta]

martyrdoom..a new definition of the word since 9-11 i guess. Being killed for national cause qualifies to be a martyr? or shooting a fellow muslim who is probably just in the army for a better living a jihad?. Probably we had people on both sides praying 5 times a day and even keeping a beard. Sad day indeed. Serious soul searching for the ummah, a time of crisis not so easy to comprehend. No black and white distinction easily possible. I can only pray for the families of the dead where ever they are, be it a small village out side Chakwal or a small town in the hills of Yemen.

[Ahmed M]

Originally posted by Hanoud
I am just saddened by the whole ordeal. It's a no win situation for us as Muslims and Pakistanis, and no matter how we put it, deep down we all know the truth who are actual beneficiaries..

Hear, hear. Deep down we all know, whether we acknowledge it or not.

[FarazA]

Originally posted by Muhammad Hasan
I was not waiting to see Muslims killing Muslims....not at all.

Where have you been for last 20 years?:rolleyes:

[Ammar Bhutta]

Originally posted by FarazA


Where have you been for last 20 years?:rolleyes:

I think he was probably referring to the actions of Pakistan military and some one shooting back at our jawans with both sides involving Muslims. The last time this happened was more than 20 years ago, actually it was almost 33 years ago and that was then called East Pakistan. What went on during the last 20 years had nothing to do with the army personal as it was what is called "internal" terrorism i.e the Sipah Sihaba, Sipah Mohammad and the TNFJ folks, Pakistan army was not involved in that. What is going on today is very different

[Ammar Bhutta]

Originally posted by FarazA


Where have you been for last 20 years?:rolleyes:

I think he was probably referring to the actions of Pakistan military and some one shooting back at our jawans with both sides involving Muslims. The last time this happened was more than 20 years ago, actually it was almost 33 years ago and that was then called East Pakistan. What went on during the last 20 years had nothing to do with the army personal as it was what is called "internal" terrorism i.e the Sipah Sihaba, Sipah Mohammad and the TNFJ folks, Pakistan army was not involved in that. What is going on today is very different. Things were very clearer then, internal terrorists included the secretarian types and the external one's were either RAW, KGB or Khad. These folks who got killed today were probably residing in Pakistan even then but things have changed as now they are considered a threat"national security"....

[SyedA]

please keel politics and religion out of this thread it sonly to post army related news.

[zeeshan]

Assalamo alaukum,

I am sorry Syed but i had to post reply to those feeling sorry for the operation today. These misguided "Jihadis" are the real danger to Pakistan and the duty of Pakistan army is to protect Pakistan. Let me explain you what i believe in.

These bunch of illetrate retards who think of themselves as people chosen by God to wage Jihad against the world are not only misguided but are doing immense demage to Muslim ummah. There was absolutely no reason to destroy world trade tower and back it up by calling it a holy war. Jihad is waged against one's enemy who is out to destroy your religion and faith and you(family property etc) and not against the civilians. Jihad is also certainly not raged againt your muslim brothers either.
Talibans beliefs and culture are stone age interpretation of Islam and they are the biggest threat to Pakistan. Groups like Sipae Sihabah were trained and financed by Talibans and we all know what carnage they have caused against their fellow Muslim Shias in Pakistan. This same group is responsible for destroying the image of Islam by representing Islam as a backward, horrible religion with only purpose to destroy infedels (while they were busy killing Northern Muslims and Pakistanis).
Our tragedy is that any one with beard is considered as a true Muslim and we then are willing to listen and follow the person. Memorizing the Quran in Arabic without knowing or understanding (let alone practicing a single word) does not make anyone a true leader of Muslims like Osama and his buddies. They have done irreversible demage to true Jihad in Kashmir, Chechnya and other places where Muslims are killed in hundreds by lumping them with terrorists. How about Muslim charities through out the world that are shut down and millions of Muslims who directly depended on them?

This group's main purpose is to destoy Pakistan. They are trying to destroy the main and the only person who is working hard to save and build Pakistan that is Musharraf. Can you imagine the threat these groups pose to Pakistan if they manage (Godforbid) managae to kill Musharraf?? Our enemies will destroy Pakistan claiming thet the nukes are going to fall into the wrong hands.
As such killing of these people is justified and i would personally not value their lives more than the killers waiting to destroy Pakistan. Pak army jawans who died are the true Martyrs bcs they died fighting those who are against the Islamic republic of Pakistan and 130 million souls living on it.