Cover Page Of Monthly Magazine Of Pakistan's Armed Forces
Pakistan Army | Pakistan Navy | Pakistan Air Force
Sunday, July 27, 2014
Friday, July 25, 2014
Safety Level Of Pakistani Nuclear Arsenal
INDIA'S explosion of its nuclear device in 1974 drew only a customary “show of concern” from the western powers. But Pakistan's nuclear program, initiated in response to the Indian acquisition of nuclear weapons, evoked immediate and “serious concern” from the same quarters. Ever since, Pakistan has been under immense pressure to scrap its program while the Indians remain uncensored.
That western attitude was discriminatory can also be seen by the religious colour it gave to Pakistan's bomb by calling it an 'Islamic bomb'. One has never heard of the Israeli bomb being called a 'Jewish Bomb', or the Indian bomb a 'Hindu Bomb', or the American and British bomb a 'Christian Bomb' or the Soviet bomb a 'Communist' (or an 'Atheist) Bomb'. The West simply used Pakistan's bomb to make Islam synonymous with aggression and make its nuclear program a legitimate target, knowing full well that it merely served a defensive purpose and was not even remotely associated with Islam.
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| Main Battle Tanks Developed By Pakistan |
With India going nuclear soon after playing a crucial role in dismembering Pakistan in 1971 and enjoying an overwhelming conventional military superiority over Pakistan in the ratio of 41, a resource strapped Pakistan was pushed to the wall. Left with no other choice but to develop a nuclear deterrent to ward off future Indian threats, Prime Minister Zulfikar Ali Bhutto declared “Pakistanis will eat grass but make a nuclear bomb”. And sure enough, they did it. Soon, however, both he and the nuclear program were to become non-grata. Amid intense pressure, sanctions and vilification campaign, Henry Kissinger personally delivered to a defiant Bhutto the American threat “give up your nuclear program or else we will make a horrible example of you'.
And a horrible example was made of Bhutto for his defiance. But he had enabled Pakistan to become the 7th nuclear power in the world. This served Pakistan well. India was kept at bay despite temptations for military adventurism. Although there has never been real peace in South Asia, at least there has been no war since 1971.
Ignoring its security perspective, Pakistan's western 'friends' refused to admit it to their exclusive nuclear club, though expediency made them ignore its 'crime' when it suited their purpose. But driven by identical geo-strategic interests in their respective regions and seeing Pakistan as an obstacle to their designs, Israel and India missed no opportunity to malign or subvert Pakistan's program.
Due to its defiance of Indian diktat, Pakistan is for India an obstruction in its quest for domination of South Asia and the Indian Ocean region. Israel's apprehension of Pakistan's military prowess is rooted in the strength Pakistan indirectly provides to Arab states with whom Israel has remained in a state of conflict. Conscious that several Arab states look up to Pakistan for military support in the event of threat to their security from Israel, it is unsettling for Israel to see a nuclear armed Pakistan.
Israel can also not overlook the fact that Pakistan's military is a match to its own. The PAF pilots surprised Israeli Air Force, when flying mostly Russian aircraft they shot down several relatively superior Israeli aircraft in air combat in the 1973 Arab-Israel war, shattering the invincibility myth of Israeli pilots who believed themselves to be too superior in skill and technology. The Pakistanis happened to be assigned to Jordanian, Syrian and Iraqi air forces on training missions when the war broke out and, unknown to the Israelis then, they incognito undertook combat missions.
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| Ballistic Missile And Guided Missile Systems Developed By Pakistan |
According to 'The Asian Age', journalists Adrian Levy and Catherine Scott-Clark stated in their book 'Deception Pakistan, the US and the Global Weapons Conspiracy', that Israeli Air Force was to launch an air attack on Kahuta in mid-1980s from Jamnagar airfield in Gujarat (India). The book claims that “in March 1984, Prime Minister Indira Gandhi signed off (on) the Israeli-led operation bringing India, Pakistan and Israel to within a hair's breadth of a nuclear conflagration”.
Another report claims that Israel also planned an air strike directly out of Israel. After midway and midair refueling, Israeli warplanes planned to shoot down a commercial airline's flight over Indian Ocean that flew into Islamabad early morning, fly in a tight formation to appear as one large aircraft on radar screens preventing detection, use the drowned airliner's call sign to enter Islamabad's air space, knock out Kahuta and fly out to Jammu to refuel and exit.
According to reliable reports in mid-1980s this mission was actually launched one night. But the Israelis were in for a big surprise. They discovered that Pakistan Air Force had already sounded an alert and had taken to the skies in anticipation of this attack. The mission had to be hurriedly aborted.
Pakistan reminded the Israelis that Pakistan was no Iraq and that PAF was no Iraqi Air Force. Pakistan is reported to have conveyed that an attack on Kahuta would force Pakistan to lay waste to Dimona, Israel's nuclear reactor in the Negev Desert. India was also warned that Islamabad would attack Trombay if Kahuta facilities were hit.
The above quoted book claims that “Prime Minister Indira Gandhi eventually aborted the operation despite protests from military planners in New Delhi and Jerusalem.”
McNair's paper #41 published by USAF Air University (India Thwarts Israeli Destruction of Pakistan's "Islamic Bomb") also confirmed this plan. It said, “Israeli interest in destroying Pakistan's Kahuta reactor to scuttle the "Islamic bomb" was blocked by India's refusal to grant landing and refueling rights to Israeli warplanes in 1982.” Clearly India wanted to see Kahuta gone but did not want to face retaliation at the hands of the PAF. Israel, on its part wanted this to be a joint Indo-Israeli strike to avoid being solely held responsible.
The Reagan administration also hesitated to support the plan because Pakistan's distraction at that juncture would have hurt American interests in Afghanistan, when Pakistan was steering the Afghan resistance against the Soviets.
Although plans to hit Kahuta were shelved, the diatribe against Pakistan's nuclear program continued unabated. Israel used its control over the American political establishment and western media to create hysteria. India worked extensively to promote paranoia, branding Pakistan's program as unsafe, insecure and a threat to peace. The fact is otherwise. It is technically sounder, safer and more secure than that of India and has ensured absence of war in the region.
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| Pakistan Air Force Jets |
Pakistan has determinedly thwarted the terrorist threat and foiled this grand conspiracy. Pakistan has made it clear that it would act decisively against any attempt by any quarter to harm its nuclear assets. But if the game is taken to the next level, the consequences would be disastrous for the region.
The Indo-Israeli nexus is losing initiative. But as long as the American umbrella is available Afghanistan will remain a playground for mischief mongers. It is now up to the US to walk its talk and prove its claim that it wants to see a secure and stable Pakistan. It must pull the plug on conspiracies to destabilize Pakistan.
Monday, July 21, 2014
Brigadier Tariq Mehmood Shaheed Of SSG Pakistan Army
Brigadier Tariq Mehmood Shaheed, most popularly known as Brigadier TM and now TM Shaheed, (8 Oct 1938 - 29 May 1989), SJ (Bar), SBt, SI(M) was a legendary soldier and lethal weapon of Pakistan Army. He was serving as the Commandant of Special Services Group, when died in an accident in 1989, due to malfunctioning of his parachute, during a free fall display at Rahwali, near Gujranwala. TM was one of the most decorated Army officers who saw SSG in two wars and various special operations. He played a father like role in Special Services Group and has left a deep legacy, even after his death.
Life And Education As Civilian :-
Mehmood was born on 8 October 1938 at Multan. His father was a professor at Government College, Asghar Mall. After completing his intermediate education from Gordon Christian College, Rawalpindi in 1956, he went to Lahore and graduated from Government College in 1959. He was also a member of Government College cricket team captained by Javed Burki. After graduation he went to Peshawar to study Law at University of Peshawar, but he also got selected for Pakistan Army at the same time. He made a choice to serve his country at the battle front and joined Pakistan Military Academy as a cadet in 1960. He graduated from PMA in 1963 with a double B.Sc. in Military science and War studies. He also attended Command and Staff College, Quetta, and completed his Staff Course in 1969.
Military Career In Pakistan Army :-
Mahmood was commissioned in 2nd Battalion of The Baloch Regiment in 1960, when passed out from PMA in 1963. The same year, he was inducted in 51st Paratrooper Division, Airborne Corps, and from there, he was selected for the Special Services Group (SSG). After completing the Special Training of SSG he was posted to the 1st Commando Battalion(Yaldram)(Shaheen Company).
Special Operations In 1965 Hindustan Pakistan War :-
In 1965, SSG was preparing for covert Operations in Kashmir, meanwhile Captain TM was selected for an advance course with U.S. Army Special Forces, but he opted himself for covert operations instead of leaving for United States to attend the advance course. He was awarded Sitara-e-Juraat (SJ) for his acts of bravery during Indo-Pak war of 1965. Tariq Mahmood was promoted to the rank of Major in 1970 and was stationed in Peshawar. Major TM was posted as the commandant Parachute Training School.
Special Operations In 1971 Winter War :-
In 1971, Major TM volunteered to go East Pakistan to participate in Indo-Pakistani War of 1971. He was an officer in command and had received direct orders from General Amir Abdullah Khan Niazi. General A. A. K. Niazi had given him a direct order, and told him
"if you hear or see the fire, burn the place down".
In a conflict, Major TM was sent to Shahjalal International Airport (Dhaka Airport) to lead an operation against insurgents. The Airport was heavily guarded by the insurgents and it was considered no-fly zone. Major TM commanded the Shaheen Company, 1st commando battalion and his company saw the heavy fighting in the Airport. After 34 hours of tiring battle, the Shaheen Company, 1st commando battalion gained an absolute control of the Airport and its surrounding areas, and it was freed from the insurgents. Both sides have had suffered heavy casualties and the Airport was nearly destroyed in the battle.
While in East-Pakistan, Tariq Mahmood was assigned another mission. He was sent to Northern Bangladesh, where he sat to led a covert operations against the insurgents. He was a commanding officer of the 25 SSG officers of Shaheen Company,1st commando battalion, saw the bloodiest and gruesome battle near at the river. The Shaheen Company, 1st battalion, re-captured and gained control of a bridge over the Brahmaputra River from the enemy. While commanding the operation, Major TM was hit by two bullets in his leg but continued to fight and lead the operation till the mission was successfully complete. After the operation, the Shaheen Company, 1st battalion was re-called to Dhaka. Major Tariq Mahmood was the last Pakistani soldier to leave East-Pakistan, commanding the C-130 aircraft departing from Dhaka Airport in 1971.
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| Brigadier Tariq Mehmood Shaheed Of Special Services Group SSG Pakistan Army |
Special Operations In 1984 Siachen War :-
In 1979, he was promoted to Colonel, and in 1982, he was promoted to the rank of Brigadier. Brigadier TM, now a one-star general, was made commandant of the Special Services Group. In 1984, Brigadier TM commanded the Special Services Group at Siachen Conflict. SSG launched an aggressive and quick operation against Indian Army. Brigadier TM led a mild victory in 1984, and the control of the Siachen glacier was given to X Corps headed by Colonel-Commandant (X Corps) Lieutenant-General Zahid Ali Akbar. However, the territory was lost when Indian Army launched a successful military operation, Operation Meghdoot, which resulted in an absolute control of Siachen glacier by Indian Army. Brigadier TM, in retaliation, launched covert operations which continued until his death. The Pakistani ISI learnt that India's secret agency RAW had received order to attempt an assassination on Brigadier TM, and Indian Prime minister Rajiv Gandhi was reportedly briefed once a week about the activities of TM. After this report, the security of Brigadier TM was further tightened by Pakistan Army.
Other Military Operations :-
Throughout the 1980s, the SSG and ISI were closely collaborating with the U.S. Special Forces and Special Activities Division in order to lead the secret operation known as Operation Cyclone. Brigadier TM was also a commanding officer of the Battle for Hill 3234, and the operation was fully executed by the Brigadier TM. On 5 September 1986, Pan Am Flight 73 was hijacked in Karachi, Sindh. Brigadier-General Tariq Mahmood quickly came to Karachi where he led the planning of the operation to free the Airline from terrorists. He came to public prominence when he had led the successful Operation PANAM to liberate the Airline from terrorists. The hijackers opened fire on SSG team, killing and injuring the passengers but due to SSG’s quick action soon all the hijackers were arrested saving many lives. In the later 1987–88, he led operations against criminals in Sindh.
SHAHADAT And LEGACY Of This Brave Son Of Pakistan :-
On 29 May 1989, SSG suffered the tragic loss of its legendary commanding officer, when Brigadier TM was leading the team of SSG paratroopers for a free-fall at Pakistan Army Aviation School, Rahwali, Gujranwala. The jump was part of Army Aviation’s Passing Out parade. The incident happened during a demonstration jump from an Army's Mi-17 helicopter when Brigadier TM's main and reserve parachute failed to open. According to the investigations, his first Parachute didn't open and the ropes were badly entangled. Brigadier TM attempted to cut the ropes with his dagger, and tried to open the backup Parachute. Unintentionally, he had released both back up and main parachutes, and the amount of velocity with which he was coming down was enormous. This was the cause of Shahadat Of TM. Pakistan Army And Special Services Group lost their most valuable asset ever. May Allah Accept His Shahadat. Aameen.
Thursday, July 10, 2014
Khyber Pass In Pakistan
The Khyber Pass (altitude: 1,070 m or 3,510 ft) is a mountain pass connecting Afghanistan and Pakistan, cutting through the northeastern part of the Spin Ghar mountains. An integral part of the ancient Silk Road, it is one of the oldest known passes in the world. Throughout history it has been an important trade route between Central Asia and South Asia and a strategic military location. The summit of the pass is 5 kilometres (3.1 mi) inside Pakistan at Landi Kotal.
History :-
Well known invasions of the area have been predominantly through the Khyber Pass, such as the invasions by Darius I and Alexander the Great and also include Genghis Khan and later Mongols such as Duwa, Qutlugh Khwaja and Kebek. Among the Muslim invasions of South Asia, the famous invaders coming through the Khyber Pass are the Persian king Mahmud Ghaznavi, and the Afghan Muhammad Ghori and the Turkic-Mongols. Finally, Sikhs under Ranjit Singh captured the Khyber Pass in 1798 . Hari Singh Nalwa, who manned the Khyber Pass for years, became a household name in Afghanistan.
To the north of the Khyber Pass lies the country of the Mullagori tribe. To the south is Afridi Tirah, while the inhabitants of villages in the Pass itself are Afridi clansmen. Throughout the centuries the Pashtun clans, particularly the Afridis and the Afghan Shinwaris, have regarded the Pass as their own preserve and have levied a toll on travellers for safe conduct. Since this has long been their main source of income, resistance to challenges to the Shinwaris' authority has often been fierce.
For strategic reasons, after the First World War the British built a heavily engineered railway through the Pass. The Khyber Pass Railway from Jamrud, near Peshawar, to the Afghan border near Landi Kotal was opened in 1925.
During World War II concrete "dragon’s teeth" (tank obstacles) were erected on the valley floor due to British fears of a German tank invasion of India.
The Pass became widely known to thousands of Westerners and Japanese who traveled it in the days of the Hippie trail, taking a bus or car from Kabul to the Afghan border. At the Pakistani frontier post, travelers were advised not to wander away from the road, as the location was a barely controlled Federally Administered Tribal Area. Then, after customs formalities, a quick daylight drive through the Pass was made. Monuments left by British Army units, as well as hillside forts, could be viewed from the highway. The area of the Khyber Pass has been connected with a counterfeit arms industry, making various types of weapons known to gun collectors as Khyber Pass Copies, using local steel and blacksmiths' forges.
Current Conflicts :-
During the current war in Afghanistan, the Khyber Pass has been a major route for resupplying military armament and food to the NATO forces in the Afghan theater of conflict since the US started the invasion of Afghanistan in 2001. Almost 80 percent of the NATO and US supplies that are brought in by road were transported through this Khyber Pass. Furthermore, it has also been used to transport civilians from the Afghan side to the Pakistani one. Until the end of 2007, this route had been relatively safe since the tribes living there (mainly Afridi, a Pashtun tribe) were paid by the Pakistani government to keep the area safe. However, since that year, the Taliban began to control the region, and so there started to exist wider tensions in their political relationship.
Since the end of 2008, supply convoys and depots in this western part increasingly came under attack by elements from or supposedly sympathetic to the Pakistani Taliban.
In January 2009, Pakistan sealed off the bridge as part of a military offensive against Taliban guerrillas. This military operation was mainly focused on Jamrud, a district on the Khyber road. The target was to “dynamite or bulldoze homes belonging to men suspected of harboring or supporting Taliban militants or carrying out other illegal activities”. The result meant that more than 70 people were arrested and 45 homes were destroyed. In addition, two children and one woman were killed. As a response, in early February 2009, Taliban insurgents cut off the Khyber Pass temporarily by blowing up a key bridge.
This increasingly unstable situation in northwest Pakistan, made the US and NATO broaden supply routes, through Central Asia (Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan and Tajikistan). Even the option of supplying material through the Iranian port of Chabahar was considered.
In 2010, the already complicated relationship with Pakistan (always accused by the US of hosting the Taliban in this border area without reporting it) became tougher after the NATO forces, under the pretext of mitigating the Taliban's power over this area, executed an attack with drones over the Durand line, passing the frontier of Afghanistan and killing three Pakistani soldiers. Pakistan answered by closing the pass on 30 September which caused a convoy of several NATO trucks to queue at the closed border. This convoy was attacked by extremists apparently linked to Al Qaida which caused the destruction of more than 29 oil tankers and trucks and the killing of several soldiers. NATO chief members had to issue a formal apology to the Pakistan government so the supply traffic at this pass could be restored.
In August 2011, the activity at the Khyber pass was again halted by the Khyber Agency administration due to the more possible attacks of the insurgency over the NATO forces, which had suffered a period of big number of assaults over the trucks heading to supply the NATO and ISAF coalitions all over the frontier line. This instability made the Pakistan Oil Tanker Owners Association demand more protection from the Pakistani and US government threatening not to supply fuel for the Afghan side.
Wednesday, July 9, 2014
Tourism Industry Of Pakistan
Pakistan is among the least racist countries in the world, which has helped it encourage tourism. Writing for the Lonely Planet company, the authors of the 2008 Pakistan & the Karakoram Highway guidebook referred to Pakistan as the tourism industry's "next big thing" due to its grand and diverse features. The authors further explain that "world media headlines" prevent the nation from becoming a considerable force in global tourism. Pakistan, with its diverse cultures, people and landscapes attracted 1 million tourists in 2012. Pakistan's tourism industry was in its heyday during the 1970s when the country received unprecedented amounts of foreign tourists, thanks to the Hippie trail. The main destinations of choice for these tourists were the Khyber Pass, Peshawar, Karachi, Lahore, Swat and Rawalpindi.
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| Badshahi Masjid In Lahore Pakistan |
The country's attraction range from the ruin of civilization such as Mohenjo-daro, Harappa and Taxila, to the Himalayan hill stations, which attract those interested in winter sports. Pakistan is home to several mountain peaks over 7000 m, which attracts adventurers and mountaineers from around the world, especially K2. The north part of Pakistan has many old fortresses, ancient architecture and the Hunza and Chitral valley, home to small pre-Islamic Animist Kalasha community claiming descent from Alexander the Great. The romance of the historic Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province is timeless and legendary, Punjab province has the site of Alexander's battle on the Jhelum River and the historic city Lahore, Pakistan's cultural capital, with many examples of Mughal architecture such as Badshahi Masjid, Shalimar Gardens, Tomb of Jahangir and the Lahore Fort. Before the Global economic crisis Pakistan received more than 500,000 tourists annually. However, this number has now come down to near zero figures since 2008 due to instability in the country and many countries declaring Pakistan as unsafe and dangerous to visit.
In October 2006, just one year after the 2005 Kashmir earthquake, The Guardian released what it described as "The top five tourist sites in Pakistan" in order to help the country's tourism industry. The five sites included Taxila, Lahore, The Karakoram Highway, Karimabad and Lake Saiful Muluk. To promote Pakistan's unique and various cultural heritage, the Prime Minister launched the "Visit Pakistan" marketing campaign in 2007. This campaign involved various events throughout the year including fairs and religious festivals, regional sporting events, various arts and craft shows, folk festivals and several openings of historical museums. In 2009, The World Economic Forum's Travel & Tourism Competitiveness Report ranked Pakistan as one of the top 25% tourist destinations for its World Heritage sites. Ranging from mangroves in the South, to the 5,000-year-old cities of the Indus Valley Civilization which included Mohenjo-daro and Harappa.
Tuesday, July 8, 2014
A Journey From Scratch To Nuclear Power
Introduction :-
The Pakistan Army came into being as a result of the amalgamation of the Muslim troops of the pre-independence British Indian Army. The origin of many of its units dates back to the beginning of the British rule in the subcontinent. This relation, however, is merely of historical nature. With the birth of Pakistan, a hotchpotch of the ill-equipped and ill-organized troops, breaking away from the old and established British Indian Army, had been transformed into a disciplined fighting force in consonance with the national ideals and aspirations.
On 3 June 1947, the British Government announced the plan for the partition of the sub continent between India and Pakistan, and for the transfer of power to the two new states on 15 August 1947. On 30 June 1947, the procedure for the division of the armed forces was agreed upon by the Partition Council, chaired by the Viceroy of India Lord Mountbatten and consisting of the top leaders of the Muslim League and the Indian Congress. Field Marshal Auchinleck, then C-in-C India, was appointed Supreme Commander under Mountbatten to ensure smooth division of units, stores, and so on. It was announced on 1 July 1947, that both countries would have operational control of their respective armed forces by 15 August 1947.
The Early Years :-
Between 1939 and 1945, the strength of the Indian Army grew to a maximum of 2,018,196 personnel. On the eve of Partition in 1947, the figure had come down to about 11,800 officers, 450,000 other ranks plus about 50,000 of Indian Princely States' Forces. It is noteworthy, at that time (as per policy of the British Raj since 1857) there were only two completely Muslim combat units (1/15 Punjab Regiment and 3/16 Punjab Regiment), although there were several completely Hindu and Sikh units and regiments of the combat arms. The original agreement called for the armed forces and other assets to be divided to the ratio of 64% for India and 36% for Pakistan, but Pakistan was later forced to accept an 1/3 share of assets. Of the total 46 training establishments; only nine were located in Pakistan; all of the 17 Ordnance Factories were located in India, as were most of the Ordnance Depots and Engineer Store Depots. In addition to Pakistan receiving far less stores than originally stipulated, most of the stores received were of general nature, perishable, unwanted and obsolete. The move of 150,000 Pakistani personnel as well as 508 units and sub units of various sizes was to be carried out by rail through Indian Punjab and Sikh Princely States.
After 53 trains carrying personnel and their families were attacked, detailed and massacred by armed bands of Sikhs and Hindus in connivance with the railway authorities, the sea route from Bombay to Karachi was adopted. The Punjab Boundary Force consisting of five brigades under Major General Rees was created by Field Marshal Auchinleck's Supreme HQ in August 1947 to escort refugees from border districts of the two Punjabs across the international borders. Its area of responsibility covered 37,500 square miles and a population of 14.5 million. It was a gigantic task for a limited force manned largely by neutral British officers. About seven million Muslims migrated to Pakistan, and five million Sikhs and Hindus to India; a million perished.
Against an estimated requirement for about 4,000 officers, Pakistan had initially only about 2,30 the gap being filled up on Quaid-eAzam's appeal, to some extent, by 484 experienced and qualified British officers, who volunteered to stay and help Pakistan and the Pakistan Army in difficult times. Many Polish and Hungarian officers also volunteered for the medical corps. Prior to August 1947, the most senior Pakistani (and Indian) officers were in ranks of brigadiers; after independence, the command of Army units had to be given to officers in their early 30s with eighteen years service, many of whom had combat experience and had won battlefield awards in World War II. Similarly, brigade commanders had 13-15 years service and division commanders 19-20 years.
Out of the Northern Command HQ nucleus, the GHQ was organized at its present location. Lt Gen Messervy, the then GOC-in-C Northern Command, was promoted and appointed Commander-In-Chief (C-in-C) Pakistan Army. The GHQ started functioning on 15 August 1947 without adequate staff or records, these held back in New Delhi.
By October 1947, guarding 5,000 miles of West and East Pakistan's frontiers were, about ten infantry brigades at less than 50% strength, and an armoured brigade with only 13 running STUART tanks. The Army has ammunition reserves for less than one week. In a Joint Defense Council Meeting, both Mountbatten and Supreme Commander Auchinleck had made it clear to Pakistan that in case of war with India, no other member of the Common wealth would come to Pakistan's help. Field Marshal Ayub Khan, the first Pakistani C-in-C, was to recall in later years:
"It would always be a matter of pride and glory for this army when history will recall how heavy a burden was placed on its young shoulders and how creditably it always rose to the occasion".
After the fraudulent accession of Kashmir by the Maharaja on 27 October, Mountbatten and Nehru air-transported the Indian Army into the Sri Nagar Valley. The Indian Army's offensive was halted at the Ceasefire Line (now Line of Control) Initially by Azad Kashmir Forces, and from April 1948 with support of the iII-organised Pakistan Army without adequate logistic support. At midnight on 30 December, GHQ India asked for a ceasefire to become effective on 1 January 1949. Pakistan accepted, as the fate of Jammu and Kashmir had been taken over by the UNO. Thus ended the six month war in Kashmir. By the end of 1948 five infantry divisions had been organized, but these were still lacking their full complement of supporting arms and services. The few artillery regiments received at partition were grouped into three Artillery Groups under independent headquarters to ensure maximum flexibility. By early 1949, the Pakistan Army had completed its formative stage and had been bloodied in battle experience, and continued its reorganization. On integration of Bahawalpur State in January 1949, the 6th (B) Division was created, but this was subsequently disbanded in 1956 on reorganization of the army.
Back in August 1947, Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, foreseeing the financial and military difficulties ahead, asked for US economic and military aid. Incidentally, the same request had also been submitted by New Delhi and Kabul. After an evaluation of Pakistan's strategic location at the crossroads of South Central and West Asia in proximity to both China and the Soviet Union, the USA acceded to Pakistan's request under the American Mutual Security Legislation. In early 1954, Pakistan and the USA signed a Mutual Defense Assistance Agreement. Between 1954 -1965, Pakistan received US$650 million in military grants, US$619 million in defense support assistance, and US$ 55 million in cash or commercial purchases. This aid enhanced Pakistani defense capability by increasing the firepower and mobility, and improving C31 facilities of five and a half divisions. The armed forces were modernized in keeping with the world trends. Two Corps HQ were also catered for. Many senior and junior officers went for training and orientation to USA, new cantonments were built, and existing ones were expanded and modernized. By August 1947, the 7th Division (located in Rawalpindi with two brigades) was the Pakistan Army's only division. There also were static HQ designed "Areas" and "Sub-areas", having brigades and battalions at more than 50% below strength.
In the following months, as Pakistani personnel kept arriving from all over India, Middle East and South East Asia by rail and sea, the 8th Division was organized out of the Sind Balochistan Area, and the 9th (F) Division was created out of brigades of the Peshawar and Waziristan Areas. Similarly, the Lahore Area was reorganized as 10th Division, and the 12th Division was raised in November 1948. The forces in East Pakistan (now Bangladesh) were designated as East Pakistan Army, then as a Sub-area and finally in December 1948 as HQ 14th Division, initially with only two battalions that eventually were built up to brigade strength.
Kashmir War 1947-48 :-
The 11 Cavalry equipped with armoured cars were the only unit employed in the war. The GHQ assigned the unit an essentially defensive and passive role but the indomitable Colonel Tommy Masud commanding the unit was too resolute a man to be restrained 44. The unit thus took a prominent part in operations in Bhimbhar-Mirpur area under Tommy Masud, but its role remained limited since it was not allowed to conduct any major offensive operation to support the militia. The Pakistani GHQ finally moved 3rd Armoured Brigade near Bhimbhar, for a projected counterstroke at Indian communications to Poonch, when the Indians made a unilateral offer of ceasefire on 30 December 1947-1948.
The Rann of Kutch Conflict (April 1965) :-
India and Pakistan became engaged in a short but sharp conflict into Pakistani claimed area in the Rann of Kutch in April 1965. Both armies had fully mobilized. Pakistan eventually proposed a ceasefire, which India accepted; an agreement was signed, and the forces disengaged. The Award by the Arbitration Tribunal vindicated Pakistan's position. India then shifted the centre of gravity of operations to the Northern Areas.
The 1965 War :-
After several ceasefire violations, India attacked across the international border form Sialkot to Sind sectors. The attacks were halted on all fronts, and in a series of counter attacks the Pakistan Army penetrated inside Indian Territory capturing more territory than the Indian Army. The biggest tank battle since World War II was fought at Chawinda, inflicting heavy casualties. India eventually asked for a ceasefire, arranged by the UN on 23 September 1965.
The Third Evolution Phase (1966-1970) :-
In 1966, commenced the third phase of the evolution of the Pakistan Army, which was able to at least partially enhance its defense capability over these five years. The US embargo on military aid to Pakistan, and the continued Soviet heavy build up of Indian forces, forced Pakistan to turn to China, North Korea, Germany, Italy and France for its defense procurement programs. China, a time tested friend and neighbour, enabled Pakistan to raise three fully equipped infantry divisions with gun and vehicles, 900 Chinese tanks, and MiG 19F aircraft for the air force. France supplied MIRAGE aircraft and submarines. In 1968, the Soviet Union offered US$30 million worth of aid to Pakistan and supplied 100 T 55 tanks, Mi8 helicopter, guns and vehicles. In 1969, however, Soviet support was abruptly stopped under Indian pressure.
The 1971 War :-
1971 was the most tragic year in Pakistan's history, a year of political crises and conflict. Unable to resolve a political problem by political means, the then Martial Law regime resorted to military action in East Pakistan on the night on 25/26 March. Widespread insurgency broke out, covertly aided by Indian trained infiltrators and India's Border Security Forces. In the first week of April, personnel of two infantry divisions and civil armed forces were airlifted in Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) planes with a 6,000-mile non-stop route via Sri Lanka - the longest operational air move by the army. Quick reaction by the Pakistani authorities restored 80% normalcy in the eastern wing of the country. Covert operations having failed, India concentrated about 400,000 regular army personnel in 12 divisions supported by five tank regiments, seven air force squadrons and Indian Navy. These forces, further strengthened by about 1,00,000 guerillas (Mukti Bahini) attacked from all directions on 20 fronts across the international border on 21 November, without a formal declaration of war. Intense fighting raged till 16 December in both Pakistan's wings. No town or battalion position could be overrun, till a ceasefire accepted by Pakistan was perfidiously changed into surrender by Indian-Soviet machinations.
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| NASR Ballistic Missile Of Pakistan Army Strategic Forces Approaching Target |
Period From 1971 To 1979 :-
After almost twelve years of clandestine efforts India exploded a nuclear device at Pokhran on 18 May 1974 not far from Pakistan’s borders, as part of her coercive diplomacy, thus starting a nuclear arms race in the Sub continent. By 1986, after only seven years of a crash program, Pakistan had acquired her own nuclear capability to match and deter that of India. Thus was established a strategic balance in the region.
‘striking terror into the hearts of the enemy’ as enjoined by the Holy Quran.
In 1976, the Higher Defense Organization was streamlined and revitalized. The western influenced strategic doctrine was critically analyzed and re-evaluated in the light of our geostrategic realities and operational environment. Core issues of Quranic concepts of warfare, regulated by laws like Jihad, checks and balances on use of force, prohibition of total unlimited war, humane measures to protect women, children and prisoners, encouraging negotiations for honorable peace and that enemies need not be permanent, and other fundamentals were highlighted in the re-evaluation.
1979 To Present :-
In December 1979, the Soviet Union invaded Afghanistan. The US offered US$400 million worth of military aid, which was however spurned by Pakistan as inadequate for a "frontline state". Apprehensive of the two front threats to Pakistan, in 1981 the US again offered a package of US$1.5 billion worth of military aid. This was accepted and in five years provided 40 F-16 Fighters, 100 M-48 tanks, 64 M-109 155mm SP Howitzers, 40 M110 203mm SP howitzers, 75 towed howitzers, and 1,005 TOW anti-tank missile systems, considerably enhancing Pakistan's defense capability. India and Pakistan are now engaged into a military conflict on the world's highest battlefield in 1982 resulting into more loss of lives due to harsh weather as compare to combat losses.
By 1989, the Soviet Union having suffered heavy losses in men and material, and unable to withstand the Jihad, commenced withdrawing its forces from Afghanistan. Under the Pressler Amendment, the US again imposed an embargo on all economic and military aid to Pakistan, which continued for five years. In 1995, the Brown Amendment authorized a one time delivery of US military equipment, contracted for prior to October 1990, worth US$368 million. However, the additional 28 F-16 aircraft costing US$658 million and already paid for by Pakistan are still not being delivered.
Other Significant Activities :-
Roles under UN Flag :-
In addition to its main roles of repelling external aggressions and grappling with internal security issues, natural calamities, and nation building projects, the Pakistan Army from 1960 onwards also played a heroic role as part of UN forces in peacekeeping, peacemaking and peace enforcing, providing personnel to several different missions.
Military Missions Abroad :-
Pakistani military missions were invited, during the last four decades by the governments of Libya, Saudi Arabia, UAE, Ghana, Zimbabwe, Jordan and others to organize and train their armed forces. In the Gulf War of 1991, Pakistani ground forces played their role in Saudi Arabia's defense, and thereafter in prolonged mine lifting operations in Kuwait. In the medical field, Pakistan Army doctors have been working as personal physicians to Kings and Rulers in the Arab world.
Joint Exercises :-
Periodically since 1955, first as members of collective security systems such as SEATO and CENTO, the Pakistan Army, Navy and Air Forces took part in exercises with forces of friendly countries, gaining valuable experience in latest systems and doctrines.
Training of Foreign Army Officers in Pakistan :-
The numerous training institutions of various arms and services set up after 1947 have become such centers of professional excellence, i.e., the Pakistani Military Academy, School of Infantry and Tactics, Armour, Artillery, Army Air Defense, Engineer, and Signals Schools and Colleges, Command and Staff College, National Defense College, and others. These institutions are regularly visited by foreign army officers, who are trained alongside their Pakistani colleagues.
Para Military Forces :-
Pakistan Army officers train and command the following paramilitary Forces :-
▪ National Guard (including Janbaz Force)
▪ Mujahid Force,
▪ National Cadet Corps and Women Guards (185,000)
▪ Frontier Corps (70,000)
▪ Pakistan Rangers (25,000)
▪ Coast Guards
Indigenization & Modernization :-
The activities of POF Wah and Heavy Industries Taxila are described elsewhere in this issue.
Missiles :-
To balance the threat posed by India’s Integrated Guided Missile Programs, launched in 1983-84 to develop the PRITHIBI, AGNI, AKASH and NAG systems, the Pakistan Army has developed the capability of producing and deploying, at short notice, the indigenous HATF-3 ballistic missile with range of 800km. Pakistan has also developed and introduced into army’s service the ANZA air defense and BAKTAR-SHIKAN anti tank guided missile system.
Army Vehicles :-
To standardize the various types of vehicles of different origins in use in the army since 1947, the indigenous manufacture of the YASOOB series of military trucks (available in 3 ton and 6 ton medium and heavy duty versions) was launched in 1989 in collaboration with Pakistan Automobile Corporation. 1/4 ton jeeps named MILLAT and NISHAN are also being produced with civil collaboration. Modifying (diesel) and refurbishment of the large fleet of M-34/M-35 trucks of US origin is also currently being implemented under the SHAHZORE project.
Communications :-
To meet the challenge of the future battlefield, the Corps of Signals has completely revolutionized defense communications with the introduction of PASCOMS (Pakistan Army Strategic Communications) inaugurated in April 1995, DEFCOMM (Defense Communication) for inter services communi cations, and PATCOM (Pakistan Army Tactical Communications). Under the latter program, all corps have been equipped with hand held radio sets, VHF vehicles radio sets, low and medium power radio sets, field exchanges and FAX machines. Work is in progress to have a real time C4I System at all tiers of the Army.
Recruitment and Formation :-
Since 1947, the Pakistani Armed Forces have grown into a national, highly professional, modern defense arm of the nation. Recruitment for officers and other ranks is open to all sections, classes, castes and tribes who meet the physical and educational standards. In 1972, the National Defense College commenced the first fully fledged course to impart higher military education to senior officers. The National University of Sciences and Technology (NUST) was established in 1993 as a joint venture of the army and civil institutions, with links to the Michigan State University (USA) and Cranfield University (UK) for imparting graduate and post graduate studies and PhD/MS programs. It is based on the decentralized multi campus concept and has the following affiliated colleges :-
▪ Military College of Engineering (Risalpur)
▪ Military College of Signals (Rawalpindi)
▪ Military College of Electrical and Mechanical Engineering (Rawalpindi)
▪ Military College of Transport (Risalpur)
▪ Pakistan Navy Engineering College (Karachi)
▪ PAF College of Aeronautical Engineering (Risalpur).
The Role in the Social Sector :-
The Pakistan Army, in addition to its primary responsibility of defense and security, is also playing its role in the social sector and in nation-building activities through the Fauji Foundation, Army Welfare Trust, Frontier Works Organization, Special Communication Organization and the National Logistics Cell, and in assisting in alleviation of suffering and succor in natural calamities like floods, earthquakes, etc.
Nation Building Programs :-
The Founder of the nation extended full patronage to the Pakistan Army in particular and the allied services in general and asked the defense forces to defend not only the territorial integrity of the country but also its ideological frontiers. From the very outset, the Pakistan Army has been dedicated to the service of the nation. Through its innumerable services and excellent performance in the completion of nation building projects, the Pakistan Army has won the confidence and respect of the nation with the grace of Almighty Allah.
Besides carrying out its basic duty of defending the country, the Pakistan Army has played a pivotal role in a number of nation building projects. Some of these are Building of road networks in the inaccessible Northern Area, Azad Kashmir, Baluchistan. On a number of occasions, the army has conducted rescue operations during the great floods. Again it has also conducted anti locust, anti boar and anti smuggling operations.
Earthquake 2005 :-
Never before has Pakistan experienced such a big catastrophe as the earthquake of 8 October 2005 that shattered the vital areas of Azad Kashmir, NWFP and Islamabad. The overwhelming response of the Army had been admirable, this reflected the total devotion and commitment to uphold the flag of Pakistan at any cost within minutes after earthquake, Army Aviation Helicopters were in the air in order to assess damage and bring back injured casualties. All the main roads in Muzaffarabad were reopened after 36 hours of the earthquake. Fifty satellite phone PCOs in Kashmir and 60 in affected areas of NWFP had been installed for the convenience of people to make and receive calls free of cost. Around 72 average sorties were flown every day in areas like Sortir, Lamina, Saropa, Chakothi, Garhi Dupatta, Pir Chinari, Billgra, Sawan, Pundu and Hatian Balla villages, while the areas in Neelum Valley where the rescue and relief operations were being carried out include Ghori, Dhani, Ging, Pangkot, Patikkka and Noseri. Relief items, including food, tents and blankets, were being dropped in Chakot, Sudhan Gali, Saropa, Neelum Valley and Gari Dopatta. Around 300 truck loads were distributed in Muzaffarabad almost every day.
The Pakistan Army medical staff continued to shift serious patients from quake hit areas through MI-17, Chinook, Black Hawk, CH-53 and Sea King helicopters. Pak Army's medical teams were working day and night in Muzaffarabad, Rawalakot, Bagh, Balakot and Batagram with a missionary zeal, our troops were working round-the-clock to mitigate sufferings of the millions of survivors. The foreign dignitaries and leaders of political parties who had been visiting the devastated areas were unanimous in lauding the role of our dedicated soldiers in alleviating human sufferings. Mercifully, Pakistan Army had done more than one could expect.
Welfare Projects :-
The army’s welfare projects and schemes contribute to the national development program in a big way. The Army Welfare Trust, the Welfare and Rehabilitation Organization, Armed Services Board and the Fauji Foundation all serve tens of thousands of nationals in service and after retirement. Besides, free medical services are provided to the citizens in the backward area of the country. The army provides educational facilities to the soldiers and officers. It encourages the servicemen to enhance their education and provides all necessary facilities in the regard. The army offers course in higher education like M. Phil and Ph.D. It runs the National University of Modern Languages which has, on its staff, a large number of foreign instructors. The army trains officers at this institute to further send them to foreign courses. The army has started own Medial College whose graduates will serve the armed forces. In the domain of national education, the army has also contributed in a big way bringing in, efficiency, order and discipline in so far as its management of schools and colleges in the Cantonment areas is concerned. There is a marked improvement in the performance of students and teachers of these institutions and the general administration has been improved remarkably.
Conclusion :-
The Pakistan Army, like Pakistan, started virtually from a scratch on 14 August 1947, in the face of heavy odds. During these 61 years, the Army, like the Navy and Air Force, has evolved into a highly motivated and modern force defending the ideological and geographical frontiers of Pakistan.
Article Taken From Source :-
Https://www.pakistanarmy.gov.pk/
Article Taken From Source :-
Https://www.pakistanarmy.gov.pk/
Friday, July 4, 2014
Heckler & Koch MP5 Of Pakistan Army
The Heckler & Koch MP5 (from German: Maschinenpistole 5, "machine pistol model 5") is a 9mm submachine gun of German design, developed in the 1960s by a team of engineers from the German small arms manufacturer Heckler & Koch GmbH (H&K) of Oberndorf am Neckar. There are over 100 variants of the MP5, including a semi-automatic version. The MP5 is one of the most widely used submachine guns in the world, having been adopted by 40 nations and numerous military, law enforcement, intelligence, and security organizations. In the 1990s, Heckler & Koch developed the Heckler & Koch UMP, the MP5's successor; both are available as of 2014.
Design Specifications :-
The primary version of the MP5 family is the MP5A2, which is a lightweight, air-cooled, selective fire delayed blowback operated 9×19mm Parabellum weapon with a roller-delayed bolt. It fires from a closed bolt (bolt forward) position. The fixed, free floating, cold hammer-forged barrel has 6 right-hand grooves with a 1 in 250 mm (1:10 in) rifling twist rate and is pressed and pinned into the receiver.
Features :-
The first MP5 models used a double-column straight box magazine, but since 1977, slightly curved, steel magazines are used with a 15-round capacity (weighing 0.12 kg) or a 30-round capacity (0.17 kg empty).
The adjustable iron sights (closed type) consist of a rotating rear diopter drum and a front post installed in a hooded ring. The rear sight is adjustable for both windage and elevation with the use of a special tool, being adjusted at the factory for firing at 25m with standard 124 grains FMJ 9x19mm NATO ammunition; the drum provides four different apertures of varying width used to adjust the light entrance in the diopter system, according to the user's eye relief and tactical situation, and not for firing at 25, 50, 75 and 100m as some people wrongly imagine.
The MP5 has a hammer firing mechanism. The trigger group is housed inside an interchangeable polymer trigger module (with an integrated pistol grip) and equipped with a three-position fire mode selector that serves as the manual safety toggle. The “S” or Sicher position in white denotes weapon safe, “E” or Einzelfeuer in red represents single fire, and “F” or Feuerstoß (also marked in red) designates continuous fire. The SEF symbols appear on both sides of the plastic trigger group. The selector lever is actuated with the thumb of the shooting hand and is located only on the left side of the original SEF trigger group or on both sides of the ambidextrous trigger groups. The safety/selector is rotated into the various firing settings or safety position by depressing the tail end of the lever. Tactile clicks (stops) are present at each position to provide a positive stop and prevent inadvertent rotation. The "safe" setting disables the trigger by blocking the hammer release with a solid section of the safety axle located inside the trigger housing.
The non-reciprocating cocking handle is located above the handguard and protrudes from the cocking handle tube at approximately a 45° angle. This rigid control is attached to a tubular piece within the cocking lever housing called the cocking lever support, which in turn, makes contact with the forward extension of the bolt group. It is not however connected to the bolt carrier and therefore cannot be used as a forward assist to fully seat the bolt group. The cocking handle is held in a forward position by a spring detent located in the front end of the cocking lever support which engages in the cocking lever housing. The lever is locked back by pulling it fully to the rear and rotating it slightly clockwise where it can be hooked into an indent in the cocking lever tube.
Operating Mechanism Details :-
The bolt rigidly engages the barrel extension a cylindrical component welded to the receiver into which the barrel is pinned. The delay mechanism is of the same design as that used in the G3 rifle. The two-part bolt consists of a bolt head with rollers and a bolt carrier. The heavier bolt carrier lies up against the bolt head when the weapon is ready to fire and inclined planes on the front locking piece lie between the rollers and force them out into recesses in the barrel extension.
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| Heckler & Koch MP5 Of Pakistan Army |
When fired, expanding propellant gases produced from the burning powder in the cartridge exert rearward pressure on the bolt head transferred through the base of the cartridge case as it is propelled out of the chamber. A portion of this force is transmitted through the rollers projecting from the bolt head, which are cammed inward against the inclined flanks of the locking recesses in the barrel extension and to the angled shoulders of the locking piece. The selected angles of the recesses and the incline on the locking piece produce a velocity ratio of about 4:1 between the bolt carrier and the bolt head. This results in a calculated delay, allowing the projectile to exit the barrel and gas pressure to drop to a safe level before the case is extracted from the chamber.
The delay results from the amount of time it takes for enough recoil energy to be transferred through to the bolt carrier in a sufficient quantity for it to be driven to the rear against the force of inertia of the bolt carrier and the forward pressure exerted against the bolt by the recoil spring. As the rollers are forced inward they displace the locking piece and propel the bolt carrier to the rear. The bolt carrier's rearward velocity is four times that of the bolt head since the cartridge remains in the chamber for a short period of time during the initial recoil impulse. After the bolt carrier has traveled rearward 4 mm, the locking piece is withdrawn fully from the bolt head and the rollers are compressed into the bolt head. Only once the locking rollers are fully cammed into the bolt head can the entire bolt group continue its rearward movement in the receiver, breaking the seal in the chamber and continuing the feeding cycle.
Since the 9×19mm Parabellum cartridge is relatively low powered, the bolt does not have an anti-bounce device like the G3, but instead the bolt carrier contains tungsten granules that prevent the bolt group from bouncing back after impacting the barrel extension. The weapon has a fluted chamber that enhances extraction reliability by bleeding gases backwards into the shallow flutes running along the length of the chamber to prevent the cartridge case from expanding and sticking to the chamber walls (since the bolt is opened under relatively high barrel pressure). A spring extractor is installed inside the bolt head and holds the case securely until it strikes the ejector arm and is thrown out of the ejection port to the right of the receiver. The lever-type ejector is located inside the trigger housing (activated by the movement of the recoiling bolt).
Manufactured And Used By Pakistan Army :-
Pakistan ordinance factories make this weapon under license. This fast submachine gun is used special services group and some other law enforcement agencies inside pakistan. This weapon is used globally for the protection details of VIPs’. Pakistan Manufactures the MP5A2, MP5P3 (MP5A3), MP5P4 (MP5A4), MP5P5 (MP5A5) and SMG PK (MP5K). The SMG PK-1 is an MP5K clone with a short retractable stock.
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