India can’t impose war: Mushahid

LAHORE: PML-Q Secretary-General Mushahid Husain Syed has stressed that there is an urgent need to initiate the process of composite dialogue between Pakistan and India for the resolution of all problems, including Kashmir, and to maintain long lasting peace in South East Asia.

Speaking at a seminar on “Pak-India Relations in Changing Scenario” at the Centre for South Asian Studies (CSAS), Punjab University, on Monday, he said Pakistan and India were the only two nuclear armed neighbouring countries that had an outstanding controversial dispute like Kashmir.

He said the path to a durable peace in the region lay in settling the Kashmir issue in the light of UN resolutions.

Presently, he said, Pakistan and India were evenly-balanced because the supremacy of India in terms of numbers and traditional armaments had ended after Pakistan attained nuclear power status in 1998.

“Neither India can impose war on Pakistan like it did in 1971 nor Pakistan has now any apprehensions of such a war or aggression from any quarter,” he said.

At the most, he said, India could indulge in conspiracies to isolate Pakistan through diplomatic efforts, intervene in Pakistan’s internal affairs by sponsoring acts of terrorism or subject it to water aggression by depriving it of its water share.

Mr Syed said the biggest hurdle in the normalisation of relations between both the countries was the prejudiced Indian behaviour that harboured aggressive designs against Pakistan.

He said three important developments had taken place in the world scenario recently that had made the global situation conducive for Pakistan.

He said the significance of Afghanistan and Pakistan had increased in the US priorities as compared to India.

He said the US had lost war in Afghanistan and was desperately looking for any safe and honourable passage out of the morass. He said the passage for enduring peace and stability in Afghanistan pass through Pakistan.

He said the third important emerging development was the rise of China as an overwhelming political and economic power in the world arena. So, he said, the 21st century belonged to Asia.

He said the US was becoming weaker and weaker with every passing day on account of its worsening economic conditions.

Now, he said, the political and economic leadership could work out a doable strategy in the light of national objectives and goals to seek optimal advantage for Pakistan by exploiting these three emerging favourable developments.

PU Vice-Chancellor Prof Dr Mujahid Kamran said the US was looking for a safe and honourable exit from Afghanistan due to sacrifices and historic resistance put up by the valiant people of Afghanistan.

CSAS director Prof Dr Muhammad Saleem Mazhar also spoke on the occasion.

Kayani spells out terms for regional stability

RAWALPINDI: Chief of the Army Staff General Ashfaq Parvez Kayani said on Monday the success of military operations in the tribal regions have caused substantial decline in cross-border attacks on Nato forces in Afghanistan and warned that it was essential to address Pakistan’s long-term strategic concerns for stability in the region.

In a rare press briefing, General Kayani said it would be a cause of worry for Pakistan if Afghanistan’s projected army developed the potential to take on Pakistan.
“We want a strategic depth in Afghanistan but do not want to control it,” the general said while talking to a group of journalists at the Army General Headquarters.

“A peaceful and friendly Afghanistan can provide Pakistan a strategic depth.” He asked the US and Nato to come out with a clear strategy on Afghanistan.

General Kayani who last week participated in Nato commanders’ conference in Brussels said Pakistan was prepared to train the Afghan National Army which would help improve relations between the two nations. He said he hoped the offer would get a positive response.

“If we get more involved with the ANA (Afghan National Army) there’s more interaction and better understanding,” General Kayani said.

“We have opened all doors … It’s a win-win for Afghanistan, the United States, Isaf and Pakistan,” he said, referring to Nato’s International Security Assistance Force.

He said he believed it would take at least four years to achieve a target of a 140,000-strong Afghan force able to take over security responsibilities.

Pakistan has raised concern over a similar offer by India to train Afghan army, and the issue could become another point of conflict between the two South Asian neighbours.

Pakistan’s offer reflects Islamabad’s rising concern over Indian influence in Afghanistan. “Our strategic paradigm needs to be fully realised,” General Kayani said.

He warned that an environment hostile to Pakistan could strain its battle against militancy and extremism. He said he had conveyed the concerns and constraints of Pakistan to the Nato allies.

“There are some key issues of the conflict that needed to be fully understood and addressed.”

He said there was a need for realisation of Pakistan’s key regional position and its contribution in the war.

General Kayani said more than 140,000 Pakistani troops were now involved in fighting militants in the northwest and deployment along the Afghan border.

He said over the last seven months Pakistani military had launched 209 major and 510 minor operations in 10 regions. He said 2,273 Pakistani army officers and soldiers had been killed in the fighting so far.

General Kayani said that the military operations in South Waziristan and Swat were at present in a transitory phase — from hold to build. “We must consolidate our gains and fully stabilise the area secured lest it fall back to the terrorists,” he said.

He warned against losing sight for future operations. “Public opinion, media support, army’s capability and resolve are fundamental to our war,” he said.

General Kayani rejected the perception that Pakistan did not want to take on the militants in North Waziristan. “There is already one army division deployed there and we have taken action whenever required,” he declared

He said it was important that the military consolidated its hold in South Waziristan and other tribal regions before starting another army offensive.

Last October the army launched a major offensive in South Waziristan which had become the main bastion of Pakistani Taliban movement and Al Qaeda.

More than 30,000 troops have been involved in the operation which is said to be the biggest since Pakistan joined the US war on terror after September 11, 2001.

The troops have cleared most of the region, but there are still pockets of resistance. Many Taliban commanders have taken refuge in neighbouring Waziristan. “We have broken the myth that Waziristan cannot be controlled,” he said.

Pakistan has been facing mounting pressure from the United States to start army operation in North Waziristan which is the base for another Taliban faction.

The US and western intelligence agencies believe the area is also a base of Afghan insurgents led by Sirajuddin Haqqani. Pakistan had signed a peace deal with the Taliban faction in 2006.

General Kayani said Pakistani military’s success in South Waziristan had sent a strong message to the militants operating in North Waziristan and other areas.

“There is, however, no need at this point to start a stream roller operation in North Waziristan.”

The army chief said the large number of casualties suffered by the Pakistani security forces and economic losses had not dented the armed forces’ resolve to fight terrorism and violent extremism. “We will fight and finish the terrorism in our own interest,” General Kayani said.

He said the intelligence sharing and greater cooperation between Pakistani military and US forces had helped improve the situation. “The regular contacts between Pakistani and US military commanders have greatly helped in understanding each others’ position.”

From Cold Start Strategy to Halt, Turn Around and Run Like a Puppy Strategy

by Khawaja Asad Saeed

Remember June 5th, 1967? Rapid and sudden air strikes by Israel that almost completely wiped out air forces of 3 Muslim nations? Our coward neighbour to the right has been begging Israel to teach them some such strategies. Currently, we face the possibility of a rapid deployment of Special Indian Forces in case of a ‘terrorist’ attack on Indian soil. They tried around Eid last year but ran away like a puppy when their war planes came face to face with Pakistan Air Force. Right now, the plan is being deployed again. The double edged sword of Aman Ki Asha and Confidence Building Measures has a hidden name; Cold Start Strategy! After successfully deploying their assets on the ground to create anarchy in the country, it is the perfect time to use high altitude precision GPS guided missiles to strike command and control centres inside Pakistan. It may pave the way for a sudden ground assault and the dream of “reaching Islamabad and Rawalpindi within 48 hours” suddenly becomes a possibility.

What is the response to this? Their assets on the ground have been hit hard by the brave Pakistan Army in SWAT and South Waziristan. SW was dubbed the mother of all battles. SWAT was called death- valley. But apparently, the operations conducted by Pak Army and Air Force turned out to be legendary operations that shattered the Cold Start Strategy doctrine in just few months, and turned it into a ‘Halt,- Turn -Around -& -Run- Like- A –Puppy’ Strategy. Then appeared Aman Ki Asha! Now is the time to slap the face of this pathetically ineffective political government.

To throw cold water on this dream of our neighbour and turn it into a nightmare, we need a quick change in the political leadership. The Supreme Court is doing an amazing job on the NRO. The place where we need to focus now is the Finance Ministry. It is our biggest weakness right now. We need to build extreme and rapid pressure on it to reveal the secret conditions agreed with the IMF. Our finances are run by IMF right now. Every month, there is some price hike that helps the Cold Start Strategy regain some lost momentum. I appeal to all young Pakistani Patriots to take a stand and support our Pakistani Nationalists inside the Finance Ministry to take a stand against this economic colonialism. We urgently need to create disaster management strategies. Pakistan Army has its disaster management planned out. But we, as a nation, are not ready for it. We need to tell our Patriots in the Finance Ministry that you have our full support! Unveil the secret conditions so we can take matters into our own hands. Only then can we start building our disaster management strategy as a nation. This has serious potential to pave the way for the collapse of this pathetically ineffective political set up.

Finally, I appeal to all cyber warriors of Pakistan to raise this issue. What you guys have done in the past few years is nothing short of extraordinary! All the work that is being done by you has a MONSTER EFFECT! Now is the time to take matters in our own hands. LETS LIVE WITH DIGNITY AND DIE WITH HONOUR!

CIA Threats To Pakistan: Episode 10


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Army investigates reports of Hakimullah Mehsud’s death

ISLAMABAD: The Pakistani army said it is investigating reports that Pakistani Taliban leader Hakeemullah Mehsud has died from injuries sustained in a US drone missile strike.

Pakistani army spokesman Gen. Athar Abbas said the army is using its agents in Pakistan’s northwest where the death is reported to have occurred to try to confirm or deny the reports.

Pakistani state TV reported earlier Sunday that Mehsud died in Orakzai tribal area, where he was reportedly being treated for his injuries. It cited ”official sources.”

Pakistani intelligence officials have said that Mehsud was hit in a US drone strike in South Waziristan on Jan. 14, triggering rumors he had been injured or killed. Mehsud issued two audio tapes after the strike denying the rumors. The state run TV also claimed that Mehsud had been buried in Tajaka village in Mamozai area of Orakzai Agency.

$500m for ‘Safe Exit’ from Afghanistan’s Unforgiving History



“Those who do not learn from history, are condemned to repeat it” -George Santana

Dan Qayyum | Editor, PKKH

After 9 years of maintaining an expensive presence on Afghan soil, thousands of lives and billions wasted in aid and reconstruction efforts, not to forget bribes to warlords and drug barons, the US and its allies have come up with a real gem of an idea – trying to buy themselves a safe exit from the Afghan mess for a cool $500m.

The world leaders gathered at the Afghanistan Conference in London seem to have realised the only hope left is to save face and exit Afghanistan with some dignity intact. Their offer of cash to the Taliban, laughable as it is, is a last ditch effort to save Hamid Karzai’s government by attempting to buy out his only real opposition in Afghanistan.

Taliban today control 33 out of 34 provinces of Afghanistan and are under no pressure to negotiate with the ‘Governor of Kabul’ – as he’s mockingly called in Afghanistan due to his rule being limited to parts of the Afghan capital. The momentum is with the Taliban and they are in a position to dictate terms. Therefore the plan to rope in ‘moderate’ elements of the Taliban by promises of cash and power is a non-starter.

The decision reached at the conference to invite Pakistan and Saudi Arabia to mediate with the Taliban and Kabul’s Government seems to have little point, even though it confirms what Pakistan has been saying for years – that there will not be a solution to the Afghan problem until the Taliban – who represent Afghanistan’s Pashtun majority – are ignored.

Good Taliban / Bad Taliban

Pakistan Army’s policy of differentiating between various Taliban factions and militant groups found no takers in Western capitals up until the recent past. Pakistan Army had been widely criticised for selectively targeting only those militant outfits which attacked Pakistan, namely the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and has always rejected US demands to act against Gulbuddin Hekmatyar’s Hizb-e-Islami and the Haqqani network – both of which the US alleges are based in Pakistan’s North Waziristan region and are actively fighting against the US & NATO troops in Afghanistan.

Not only have Gulbuddin and Haqqani’s men never acted against Pakistan, the Pakistan Army also regards them as future power brokers in the post-US Afghanistan.

The Taliban leader in Afghanistan, Mullah Muhammad Omar, is also ready to break with his al-Qaida allies in order to make peace in the country, according to the former Pakistani intelligence officer who trained him.

Brigadier Sultan Amir Tarar (known as Colonel Imam), a retired officer with Pakistan’s Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) agency, said: “The moment he gets control, the first target will be the al-Qaida people. He wants peace in the country, he doesn’t want adventure. He has had enough of that.”

Pakistan has legitimate interests to protect in the region beyond its borders, and is justified in pursuing those interests through means it deems necessary. The US and NATO will not stay in the region much longer – Pakistan has no other option than to support the Afghan Taliban in order to ensure that the Afghan soil is not used by its arch-rival India to destabilize Pakistan.

As Ahmed Quraishi notes:

In 2001, Pakistan gave the ultimate strategic sacrifice by ditching a friendly government in Afghanistan and help American occupy that country. We let the Americans install a government of their choice in Kabul and saw them push the terrorists inside Pakistan instead of finishing them off on the Afghan soil. We suffered billions of dollars in undocumented losses, way beyond the pittance in American aid. And what did we get? Insurgencies, terrorism and economic collapse. On top of it, India has blocked Pakistan’s water, effectively declaring a water war. This same hostile India is firmly establishing its presence near our borders in Afghanistan. And then the Americans have the audacity to come and berate us for having a soft corner for freedom fighters in Kashmir and Afghanistan. Even if we don’t want to do it, what choice do we have? If we sympathize with the Afghan Taliban or with Kashmiri groups that antagonize India, there is a legitimate reason for it. Pakistan can’t be expected to drop its legitimate interests just because US or India wants so.

Washington’s permission to India to set up a military and intelligence presence in Afghanistan along Pakistan’s borders is widely seen as the latest US back-stabbing after Pakistan’s u-turn on its own Taliban policy. Western analysts and senior government officials have confirmed India’s involvement in terrorism in Pakistan’s Balochistan province, as well as channeling funds and arms to Pakistani terrorist outfits including the TTP through corrupt Afghan warlords. A destabilized Pakistan helps India’s case against Pakistan’s nuclear weapons, which it demands be neutralized in face of what it calls a ’serious Taliban takeover threat’.

In reality however, the TTP are being wiped out at the hands of Pakistan’s armed forces with even the US and NATO stunned at the efficiency and success of the army operations against TTP militants in Swat and South Waziristan.

For the first time in 8 years, Pakistan now has the upper hand and has started to dictate terms to the US, starting last week with the rejection of US request to extend the operation to North Waziristan. Anticipating an imminent turnaround in Pakistan’s Afghan policy and fearing the US supply lines into Afghanistan may come under pressure, the US has immediately sought to pacify the Pakistan Armed Forces with promises to deliver 12 ‘unarmed’ shadow drones – which was rejected as Pakistan already has superior UAVs.

This turnaround by the Pakistan Army couldn’t have come at a worse time for the US and NATO forces – with the recent attacks on CIA’s Chapman outpost in Khost, a failed civilian government incharge, an incompetent Afghan army, and with 30,000 US troops on their way to what many now realise is a lost cause.

The biggest sign yet of the reversal of fortunes comes with a simple but symbolic ‘Are you with us or against us?’ from an senior Pakistan Army official to Secretary Robert Gates. Pakistan Army also made it clear to the US Secretary of Defence that Pakistan will actively oppose any plans that include India’s presence in Afghanistan, which it sees as unacceptable.

Keeping India Out Of Afghanistan

Pakistan has successfully mobilised the defunct six-plus-two talks formula to counter the US pressure regarding giving India a “greater role” in warn-torn Afghanistan’s rehabilitation.

Afghanistan’s immediate neighbours – Pakistan, Iran, China, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan, as well as the US, met last week in Turkey to discuss the situation in Afghanistan and to take stock of measures for the restoration of peace in the country. The original “six-plus-two” also included Russia, but in the new set up Moscow representation has been replaced by the United Kingdom.

Diplomatic sources said Pakistan had been lobbying for the renewal of talks among Afghanistan’s neighbours in order to foil Indian designs of gaining a foothold on Afghan soil.

Pakistan believes India is not an immediate neighbour of Afghanistan and therefore should have limited role in the country.

Turkey was asked to convene the meeting, as it enjoys the backing and trust of Pakistan and is accepted as a neutral party for promoting a common approach to the conflict. The conference urged regional players to work together in order to stabilise Afghanistan and the region.

The revival of the talks group came at a crucial juncture – two days before the London Conference attended by 50 nations to discuss the Afghan issue and deliberate on measures to help the war-ravaged nation. The organisers of the London Conference, like the US, had been trying to convince Pakistan on accepting the greater Indian role in Afghanistan.

India appears to be the biggest loser from the London conference. Not only has Pakistan succesfully managed to keep it out of key decision-making, but has also offered to help train 300,000 Afghan Police and Army personnel within the next 2 years – a role that India had been whoring itself out for.

Participants of the London Conference also rejected India’s assertion that there were ‘no degrees of Talibanism – all factions must be fought and destroyed’. India often bundles the Kashmiri militant groups within this classification, in an attempt to discredit the legitimate Kashmiri freedom struggle. New Delhi has even gone to the extent of alleging the presence of Afghan Taliban in Indian occupied Kashmir – which was rejected outright by its own Armed forces, causing massive embarassment.

On the other hand, it is Pakistan that seems to have come out of this conference with its head held high. Not only does the world accept the need for bringing Afghan Taliban into the political frame – a long-standing demand of the Pakistan Army – Pakistan has also been requested to assist in brokering the deal which the US and NATO believe will allow them a safe exit.

Any attempt to ‘buy out’ a group of ideologues, who by any description are not much more than a ragtag army of lightly armed Mujahideen, shows the desperation of the US and its allies and their utter ignorance in understanding the mindset of their nemesis. The United States of America will become the latest in a long line of empires and superpowers who have been buried under Afghanistan’s mountains and dusty plains. Billions haven’t been able to save them, another 500m won’t do the trick either.

وَلَا تَهِنُوا وَلَا تَحْزَنُوا وَأَنتُمُ الْأَعْلَوْنَ إِن كُنتُم مُّؤْمِنِينَ
“And be not infirm, and be not grieving, and you shall have the upper hand if you are believers. (3:139)”

Warid Telecom ‘ The Most Reliable Cellular Service’


image001   Warid Telecom  The Most Reliable Cellular Service PakPoint.comWarid Telecom (Pvt.) Ltd. is countries third largest and most reliable cellular service provider. Warid is a joint venture between Abu Dhabi group and Singapore Telecom. Abu Dhabi Group is one of the largest business groups in the Middle East and the single largest foreign investor in Pakistan. Abu Dhabi Group is led by His Highness Sheikh Nahayan Mabarak Al Nahayan. Singapore Telecommunications is Asia’s leading communications group having investments in more than 20 countries and territories around the world. Singtel has 130 years of operating experience in Singapore, providing a diverse range of communication services and solutions, including fixed, mobile, data, Internet, info-communications technology, satellite and pay TV. The partnership of Abu Dhabi Group and Singtel is the part of strategy to support Warid Telecom’s continued growth and to enhance its market position.

With the end of 2009 Warid Telecom completed its four and half years of successful business operations in Pakistan. Warid Telecom simultaneously launched its services in 28 major cities of Pakistan on May, 23rd 2005 as fourth largest telecom operator. Warid brought some of the most innovative value added services which were introduced in Pakistan for the very first time. Warid became so popular that it gained its first million subscribers in just 80 days of launch while in just 300 days the subscriber base reached to 3 million. Warid Telecom has made tremendous progress and earned remarkable brand reputation along with customer loyalty. Being recognized as most reliable cellular service, today Warid subscriber base has reached over 18.71 million customers with the market share of 19.35% (till Nov 09-PTA).

That uniquely distinguish Warid from other operators is its quality network services. Warid Telecom is providing cellular service in Pakistan through 2G, 2.5G & 2.75G enabled GSM technology. Being recognized as most trusted network, started from 28 cities today Warid offers its services in 496 cities that covers more than 12500Km road length area throughout Pakistan. Warid’s mission is to maintain and deliver unmatched high quality network experience to every nook and corner of the country. Warid’s commitment to excellence and unparalleled network experience has led it to provide coverage in extremely difficult terrain of South-West Punjab collaboration with USFCo for DG Khan Lot. Warid is a Dual Vendor network, the Dense-Urban /Urban areas are being covered by Ericsson whereas the Suburban/Rural areas are covered by Huawei. This intelligent distribution has ensured that Warid is a very cost efficient yet quality driven Network. Warid is determined in catering all the segments of society through careful attention.

Warid is also the market leader in terms of Post Paid customers besides being very active in the prepaid sector as well having lately announced the launch of a new prepaid brand ‘GLOW’ as new youth brand. GLOW has become very popular amongst youngsters who once again declared Warid as their favourite cellular company through their over-whelming response. Warid also offers international roaming with over 231 live GSM roaming partners in 141 countries and 128 live GPRS roaming partners in 94 countries and prepaid roaming service in 22 countries, covering about 70% of the world including Europe, Africa, Middle East and Asia.

With an ambition to win the hearts of its customers Warid Telecom is constantly delivering with exceptional customer services. Warid has two state of the art Contact Centers in Lahore and Karachi servicing almost 182,383 customers on average in 24 hours. Warid also has 23 fully operational business centers out of which 3 are Mobile Business Centers (an innovation in the Cellular Industry). On average there are 7000 walk in customers visit Warid business centers everyday. Warid has 84858 retail outlets and 320 franchises across Pakistan. In order to effectively gauge the current customer experience and feedback, an innovative feedback program “Customer Delight Program” has been initiated. Furthermore to personalize the servicing of high value customers, “Priority Customer Services” was launched to cater the needs of Corporate and high revenue generating customers.

Annual telecom consumer complaints report issued by Pakistan Telecommunication Authority for 2008-09 states Warid Telecom with minimum complaints that reflects the quality of services Warid Telecom offers to its valuable customers. The consumer survey results of the Brands Award reveal that Warid has been considered the best cell phone operator in Pakistan. In year 2008, Warid won ‘Brand of the Year Award’ in the category of ‘The Best Cellular Company in Pakistan’. Warid was also awarded the ‘Mobile Operator with Best Consumer Pull in Pakistan’ in 2006 at the Voice & Data CEO Conclave (Colombo). Similarly Warid Prepaid ‘Zem’ won the ‘Brand of the Year 2006-07’ at the Super Brands Awards. Warid Telecom since its inception has always focused on delivering the best to its subscribers by not only providing the affordable means of communication but a truly reliable network service and delighting after sales services. With the substantial market share, loyal subscriber base and the recognition as the most steadfast telecom operator, Warid Telecom continues to set excellence benchmarks in Telecom Industry of Pakistan.

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