Naval Chief visits Pakistan Aeronautical Complex

Admiral Asif Sandila, Chief of the Naval Staff, Pakistan Navy visited Pakistan Aeronautical Complex, (PAC) Kamra on Thursday.


The Naval Chief was given a comprehensive briefing on the working of PAC Board and its factories. He also visited various facilities of the complex and lauded the valuable contributions of Pakistan Aeronautical Complex towards the aerial defence of the country by providing prompt support for various weapon systems of the PAF. He especially appreciated the production capability of the JF-17 Co-production Project.


He emphasized on the synergistic prospects between Pakistan Air Force and Pakistan Navy and appreciated the capabilities achieved by PACKamra in this regard.The CNS also underscored the significance of various facilities of PAC Kamra that could be utilized for further strengthen the operational readiness of Aviation Fleet of Pakistan Navy and reiterated all out support for fruitful cooperation in aviation related activities.


Earlier, on his arrival he was received by Air Marshal Sohail Gul Khan, Chairman PAC Board Kamra, who introduced the members of PAC Board and Managing Directors to the Naval Chief.Pakistan Aeronautical Complex, Kamra has grown from strength to strength over the years. Being the leading Aviation Industry it has placed Pakistan amongst the elite group of countries that manufacture fighter aircraft.

Pak Navy gets Chinese-built warship


An F-22P frigate built for the Pakistan Navy with Chinese assistance was commissioned during a ceremony held at a naval shipyard in the southern port city of Karachi on Wednesday.Pakistan Navy chief Admiral Mohammad Asif Sandila was the chief guest at the commissioning of PNS Aslat, which was built at the Karachi Shipyard and Engineering Works.


The event was also attended by senior officials from China and Pakistan, including the Chinese Ambassador and the vice president of the China State Shipbuilding Corporation.The commissioning of PNS Aslat marked the culmination of a contract signed by Pakistan and China in 2005 for four F-22P warships.


Three of the frigates were built in China and technology was transferred for constructing the fourth warship in Karachi.PNS Aslat is fitted with advanced weapons and sensors that make it a “highly potent platform” capable of operating in a multi-threat environment.


Its inclusion in the Pakistan Navy’s destroyer squadron will strengthen the country’s capabilities to defend its maritime frontiers, the navy said in a statement.The construction of the fourth frigate in Pakistan had enhanced the Karachi Shipyard’s capabilities in the construction of warships, the statement said.The construction of warships, fast attack craft, small tankers, utility ships and tugs in Karachi Shipyard reflects the government’s indigenisation policy aimed at attaining self-reliance in defence capabilities, it added.

First Pak-Afghan parliamentary defence dialogue

A delegation of Pakistan’s Senate Standing Committee on Defense and Defence Production is due to visit Afghanistan on March 25 for the first parliamentary dialogue between the two countries in the defense sector.

The committee’s chairman, Senator Mushahid Hussain told a private TV channel that the three-day parliamentary dialogue would act as a force multiplier for Pak-Afghan relationship.

The two countries have traditionally had a complicated relationship characterized by mutual suspicion. Ethnic issues, border disputes and lately differences over counter-terrorism strategies have been the major sources of divergence between the neighbors described by President Karzai as ‘conjoined twins’, but lingering mistrust between their spy agencies widened the gulf.

Pakistani lawmakers visit to Afghanistan is followed after the acting head of the Afghan intelligence service, Hassamuddin Hassam, secretly visited Pakistan in December in a bid to narrow their strategic difference.His visit took place after a suicide attack on the Afghan National Directorate of Security (NDS) chief Assadullah Khalid.

Acting head of the Afghan spy agency’s visit to Pakistan was aimed at investigating a suicide attack on Afghan spy chief Asadullah Khalid after the Afghan government had claimed that the attack had been planned in Quetta while President Hamid Karzai accused an unnamed foreign intelligence agency of having masterminded itPakistani security forces reportedly arrested two Afghan nationals in connection to the incident. According to the sources, Afghan spy agency was satisfied by the investigation and cooperation of Pakistan.

In the meantime Pakistani and Afghan officials also agreed on a structured military and intelligence dialogue and their army chiefs, heads of intelligence and directors general of military operations have been meeting regularly.A major step forward towards building trust between the nations was taken after the arrest of a high-ranking Pakistani Taliban leader Maulvi Faqir Mohammad by the NDS at the end of February.

On the other hand Pakistan took the first step towards confidence building by releasing detained Taliban leaders to assist Afghanistan in the peace process.Pakistan released at least 26 med to high ranking Taliban detainees in a bid to support Afghan-led peace process. Kabul and Islamabad have agreed on a mechanism for release of more Taliban to address shortcomings in the previous procedure, but the new system has not yet been activated.But the process has now been on hold for months with reports suggesting that President Karzai not being too cooperative.

Pakistan, Iraq to sign defence cooperation pact

Pakistan and Iraq have agreed in principle to sign an agreement soon to enhance their defence cooperation. Under the agreement, likely to be signed with the installation of new government in Pakistan, Iraq's Armed Forces personnel will be given training by the Pakistani side, said Shah M. Jamal, Pakistan’s Ambassador in Baghdad.

It will also include participation in each other's military exercises and exchange of visits by delegations and war-ships.The Ambassador told the visiting Pakistani media delegation that they have recently offered to train 35 Iraqi pilots in the PAF Academy Risalpur, in batches of 12 officers per year.

Pakistan and Iraq will also sign soon four other agreements which give will boost to their trade and economic ties, he said, adding, a Ministerial meeting is also expected soon to review and strengthen our partnership.

Ambassador Jamal expressed the hope that relations between the two countries will be moving fast in all areas of mutual interest, with the restoration of peace in Iraq.They will also sign soon an agreement for establishment of Pakistan Consultation mechanism between the Ministries of Foreign Affairs, he added.

He said he was putting all possible efforts to strengthen bilateral ties, especially enhancing our economic and trade interaction both at private and public level.

Pakistan Army resolves to take terror threat head-on

Pakistan Army’s top brass in its meeting on Tuesday reviewed national securitysituation and resolved that the armed forces will follow a comprehensive strategy to combat terrorist threat being faced by the country.The resolve was made at Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee Meeting (JCSC) which was held here at the Joint Staff Headquarters, according to an ISPR statement.

General Khalid Shameem Wynne, Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee presided over the meeting which was attended by Chief of Army Staff, General Ashfaq Parvez Kayani, Chief of Naval Staff, Admiral Muhammad Asif Sandila, Chief of Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal Tahir Rafique Butt, Secretary Defence, Chief of General Staff, Director General Joint Staff, Director General Inter Services Intelligence, Director General Strategic Plans Division and senior military officers from the three services.

JCSC is a quarterly moot of senior military leadership to assess and evaluate the operational preparedness of the Armed Forces.The meeting reviewed issues related to the national security, regional geo-strategic environment, and internal security situation along with the progress on the agenda points of last session.

Participants expressed their satisfaction over the standard of preparedness of Armed Forces to take on the upcoming challenges. It was reiterated in unequivocal terms that comprehensive strategy will be followed by the Armed Forces to combat the terrorist threat being faced by thecountry.

Chairman appreciated the sacrifices rendered in the realm of national security. Meeting also discussed the support of Armed Forces to ECP (Election Commission of Pakistan) during the forthcoming elections.

Pakistan keeping eye on India with UAVs

Pakistan's Unmanned Aerial Vehicles ( UAV) called 'Jasoos' have been spying on security arrangements and Army activities going on in the Indian side from the international border of Pakistan adjoining Rajasthan. In the recent past, activities of these UAVs have increased.

These UAVs can be spotted at night as sparkling red lights and have become a subject of excitement and discussion among the security forces. They are active even during day time and can be recognized by the trail of smoke they leave behind. These spy planes are active across the border opposite Barmer, Jaisalmer, Bikaner and Ganganagar in Rajasthan.

Reliable sources confirming this said that Pakistan is taking help of UAVs to keep an eye on the Indian area and their activities have intensified in the past few days.Sources said Pak had developed UAVs a few years ago with the help of America and Italy and are using them to spy on the Indian area.Sources said these spy planes are active at a height of 1500m-2000m just 500-700 yards from the international border.

These UAVs are fitted with ultramodern powerful cameras that can capture photographs of the Indian area spanning many kilometers. They are operated from a distance of 25-30kms. The computer operators are connected to the UAVs and they receive the photographs sent by these drones, the sources said.

Though BSF is keeping a watch over the activities of UAVs, but it is not possible to take any action since they are flying within the Pakistani border. But senior officers have been informed about the UAVs, sources added.

When contacted Col SD Goswami, defence spokesperson, said, "Our air defence units are monitoring such activities along the border. In case there is an air space violation, suitable action will be taken. All such violations are analysed and taken up with the country concerned through laid down channels as per established procedures."

He added that as per the international air space rules and bilateral agreements with neighbouring sovereign countries, such flying activities are permitted 10 km away from the international border, but any closer than the 10 km limit requires prior permission.

What are 'Jasoos'?

Jasoos are unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) developed by Pakistani company Satuma. They are controlled via remote and weigh around 20kg. Capable of doing 180 kmph, these UAVs fly at a height of 10,000ft (3480m). Jasoos have a range of 100km, and can fly for 4-5 hours continuously with battery backup. Pak air force in the year 2004 had included UAVs, but was used in 2009 after the testing. Prior to this, Pak had purchased UAVs from Italy in 2003.

Source

Pakistan to unveil 'Mine-Resistant, Ambush-Protected' (MRAP) vehicle

Faced with mounting casualties among security forces from roadside bomb attacks in its Tribal Areas, Pakistan is set to reveal an indigenous mine-resistant vehicle.

A spokesperson for Pakistan’s state-owned vehicle manufacturer, Heavy Industries Taxila (HIT), has confirmed that its Burraq mine-resistant, ambush-protected (MRAP) vehicle is nearing the end of its prototype phase and will be unveiled in “three to four months.” The announcement comes after years of development and failed efforts to acquire such a vehicle from other sources.

The need for an MRAP is great, and the military has acknowledged the considerable menace improvised explosive devices (IEDs) pose to security forces, particularly in the Tribal Areas along the Afghan-Pakistan border in fighting with the Taliban.

In what was perhaps the largest loss of life from an IED attack to date, 14 soldiers were martyred and 25 wounded during a Jan. 13 attack on a Pakistani Army convoy in North Waziristan.Pakistan has reportedly sought better protected vehicles from as far away as Germany, Turkey and the U.S. However, a lack of financial resources seems to have hampered those efforts.

Failure to acquire an off-the-shelf solution ultimately led to the development of an indigenous answer.However, as of November, with no news of the Burraq entering production and its non-appearance at Pakistan’s biannual exhibition, IDEAS2012, many analysts began to believe it had been quietly shelved. An order for an undetermined number of Poly Group Corporation Type CS/VP3 MRAP vehicles from China at IDEAS2012 reinforced that notion.

Hitherto, HIT has produced mostly tracked armored fighting vehicles, with some lightly armored four-wheel-drive and Toyota Corolla sedans its sole wheeled products.According to HIT, the wheeled Burraq will carry 12 passengers and a crew of two. It has standard protection features similar to other MRAPs and will be open for export.

The 8-to-10-ton vehicle can withstand IED blasts of up to 10 kilograms, can be armed with a .50-caliber heavy machine gun (protected against fire from a similar weapon), as well as being fitted with bulletproof windows and run-flat tires. The occupants sit on blast-mitigating seats.

A former Australian defense attaché to Islamabad, Brian Cloughley, was given a briefing on the Burraq during a visit to HIT last year. He said he was impressed with what he saw.

“It appears that the Burraq is a mid-tech and affordable protective vehicle that should serve the defense forces well,” he said.He said he was also “impressed with the proposed manufacturing process and with what I was told about its technical parameters, which, while not as advanced as U.S. or European equivalents, which are vastly expensive, seem to be adequate to counter the current IED threat.”

Having garnered a considerable amount of data from IED blasts, it appears Pakistan is able to adapt its designs to meet requirements, which Cloughley said is reflected in the Burraq’s design.“The high profile is caused by the ‘V’-shaped underside, which is so necessary to minimize the effects of mines and IEDs, and although details of the degree of protection afforded are understandably kept confidential, I was told that analysis of the effects of IED incidents showed that Burraq’s armor configuration could cope well,” he said.

It is, however, less well protected than the Chinese Type CS/VP3, and analyst Haris Khan of the Pakistan Military Consortium said the Burraq has not yet been ordered by the military. It cannot meet requirements because, in its present form, it cannot withstand hits from the ubiquitous rocket-propelled grenade-7 (RPG-7), he said.

“Since most resistance in the military’s operations against militants is by IEDs and RPG-7s, Burraq is not designed and is not capable of countering the specific threat posed by the RPG-7. Some of the RPG-7 rounds used by the militants have very destructive warheads, which Burraq will not be able to withstand,” he said.

He said he believes a ready remedy would be bar/slat armor.

Still, Khan acknowledges the Burraq’s benefits, such as being based on a four-wheel-drive cross-country chassis, which is mechanically simple enough for Pakistan’s industry to locally support, and possessed reasonable protection against IEDs.HIT has fitted bar/slat armor to main battle tanks such as the Type-69 II, and this could readily be applied to the Burraq.

Despite the large numbers of MRAP vehicles required, Khan said the Chinese vehicles could prove to be more affordable than the Burraq if a “soft loan” financial package is provided for their purchase.

Source

Afghan spy chief secretly visited Pakistan

In an apparent indication of Pakistan and Afghanistan narrowing their strategic differences, the acting head of the Afghan intelligence service, Hassamuddin Hassam, secretly visited Pakistan in December.His visit took place after a suicide attack on the Afghan National Directorate of Security (NDS) chief Assadullah Khalid.

The Afghan government had claimed that the attack had been planned in Quetta while President Hamid Karzai accused an unnamed foreign intelligence agency of having masterminded it.Although Mr Hassam’s visit primarily focused on investigations into the attack on Mr Khalid, it also led to improved bilateralties at the military and intelligence levels.

Two Afghan nationals have been arrested by Pakistani authorities in connection with the attack. According to sources, the Afghan spy agency was satisfied by the investigation and cooperation of Pakistan.Information about the visit was shared with the Senate Standing Committee on Defence and Defence Production during an ‘in-camera’ briefing by officials of defence and foreign ministries.

Members of the committee are going to Afghanistan on March 25 for the first parliamentary dialogue between the two countries in the defence sector.The committee’s chairman, Senator Mushahid Hussain, said the three-day parliamentary dialogue would act as a force multiplier for Pak-Afghan relationship.

The two countries have traditionally had a complicated relationship characterised by mutual suspicion. Ethnic issues, border disputes and lately differences over counter-terrorism strategies have been the major sources of divergence between the neighbours described by President Karzai as ‘conjoined twins’, but lingering mistrust between their spy agencies widened the gulf.

The visit by the acting NDS chief was followed by the first visit to the country by Afghan Defence Minister Gen Bismillah Mohammadi which further improved the relationship. During the visit that went exceptionally well Gen Mohammadi even offered to give Pakistan a role in training the Afghan National Army.Pakistan and Afghanistan have agreed on a structured military and intelligence dialogue and their army chiefs, heads of intelligence and directors general of military operations have been meeting regularly.

The arrest of a high-ranking Pakistani Taliban leader Maulvi Faqir Mohammad by the NDS towards the end of February was seen as a major step forward towards building trust between the two countries.Replying to a question about the difficulties at the political level, a Pakistani diplomat said they were related to President Karzai’s sense of insecurity.

Pakistan took the first step towards confidence building by releasing detained Taliban leaders to assist Afghanistan in the peace process.At least 26 mid- to high-ranking Taliban detainees were released last year in two or three batches. But the process has now been on hold for months.The two countries have agreed on a mechanism for release of more Taliban to address shortcomings in the previous procedure, but the new system has not yet been activated.

The temporary halt in the process, some say, is because of President Karzai not being too cooperative.Meanwhile, Foreign Office spokesman Aizaz Chaudhry renewed Pakistan’s commitment to assisting Kabul with peace and
reconciliation.“We are also committed to the process that was initiated by the visit of the High Peace Council which included the element of support to the reconciliation process. We are facilitating reconciliation and will continue our positive contributions,” he said at his meekly media briefing.

Six army officers involved in abductions: DIG CID Balochistan

Submitting a progress report regarding the missing persons, DIG CID Balochistan has told the Supreme Court that six army officers are involved in the abduction of missing persons in Balochistan. The Criminal Investigation Department (CID) Balochistan on Wednesday submitted a report on missing persons before a three-member bench, which was hearing Balochistan law and order case.

According to the report submitted by DIG CID Feroze Shah, 10 military personnel are accused of abducting the missing persons. “Some 18 missing persons had returned home safe and sound but 48 people are yet to be traced,” he said. “Following the statements of 12 missing persons after they returned home the Balochistan police asked the Frontier Corps to trace the whereabouts of the accused army men including two Lt colonels, six majors and two subedars”, said the report submitted by the DIG in the SC.

The report further states that the FC personnel assured that they would extend full cooperation for the completion of investigation and the recovery of the missing persons. According to FC, some of the officers did not belong to the organisation and others had gone back to Pakistan Army.

Military may target TTP in Tirah Valley

The military is reportedly stepping up an offensive to dislodge the Taliban from a key stronghold in an effort to safeguard May’s general election and crack down on militants behind a wave of attacks.The Tirah Valley, hemmed in by steep mountains and replete with numerous caves, has offered the Tehreek-e-Taliban a new base in the Khyber Agency beyond the reach of ground troops.

Long linked to the drugs trade and militia activities, with an influx of militants evicted from elsewhere, it poses a new threat to nearby Nato supply lines and to Peshawar, a city of 2.5 million and a key electoral battleground.There in Tirah, the TTP has also formed a troubling alliance with the once hostile Lashkar-e-Islam, a militia run by warlord Mangal Bagh, to oppose the military’s efforts to dislodge them through air strikes and shelling.

Elections on May 11 are billed as Pakistan’s first democratic transition between one elected civilian government and another, but concerns about security are casting a shadow over preparations.The campaign also marks the first time that parties are allowed to contest the vote in the tribal belt, a reform introduced by the outgoing government in a bid to clamp down on militancy.

“We have intensified our operation,” a senior security official told AFP. “Elections are approaching, Khyber is an important place, we have to restrict them and push them back,” he added.Fighter jets are targeting safe houses in Tirah. Troops, who surround the valley from the outside, are also shelling, the official and residents said.

On Monday, four people were killed when a suicide bomber posing as a clerk and an accompanying gunman attacked the main courts complex in Peshawar.Last month, militants attacked the office of the top government official for Khyber, Mutahir Zeb, killing six people as political leaders met to discuss a strategy for peaceful polls. Zeb was unhurt.

Also in February, a suicide bomber tried to kill provincial chief minister Ameer Haider Khan Hoti two months after his deputy, Bashir Bilour, was assassinated in Peshawar.Security has declined markedly in the country since the last election in 2008.

Officials link some recent attacks to Khyber and fear that Tirah could pose an ongoing threat as the electoral campaign heats up.Although the military pushed the TTP out of the Swat valley in 2009, the government has been unable or unwilling to crack down on the plethora of militant networks blamed for violence in Pakistan, Afghanistan and India.

Religious violence has reached dizzying levels, most recently against the Shia minority. Karachi is also suffering from record killings linked to political and ethnic tensions.“Lots of us fear that these elections might entail a lot of violence,” said Raza Rumi, director of the Jinnah Institute think tank.

The air and shelling offensive is concentrated on Tirah, the town of Bara and Ghaljo, which would be the militants’ escape route into the neighbouring district of Orakzai. The army has also imposed strict curfews.“Militant groups have paralysed the whole area, they bomb schools and even destroy health centres,” the security official said.“They have beheaded people and attacked troops. It is necessary to restrict them and push them back to the mountains,” he added.On the ground inside Tirah, there have been deadly clashes between the TTP and Ansar Ul Islam, according to residents.

No official data are available but a local charity has published adverts in local newspapers appealing for help for freshly displaced families.Tribesmen confirm the difficulties.“Militant groups and the TTP have taken refuge in Tirah. Even foreign militants have taken shelter there. The authorities fear that they can move nearer to Peshawar,” local tribal elder Hukam Khan told AFP.

Markets have closed and schools have shut, depriving thousands of students an education. An estimated 13,000 families have been displaced.Refugees in the Jalozai camp speak of the terrors they encountered before being forced to flee.But there are also calls from locals for the offensive to stop and a curfew to be lifted. It remains unclear how viable elections can be held in Tirah or Bara under such circumstances.

“We are patriotic tribesmen and loyal to Pakistan but we are in trouble. You can’t solve problems with war, talks are the only solution,” Malik Waris Khan Afridi, a former deputy minister told AFP.

But the government insists there can be no compromise.“Militants are the root cause of the trouble. Take them out of the area and I assure you peace and lifting of the curfew,” Zeb told tribesmen recently.“If we relax the curfew and ordinary people come out of their homes, there will be collateral damage,” he added.

Pakistan Navy will be handed over 4th F 22 P Frigate in April 2013

Handing over two pusher tugs on Tuesday, Karachi Shipyard & Engineering Works (KS&EW) is all set to deliver to Pakistan Navy the 4th F-22 P Frigate PNS ASLAT next month.
Also, the KS&EW is constructing for Navy a fast attack missile craft and a 32-ton tug expected to be handed over as per contract schedule. The Navy has also signed a contract with KS&EW for construction of 

a 15000-ton capacity fleet tanker.

Tuesday saw the KS&EW formally handing over two pusher tugs to Pakistan Navy in a ceremony held here at the Karachi Shipyard with Vice Chief of Naval Staff Vice Admiral Muhammad Shafiq present as a chief guest on the occasion. Addition of these tugs in the Navy fleet is considered to be an important milestone achieved towards self reliance.


Addressing the ceremony, Admiral Muhammad Shafiq said while Pakistan’s geographical location and geo-strategic environment essentially necessitated building of a strong and balanced Navy to defend the country’s maritime interests; realisation of the country’s force goals through foreign acquisitions only was becoming increasingly difficult.
The changing geo-political dynamics also suggest that access to the foreign defence technologies, particularly in the high end domains, would be either denied or hard to come by in the coming years, said the chief guest.

Accordingly, self reliance has been at the forefront of policies, and it is in this context, Pakistan Navy had been supporting and interacting closely with the local defence industries, particularly Karachi Shipyard, to make a steady progress towards indigenization.
Appreciating the efforts of Karachi Shipyard, the Admiral said Karachi Shipyard had delivered up to Navy’s expectations and had been a major support to PN fleet for new constructions, as well as, for repair of the ships.

Karachi Shipyard also deserved acclaim for its revival and unprecedented progress during testing times when the global shipping industry as a whole was on the declines, he said. It was well poised to manifest its potential of undertaking major shipbuilding and engineering projects for the country and also for the foreign clients to earn and save valuable foreign exchange.
Recent award of contract for construction of 15000-ton capacity fleet tanker by PN was manifestation of the same. He assured of all out support of Pakistan Navy to KS&EW for its revitalization so that all future growth plans were timely materialised.


Earlier, Rear Admiral Syed Hasan Nasir Shah, Managing Director KS&EW, gave a brief account of the progress of Karachi Shipyard and underlined the projects being undertaken for Pakistan Navy.
He said presently KS&EW was undertaking construction of five vessels for Navy. He apprised the 4th F-22 P Frigate PNS ASLAT has successfully completed all harbor and sea trials and would be handed over to PN in April this year.

In addition, a Fast Attack Missile Craft and a 32-ton Tug are also under construction which would be handed over to PN as per the contractual schedule. The ceremony was attended by a large number of PN officers, engineers and technicians of Karachi Shipyard. 
The design, drawing and kit of material for the two pusher tugs had been supplied by the Damen Shipyards of Holland.In fact, Pakistan Navy modernization will enable her to defend effectively the country coastal boundaries.

MM Alam-an icon, a role model for PAF, world Muslims

Air Commodore (Retd) Muhammad Mahmood Alam, Sitara-i-Jur’at (with Bar), a veteran of 1965 and 1971 wars and world renowned ace pilot of PAF, who died in Karachi on Monday, was an icon and a role model not only for the PAF airmen but also for the Muslims across the world.He died after prolonged illness at PNS Shifa (Hospital), Karachi, the PAF spokesman said. He was 78.

A daring fighter pilot, Top Gun of his own class, war hero, scholar par excellence, a patriotic Pakistani and a committed professional, M M Alam was an icon and a role model not only for the PAF airmen but also for the Muslims across the world.

M M Alam, was born on 06 July 1935 in a well educated family of Calcutta, British India. Having completed his secondary education from Government High School, Dhaka, in 1951, M M Alam joined PAF in 1952 and was granted commission on 2nd of October, 1953.During his service career, Alam underwent many courses including Fighter Conversion Course, F-86F Familiarization Course, Fighter Leader Course, PAF Staff College Course, Orientation Training Course-USA and Royal College of Defence Studies Course – UK.

His major appointments included Air Gunnery & Tactical Instructor at Fighter Leader School, Officer Commanding No 11, No 5 and No 26 Squadrons, Director Operation Research, Assistant Chief of the Air Staff (Flight Safety) and Assistant Chief of the Air Staff (Plans) at Air Headquarters. He also served in Syria on deputation.During Indo Pak war in 1965, Squadron Leader M M Alam, while Commanding No 11 Squadron at Sargodha, shot down 02 and damaged 03 Indian Air Force aircraft on 6th September, 1965. On this act of outstanding bravery and heroism, he was awarded with Sitara-i-Jur’at (gallantry award).

September 7, 1965 is the day when M M Alam rewrote the history of Air Warfare by setting new records while defending Pakistan’s Airspace against the aggressors. He shot down 05 Hawker Hunter fighters of Indian Air Force, in air-to-air combat by shooting down five Indian aircraft in less than sixty seconds, the first four within a span of 30 seconds only.For such an awe inspiring feat of gallantry, M M Alam was again awarded Sitara-i-Jur’at (with Bar). Govt of Pakistan also paid him a befitting tribute by naming one of the prominent roads in Gulberg, Lahore after his legendary name.

Air Chief Marshal, Tahir Rafique Butt, Chief of the Air Staff, Pakistan Air Force has expressed his grief on the sad demise of the iconic legend and a national Hero M M Alam.The Air Chief further said that any chronicles on the World’s Aviation Hall of Fame or accomplishments of Pakistan Air Force would remain incomplete without the mention of Air Commodore (Retd) M M Alam.He would be buried with full military honours at PAF graveyard Masroor Air Base.

Army has no reservations over dialogue with Taliban

Corps Commander Peshawar Lt General Khalid Rabbani has said that the Army has no reservations or danger from dialogue with the Taliban and a decision in this connection has to be taken by the govt. Talking to media after festival at Malam Jabba on Sunday, he said except for a few areas of Khyber Agency and North Waziristan, peace has been restored in FATA.In reply to a question, he said it was upto the government to decide about operation or dialogue in North Waziristan.

He ,however, clarified that so far there had been no military action in the agency. He said peace has been restored in Swat due to the sacrifices of local people and the Pakistan Army and they want to restore peace that was prevailing in the area before 2008. He said the Army and the district administration have played their role and now it is for the people of the area to play their part in the restoration of normal activities and peace.He said that Army was prepared to provide security under the Constitution during general elections.

PAF’s air exercise with Turkish Air Force concludes

International Air Exercise Indus Viper-II conducted between Pakistan Air Force and Turkish Air Force (TuAF) concluded at an operational air base of PAF Sunday.

A PAF press release said Chief of Operations, TuAF, Maj-Gen Ares Mehmat, was the chief guest at the closing ceremony. Deputy Chief of the Air Staff (Operations), PAF Air Marshal Waseemuddin and the ambassador of Turkey, M. Babur Hizlan, were also present.

The Turkish Air Force contingent comprising five F-16s C&D (Fighting Falcons), combat pilots and ground technical crew participated in the air exercise, conducted from March 4 to 16. Pakistan Air Force emphasises on the combat training of its air and ground crew and regularly undertakes air exercises with allied air forces.

These exercises not only play a vital role in honing the combat skills of PAF air crew but also enable them to learn the latest air power employment strategies in complex theatres of warfare, the PAF press release added.

It said the prime objective of the exercise is to excel in the air combat capability with focus on air power employment in any future conflict. PAF has been participating in number of international air exercises with some of the best air forces of the world, including United States Air Force (USAF), Italian Air Force, Turkish Air Force (TuAF) and air forces of other allied countries.

Gen Kayani should be given title of field marshal: Malik

Minister for Interior Rehman Malik said on Saturday that Chief of Army Staff General Ashfaq Pervaiz Kayani should be awarded with the title of field marshal for his services to democracy in the country.

“If today the government is completing its tenure, the credit for that also goes to General Kayani as he always supported the democratically elected government,” Rehman Malik said, while talking to reporters after delivering a farewell speech to officers and other personnel of the law enforcement agencies here at the Pakistan Sports Complex.

He said the law and order situation had improved in the country as the security plan devised by him had remained successful during the past five years in foiling the threats posed by terrorist elements. “When I became interior minister, the main challenge was that of terrorism. However, we have succeeded in breaking the backbone of terrorists,” he said.

Malik said that Pakistan suffered more than any other country in this war. “I am calling the war on terror as the Silent Third World War and I can prove this claim. In the war on terror, Pakistan not only lost over 40,000 precious human lives but also suffered economically,” he added.He said that the war on terror was not only Pakistan’s war but the reality was that Pakistan was fighting this war for the entire world.

To a question, he said that the recent incidents of bombing in Quetta and Karachi were a part of the conspiracy to destabilise Pakistan. He said only targeted operation was being conducted in Karachi against the miscreants and there was no need for a grand operation. He said Lashkar-e-Jhangvi was behind a series of terrorists activities in the country. All kinds of tools are being used to root out terrorism from the country, he said.

To another question, Malik said that he had not planned to quit politics and his statement in this regard was misquoted by a section of the press. “I have never said that I am going to quit politics. I will continue working as a political worker and serving my party,” he added.

The interior minister said that during the past five years, the PPP-led government took all decisions in the best national interest and did not take dictation from anyone. “The signing of the Iran-Pakistan gas pipeline project and the agreement to hand over Gwadar Port to a Chinese company show that we did not take dictation from anyone,” he maintained.

Earlier, in his farewell speech to officials of the law enforcement agencies, Malik lauded their role in maintaining law and order in the country.He said the role of the intelligence agencies; particularly the ISI remained exemplary in providing authentic reports about terrorists.Today the law and order situation had improved in the country and this was due to the professional commitment and unflinching determination of the law enforcement agencies, he added.

Gen Kayani inaugurates annual sports day for war-wounded soldier

Chief of Army Staff (COAS), General Ashfaq Parvez Kiyani on Saturday visited Armed Forces Institute of Rehabilitation Medicine (AFIRM) Rawalpindi and inaugurated the 3rdAnnual Sports Day organised for officers and soldiers wounded in operations, at a specially designed sports centre here within the institution.

Amid moving scenes during the conduct of various sports events, the army chief appreciated the courage and determination of the wounded soldiers that has been instrumental in integrating them in the society as useful citizens once again.“There can’t be a sacrifice for the motherland more than losing one’s life or precious limbs,” said an ISPR press release.

During his visit to AFIRM, the COAS also appreciated the standard of facilities and care provided by a team of dedicated doctors and paramedical staff of AFIRM and praised their efforts in helping all military personnel with their rehabilitation.Earlier, on arrival, the COAS was received by Lieutenant General Azhar Rashid, Surgeon General and Major General Akhtar Waheed, Commandant AFIRM.

Post Gwadar handover to China: Army on board

Pakistan Army has refuted rumours and some reports that the Army was not on board the handing over of Gwadar Port to China.A top ISPR official said there was no truth in these reports as the whole country was united and supportive of the fact that the friendly Chinese had been given the port for development.“It does have a strategic and defence aspect as it is part of the coastal defence and is close to Chabahar. 

There can be no eventuality that the defence people are not on board,” the official said.He said even the shares of NLC were disposed of along with some other share holders who sold their shares to make it possible for the Chinese to take over the port development.

Road accident kills 24 Pakistan army personnel in Kohistan

At least 24 Pakistan army personnel were killed and five others were injured when a Gilgit bound passenger coach plunged into Indus River in Kohistan on Saturday morning.The incident was happened at Summer Nula when the drive of coach while negotiating a sharp turn in speeding could not hold control over the vehicle as a result of which it fell into deep ravine.

“All those 24 who were killed are Pakistan army personnel and we have started the rescue operation and called the army to airlift injured and bodies to Rawalpindi,” Aqal Badshah, the deputy commissioner Kohistan said.He said that soldiers were on their way to Gilgit from Rawalpindi after conclusion of their vacations.

He said that bodies were initially shifted to Shitial civil hospital and he contacted frontier work organisation in charge in Kohistan for the other necessary arrangements for the shifting of the bodies.

Mr Badshah said that he was also in contact with police for the prompt rescue operation in the area and whatever would happened on the site would be conveyed..

Gen Kayani reviews parade

Chief of the Army Staff (COAS) General Ashfaq Parvez Kayani on Friday visited Okara Garrison and reviewed the parade to mark the 250th Raising Day of 1st Punjab Regiment, the oldest unit of Pakistan Army. Speaking on the occasion, General Kayani appreciated the standard of parade and the dedication of all ranks involved.

He said that the Pakistan Army owed its high standing to professionalism, loyalty, discipline and patriotism of its officers and soldiers. He said that such high standards were not achieved overnight, unless all ranks of the Army were committed to maintain the traditions of excellence in service, said an ISPR press release issued here. Later, the COAS was briefed about the operational, training and administrative aspects at the Division Headquarters.

New Defence Policy Strategy Documents to be prepared: Mushahid

Senator Mushahid Hussain Sayed, Chairman Senate Defence Committee said on Tuesday that a new comprehensive Defence Policy Strategy Document would be prepared after seeking proposals and recommendations from all the stakeholders. In a meeting with European Union’s Defence attaches headed by Pierre Mayaudon, DHM, European delegation at the Parliament House, he said that national security, in view of the changed scenario needs broader definition.He observed the fear of ‘strong and powerful’ has gone due to free media, independent Judiciary, vibrant civil society and a dynamic Parliament.

He further said that the Parliament is playing an assertive role keeping in view the emerging realities at national, regional and global level and the Committee is revisiting the Defence paradigm in light of the new realities.
He informed the delegation about the changed and expended role of the Parliament particularly mentioning the stand taken by the Parliament on Salala incident, according to a press release issued here. 

He stated that the Parliament took a unanimous decision to redefine terms of engagement with United State and NATO and unanimously approved recommendations in this regard.He remarked that media is playing active role in shaping public opinion and citizen activism is being witnessed resulting in national cohesion on new issues. Senator Mushahid underlined the need for more regional cooperation and economic integration to work for the collective benefit of the people of the region.

He said that contours of defence now include climate change, cyber warfare, terrorism, extremism which require comprehensive policies.
He said that terrorism is a common enemy and a collective approach is direly needed to get rid of the menace and ensure regional and global peace. “We are facing the fallout of developments in the region.” 

He hoped to build a good relationship with regional players since their destiny is intertwined. The Chairman of the Defence Committee briefed the Defence attaches about the steps taken by the Committee and reiterated that the committee would act as bridge between khaki and mufti. 

Public hearings on core issues related to national security have been organized and seminars were being arranged to seek guidance from experts and scholars in different fields to finalize a comprehensive defence strategy document. 

Senator Mushahid observed that national security is of paramount significance and unanimity of opinion exists among all sheds of thought in this regards.
Later, Senator Mushahid also answered various questions on regional and international issues. 

The defence attaches thanked the Chairman of the Defence Committee for candid briefing and expressed the hope to continue such a fruitful interaction in future to share views on matters of mutual significance. Special Secretary Senate Mr. Amjad Pervez was also present on the occasion.

Pakistani Navy Ship visits JIP March 24-27

Pakistan Navy Ship “PNS Shahjahan” will be visiting Jeddah Islamic Port March 24-27 on a goodwill-cum-training visit.The ship derives its name after Shahjahan, the third son of Mughal Emperor Jahangir, who was born in Lahore. Shahjahan, at the age of 14, became the emperor of India when his father died in 1628. He extended the Mughal Empire to southern India and valiantly tried to expand the empire to Balkh and Badakhshan in northern Afghanistan. 

PNS Shahjahan is the third ship to bear the name. A Type-21 ship, it was commissioned in Pakistan on Sept. 23, 1994.Pakistanis living in and around Jeddah can visit the ship on Tuesday, March 26 from 1500 hrs to 1700 hrs. Those who intend to visit the ship may contact Zakaullah, PA to Naval & Air Attache, Embassy of Pakistan, Riyadh and forward their names and mobiles numbers to 01-4884111 Ext: 2205, 01-4887792 and can also send their details on fax No. 01-4887953 before 1500 hrs on March 19, a press release issued by the Pakistan Consulate General

Army officer, 2 soldiers killed in Orakzai blast

A Pakistan Army captain and two soldiers were killed while another two were injured in an improvised explosive device (IED) attack in Upper Orakzai Agency, officials said on Monday.“The attack took place late last night when a security forces convoy was targeted in Arkhanjo Mamozai village in Upper Orakzai tribal region,” Frontier Corps media spokesman Major Fazl told a private TV channel.

Two other army personnel were also injured in the attack, the officials said.Security forces launched a search operation in the area after the incident.According to the officials, most of the region is now under the control of the administration and the last pockets of resistance, in Upper Orakzai along the border of Tirah Valley of Khyber Agency and the adjoining Kurram Agency, are being cleared of militants.

Meanwhile, at least 15 militants have been killed in a skirmish with security forces in the agency’s Manatoo area.

PAF committed to maintain combat readiness: Air Chief

Chief of the Air Staff Air Chief Marshal Tahir Rafique Butt Monday said that the PAF was committed to maintain combat readiness in pursuit of the assigned mission while maintaining focus on judicious use of resources and preservation of assets.

The Pakistan Air Force (PAF) chief was addressing the audience of Annual Operational Review 2012 held here at Air Headquarters. Principal staff officers, regional commanders and the supervisors from all PAF bases attended the review, said a press release.The annual operation review is a routine activity during which review of operational activities is carried out.The forum is also used to carry out an in-depth study of the standards of flight and ground safety in the PAF.

29 brigadiers promoted to major generals

Pakistan’s defence attachés in India, China and South Africa got promotion to the rank of major general besides 26 other brigadiers on Friday.
Chairing the meeting of the Army Promotion Board, the Chief of the Army Staff (COAS), General Ashfaq Parvez Kayani, approved the promotion of 29 brigadiers out of the total 190 officers who were considered in this transparent and merit-based army promotion system.
Pakistan’s defence attachés to India (Brigadier Sarfraz Sattar), China (Brigadier Faheemul Aziz, also a former commandant of III-Brigade) and South Africa (Brigadier Muhammad Hamayun Saleem) have been promoted as two-star generals in this phase of promotion.
Director Military Intelligence (DMI) Brigadier Hamayun Aziz and Pakistan’s Liaison Officer Brigadier Bilal Akbar were also amongst the promoted military officers. Commandant CMH Rawalpindi Brigadier Salahuddin Qasim (Kohatian) and Chief of Staff (Mangla Corps) Brigadier Nadeem Raza also got promoted.
The following brigadiers were promoted to major generals against the vacancies being created due to the retirement of lieutenant generals/major generals during the year 2012/2013: Brig Sarfraz Sattar, Brig M Naeem Ashraf, Brig Hamayun Aziz, Brig Qazi Muhammad Ikram Ahmad, Brig Syed Shafqat Asghar, Brig Muhammad Hamayun Saleem, Brig Bilal Akbar, Brig Farhat Abbas Sani, Brig Muhammad Ajmal Iqbal, Brig Anwarul Haq Chaudhry, Brig Muhammad Afzal, Brig Faheemul Aziz, Brig Nadeem Raza, Brig Muhammad Tayyab Azam, Brig Aftab Khan, Brig Sher Afghun, Brig Ameer Aslam Khan, Brig Abid Ejaz Khaloon, Brig Anjum Enayat, Brig Iftikhar Aamir, Brig Mushtaq Ahmad Faisal, Brig Qaiser Anees Khurram, Brig Mohammad Muazzam Ali, Brig Salahuddin Qasim, Brig Jawad Khaliq Ansari, Brig Sohail Hafeez, Brig Amjed Iqbal, Brig Mazhar Ishaq and Brig Muhammad Ashfaq.

Pakistan, Guest Navies Conclude Aman-13 Exercise

Pakistan on Friday concluded a four-day multinational exercise and seminar aimed at promoting peace and stability in the region.The Aman-13 /Peace-13 exercise brought together ships from 13 countries — including the U.S. and China — and observers from 20 others.

It was the fourth in the biannual series, which was designed to provide a platform for information sharing, develop tactics against asymmetrical and traditional threats and boost interoperability between all navies working in the region.

Though there are other threats to regional peace and stability, the main ones in the Indian Ocean region remain terrorism and piracy. Some of the warships participating in the exercise regularly engage in missions to combat these threats.

However, during the seminar, some questioned whether there was sufficient resolve to stamp out terrorism, given that the vast resources arrayed against the Somali pirates operating in the region have not been completely successful.

Some participants speculated that piracy had become lucrative for more than just the pirates, and that some insurance companies at least appeared to be content with the current situation. But others pointed out that the sheer size of the area that the anti-piracy naval task forces must cover made it impossible to physically eradicate the pirates.

The exchange in ideas and techniques also extended to special operations. Little information was released about that aspect of the exercise, but Indonesia was acknowledged to have participated only with a team from its KOPASKA underwater demolition team.
 
The U.S. Navy also sent an explosive ordnance team, as confirmed by U.S. personnel present during the sea phase of the exercise.

Local VIP visitors observing the exercises were headed by Pakistan’s Naval Staff chief, Adm. Muhammad Asif Sandila, and the Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee (CJCSC) chairman, Gen. Khalid Shameem Wynne.

Speaking to Defense News, the U.S. ambassador to Pakistan, Richard Olson, and members of the Office of the Defense Representative stressed the importance of Pakistan due to its strategic location and its participation in international maritime security endeavors such as Combined Task Force-150 and CTF-151.

The U.S. Navy also participated with the destroyer William P. Lawrence, which joined frigates from Australia, Britain and Turkey; a replenishment vessel, destroyer and frigate from China; corvettes from Italy, Malaysia and the United Arab Emirates; a Sri Lankan fast attack craft; and a Bangladeshi offshore patrol vessel.

Japanese forces were represented by a pair of P-3C Orion maritime patrol aircraft that joined helicopters from some of the participating warships.

Two of Pakistan’s F-22P Zulfiquar-class frigates participated, along with its single Oliver Hazard Perry-class frigate, as well as a tanker, which conducted simulated replenishment exercises, and a range of smaller fast attack and patrol craft.

The sea phase consisted of a series of exercises including a special operations demonstration, gunnery trials and anti-surface warfare drills.

PAF ready to meet all challenges: air chief

Pakistan Air Force chief on Friday said we must be ready to respond to any internal and external security threats.

Air Chief Marshal Tahir Rafique Butt inspected one of the main operational air base, in connection with a series of inspection visits of various commands and bases in order to carry out operational evaluation of the PAF installations, equipment and support units. Upon his arrival at the base, a smartly turned out contingent presented guard of honour. The air chief reviewed the parade, and addressed a joint gathering of the airmen. While addressing the base personnel, he said, “Besides focusing on and maintaining the highest professional standards, there is a need for the PAF to prepare to meet the security challenges both internal and external.” 

The air chief emphasised upon the commanders to put in more efforts in improving the quality of living of the airmen. He also visited the deployed army units and appreciated their sense of duty and morale and contribution towards PAF’s combat readiness.

The air chief was briefed on the role and task of the various units with a focus on operational and administrative tasks and various projects of infrastructure development being carried out at the base.

Later, the air chief visited various squadrons and installations where he interacted with the airmen.

Kayani conveys army’s concerns to Zardari

Army chief Gen Ashfaq Parvez Kayani conveyed to President Asif Ali Zardari on Thursday the military’s concerns over the rapidly deteriorating law and order and called for urgent steps to deal with the situation.

Soon after a corps commanders’ conference, where the military’s top brass reviewed the internal security situation, the army chief met President Zardari to communicate the disquiet among his commanders about the security situation spiralling out of control.

No details of the meeting were officially revealed either by the army or the presidency.A one-line statement on the meeting issued by the presidency said: “Chief of Army Staff Gen Ashfaq Parvez Kayani today called on President Asif Ali Zardari at Aiwan-i-Sadr. Security situation was discussed during the meeting.”

A day earlier, the army chief had visited Karachi for a briefing on the situation in the city where sectarianism has added a new dimension to continuing violence.Sources in the presidency said the discussion revolved around recent incidents in Quetta and Karachi and an operation against the banned Lashkar-i-Jhangvi.

They claimed that Gen Kayani had spoken about improper and inefficient utilisation of civilian law-enforcement agencies by the federal and provincial governments in dealing with terrorism.Gen Kayani has in the past publicly expressed concerns over the poor performance of law-enforcement agencies.

He also pointed out the existence of militant wings of certain political parties and connections of some parties with terrorist groups as a major contributing factor to the wave of violence that has gripped the country.

Gen Kayani is said to have reiterated the army’s commitment to fully supporting the civilian law-enforcement agencies if asked by the government.With elections round the corner, the PPP government is reluctant to give the army any major role in internal security affairs as witnessed after the Kirani Market (Quetta) bombing last month in which about 100 people were killed.

While chairing the 158th corps commanders’ conference at the General Headquarters, Gen Kayani received a special briefing on the law and order situation in Karachi and Quetta.“Apart from professional military matters, the meeting undertook a comprehensive review of internal and external security environment of the country,” the ISPR said in a statement.

The peace process in Afghanistan and a truce offer by the Tehrik-i-Taliban also came under discussion.The board for promotion of brigadiers to the rank of major general will meet on Friday.

Turkey, Pakistan boost military ties

Turkey and Pakistan are expanding ties through joint military exercises and defense production, building on a long tradition of military co-operation.Pakistan's defense minister, Syed Naveed Qamar, visited Ankara last week, where he discussed with his Turkish counterparts the possibilities of local production, co-production, and transfer of technology for defense-related products according to the needs of the two countries.

Qamar referred to a recent agreement to build a fleet tanker for Pakistan's navy by Turkish defense firm STM, describing it as "a best model for our future defence co-operation," the Pakistan Embassy said in a statement.Likewise, Ankara views a project to upgrade F-16 fighter jets of Pakistan undertaken by Turkish Aerospace Industries as a symbol of defence co-operation.

Turkey and Pakistan also decided to raise the level of the High Level Military Dialogue Group, an institutional mechanism that was created in 2002 between the two countries general staffs and has had eight meetings so far.This week, the two countries began joint military exercises to contribute to defense co-operation and exchange of experience and information on military equipment, according to a statement by the Turkish general staff.

Five Turkish F-16s are participating in the Indus Viper-2013 exercise at the Mushaf Air Base in Punjab province in Pakistan for the first time since 2008. The joint exercise runs from March 4th to March 18th.Another combined naval military exercise code-named Aman-13 is also being hosted by Pakistan in the Arabian Sea, with participation of Turkish frigate TCG Gokova (F-496), one underwater defense, an underwater assault team and two staff officers.

Naval forces from Pakistan, Australia, Bangladesh, China, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, Malaysia, Sri Lanka, United Arab Emirates, Britain and the US are taking part in the four-day exercise that ends Friday (March 8th).The aim of the naval exercise is "to show a common determination against terrorist and criminal events in a naval operating area" and "to contribute to international peace and stability," according to the general staff.

For Aytekin Geleri, terror analyst at the Institute of Strategic Thinking, an Ankara-based think tank, while trying to broaden defense industry links with Pakistan, Turkey, as a NATO member, also has "certain sensitivities" that need to be taken into consideration by Islamabad.

"It's important for Pakistan to respect and closely follow international operations with regard to al-Qaeda and other terror groups," he said, describing the extended co-operation as "the best way to meet common security needs."President Abdullah Gul, while meeting with Qamar last week, said, "the whole world recognises the sacrifices of the people and troops of Pakistan in fighting terrorism and extremism," referring to the regional situation.

Geleri said Ankara is keen to extend military projects with Pakistan as the two countries traditionally had close ties."However, this co-operation should be in a way that doesn’t damage Turkey's membership obligations with NATO," he added.

Celalettin Yavuz, a Middle East security analyst at the Ankara-based Centre for International Relations and Strategic Analysis, believes that the Pakistani-Turkish defence relationship "is a special one marked by an immense reservoir of goodwill on both sides.""The thing is our areas of interests are not crossing each other even though there are some topics where the countries don't follow the same policy… But they have never been against each other," he said.

Even though in the past Turkey offered help to Pakistan to boost anti-terrorism co-operation with neighbouring Afghanistan and other regional countries, Yavuz said Ankara tries to avoid being "a hard-power" in the region.Burhan Kayaturk, an AKP deputy and chairman of the Turkey-Pakistan Friendship Group in parliament, highlighted the "strong co-operation potential" between the two countries' defence systems.

Turkey, he added, "has never intended to implement hard power" in the region. Instead it is promoting leadership through "soft power" in diplomacy and the economy."However, we can't stay calm when terrorists are targeting us, our people, our partners in the region. Pakistan and Turkey has more potential to work together and address the regional challenges," he added.

On March 5th, the Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs released a statement to condemn the weekend's bomb attack in Karachi, Pakistan, that left at least 45 people dead and many others wounded."We strongly condemn such attacks which are targeting the security and stability of Pakistan, wish God's mercy upon those killed, and offer condolences to the families of the victims, and wish speedy recovery to those wounded," the statement said.The ministry also underlined that general elections would strengthen Pakistan's democracy, domestic peace and stability.

Pakistan a responsible Maritime nation: Sandila

Chief of the Naval Staff, Admiral Asif Sandila inaugurated the 5th International Maritime Conference at Bahria University Karachi Campus on Tuesday.

The National Centre for Maritime Policy Research is hosting the 3-day moot being held simultaneously with the 4th Biennial International Maritime Exercise “Aman 2013”.

The event focuses on the regional security with respect to Indian Ocean and is aptly titled as “Regional Maritime Security Dynamics’ Imperatives and Interdependencies”. National Centre for Maritime Policy Research, Pakistan is organising the 5th International Maritime Conference (IMC 2013), which is being held at NCMPR Bahria University, Karachi from March 5 to 7. The conference is being organised in tandem with the prestigious 4th Biennial International Maritime Exercise “AMAN 2013”. The highlight of the event will be representation of over a dozen navies and the presence of eminent speakers and delegates from across the globe.

Speaking on the occasion, the Chief of the Naval Staff highlighted the importance of oceans in terms of trade and commerce and stressed the need for greater cooperation to counter the menace of piracy and other maritime related issues. He expressed his concerns and desire to forge robust cooperation and partnership for maritime security.

All aspects related to regional maritime covered with seven speakers taking the floor. Among the prominent speakers, Dr James A BoutiIier, Special Advisor (Policy) Maritime Forces Pacific Headquarters, Canada, expressed his views about the Reflections on the New lndo-Pacific Maritime Order Which analyzed the current state of affairs at sea in the Indo – Pacific region.

Dr Stanley Byron Weeks, a renowned scientist, opined that the United States and regional nations can act cooperatively to deter the nontraditional threats to the Sea Lanes of communications. Other well known speakers included Dr Xia Liping, Dr Amin Tarzi, Rear Admiral Yuan Yubai, Commodore Lee Cordner and Rear Admiral Abdul Aleem.

Delegates and Naval officers, from Australia, Azerbaijan, Bangladesh, Brunei, Bahrain, Brazil, China, Egypt, France, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Malaysia, Maldives, Myanmar, North Sudan, Oman, Poland, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Korea, Sri Lanka, Turkey, Tanzania, Turkmenistan, Ukraine, UK and USA are participating in the conference.