Pak China Strategic Relations

Enhancing Sino-Pak economic ties

April 08, 2013

The symbiotic relationship between Pakistan and China is characterized by geo-political and geo-strategic cornerstone for both countries that transcend diplomatic relationships Pakistan has with any other sovereign state.

Gwadar Port Pak-China matter, says FO

April 11, 2013

Pakistan has said that growing Pak-Sino ties should not be a matter of concern for any country adding that Gwadar Port is a bilateral matter. Addressing a weekly press briefing on Thursday, Foreign Office spokesperson said Aizaz Ahmed Chaudhry said Pakistan and China enjoy all weather relationship.

Chinese ambassador calls on President Zardari

April 12, 2013

President Asif Ali Zardari said on Friday that Pakistan greatly values its relations with China in a meeting with China’s Ambassador Liu Jian in Islamabad, Dawn News reported. During the meeting, Pak-China relations were discussed in detail.

Pak-China strategic co-op to be enhanced: Envoy

April 18, 2013 

Chinese Ambassador to Pakistan, Liu Jian, vowing to strengthen Pak-China ties further in all fields said on Wednesday that China has been cooperating with the international community and regional partners to ensure peace, progress and prosperity in the region and the world.

China-Pakistan nuclear axis defies nonproliferation aims

Apr 19, 2013

The nonproliferation regime is in crisis with North Korea’s defiance and Iran’s continuation of its nuclear program despite opposition from the international community. Yet while a lot of discussion is happening about what can be done about these two states, no one seems willing to take on the elephant in the room: China.

Work on Gwadar-Ratodero road be accelerated

April 30, 2013

Prime Minister Mir Hazar Khan Khoso has said that the government will accelerate the pace of work on the Gwadar-Ratodero Road so that people of Pakistan can reap the benefits of the Gwadar port.

Pak-Afghan Relations

ISAF urged to check cross-border hits

April 2^nd, 2013

The ISAF chief’s visit is seen against the backdrop of declining Pak-Afghan military relations. A meeting between General Kayani and General Dunford on Monday saw extensive discussion on the matter, the army officer said.

Pakistan Border Post Sparks New Feud With Afghanistan

April 2^nd, 2013
The rift sharpens a recent confrontation that threatens to worsen already strained Afghan-Pakistani relations. Over the past month, the government of Afghan President Hamid Karzai repeatedly accusedPakistan of trying to undermine the prospects of….

Gen: Kayani urges ISAF to check attacks from Afghan soil

April 2^nd, 2013
“The Pakistani, the Afghans and the international community all desire peace and security in the region. These meetings are important to achieving that goal as we continue to explore ways to expand our relationship,” the military statement quoted.

Kayani meets ISAF commander

April 2^nd, 2013
RAWALPINDI – Pakistan’s Chief of Ar,my Staff Gen Asfhaq Parvez Kayani met with Isaf Commander in Afghanistan General Joseph F Dunford on Monday, according to a press release issued by the Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR).

Pak. military’s ‘unilateral’ border activity irks Kabul

April 3^rd, 2013
Relations between Pakistan and Afghanistan were further strained this week over what Kabul described as the “Pakistani military’s unilateral construction and physical reinforcement activities along the Durand Line”, close to Goshta district.

ISAF urged to check cross-border hits

April 3^rd, 2013
“Pakistan, the Afghanistan and the international community all desire peace and security in the region. These meetings are important to achieve that goal as we continue to explore ways to expand our relationship,” General Dunford said.

Two Pakistani soldiers hurt in Afghan attack

April 4^th, 2013

PESHAWAR,Pakistan— Two Pakistani soldiers were slightly wounded Thursday when militants fromAfghanistanattacked a border post, sparking a shootout in which four “terrorists” were killed, the Pakistani military said.

Afghan relations with Pakistan at new low

April 5^th, 2013
This 2012 file photo shows a Pakistani Army soldier with the 20th Lancers Armored Regimen standing atop a 8,000- foot mountain during a patrol near his outpost Kalpani Base in Pakistan’s Dir province on the Pakistan-Afghan border.

Pakistan promotes objective of nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation

April 5^th, 2013
While answering a question related to the Pakistan-Afghanistan relations Chaudhry said that Pakistan maintains a positive approach and is engaged with Kabul at all required levels.

Afghan militants attack Pak border post, 2 soldiers injured

April 5^th, 2013

Two Pakistani soldiers were injured and four terrorists killed when a group of militants from Afghanistan attacked a border post in the restive tribal belt on Thursday. The militants launched the attack in Alizai sector of Kurram Agency at 5.

Afghanistan eyes Taliban peace ahead of NATO withdrawal

April 5^th, 2013

Mr Stanakzai also made clear that Afghanistan’s neighbours in the region needed to engage constructively in efforts to make peace, describing Afghanistan’s relationship with Pakistan as turbulent.

US military for Pakistan’s role in Afghan peace

April 6^th, 2013

Top American commander has reaffirmed the importance of the U.S.-Pakistani security relationship to ongoing operations in Afghanistan and also to regional security and stability. General Lloyd J. Austin III, Commander of U.S. Central Command, wrapped.

Afghan relations with Pakistan at new low

April 6^th, 2013
Afghanistan accused Pakistan today of placing unacceptable conditions on efforts to bring peace to the country after nearly 12 years of war, the latest in a series of barbed exchanges that has sunk relations between the two neighbours to a new low.

FO concerned over TTP safe havens in Afghanistan

April 9^th, 2013
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan on Thursday reiterated its commitment for close collaboration with Afghanistan but expressed concern over continued presence of safe havens of terrorist elements of Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) in Kunar and Nooristan areas.

The intricacies of Pak-Afghan relations

April 11, 2013

Several Pakistanis concede Afghanistan’s sovereign right to pursue relations with the countries of its choosing. But asPakistanmoves to complete the first five years, ever, of democratic rule in its history.

In Afghan peace, the Pakistan factor

April 12, 2013
Over the past couple of weeks, Pakistani officials and Afghan leaders have accused each other of fomenting terrorism, disturbingly raising the pitch and dropping all pretence of good neighbourly relations.

Pakistan, Russia warming up for strategic rounds: FO

April 12, 2013

On Pak-Afghanistan relations, he admitted that there were challenges‚ but Pakistan and Afghan leadership were trying to resolve the issues. “Peaceful‚ stable and prosperousAfghanistanis in the interest ofPakistan.”

Pak-Afghan trade held hostage by instability

April 12, 2013
Although the Afghan-Pakistan Transit Trade Agreement (APTTA) signed in 2010 was dubbed a major diplomatic breakthrough at the time, it has failed to make any major improvements in bilateral trade between the two countries.

Pakistan, Russia have potential for vibrant relations: Demidov

April 13, 2013

He said the meetings laid the foundation for the realisation of the regional model for future settlement in Afghanistan, adding that the talks have improved the relations between Russia and Pakistan.

Pakistan gets into election mode as challenges galore

April 13, 2013
Constant pressure from a larger India to keep Pakistan off balance until it falls in line and the war in Afghanistan with its consequences are largely beyond Pakistan’s control despite its best efforts to manage its relations with India.

No light at tunnel’s end

April 14, 2013
On the Afghan side, Pakistan has been accused of not releasing Abdul Ghani Baradar, of imposing conditions for its cooperation including breaking Afghan relations with India, and signing a Pak-Afghan strategic partnership agreement etc.

Tensions rise between Kabul and Islamabad

April 16, 2013

He added that Afghanistan had all the options to protect Afghan sovereignty. The relationship betweenAfghanistan andPakistan has always been rocky but it has once again deteriorated over differing approaches to the peace talks with the Taliban.

Afghan and US military officials say Afghan commandos kill 22 insurgents…

April 16, 2013
Relations between Afghanistan and Pakistan have deteriorated in recent months, with Afghanistan accusing Pakistan of trying to torpedo efforts to begin peace talks with the Taliban.

Pakistan army says border issues with Afghanistan resolved – National Turk

April 17, 2013
Islamabad, April 16/Nationalturk – In a significant development signaling thaw in relations with strife-hit neighbouring country, Pakistan Army has said the border issues with Afghanistan have been resolved.

Pak-Afghan military ties – The Nation

April 17^th , 2013

Unless the neighbours of Afghanistan are allowed to play their due role, Pakistan will find to its cost that improvements in relations with Afghanistan are not to be turned on or off like water in taps.

‘Indo-Pak relations might affect India’s Afghan role’

April 18, 2013
Asserting that India can play a huge role in Afghanistan, US Secretary of State John Kerry acknowledged that because of the relationship between New Delhi and Islamabad it is “complicated circle” between the war-torn nation, Pakistan and India.

Chill in Pak-Afghan ties – The Frontier Post

April 18, 2013

Relations betweenPakistanandAfghanistanhave registered another low as both countries have again resorted to blame game.

Peaceful Afghanistan a must for stability in Pakistan, region: envoy

April 19, 2013
He was addressing at a seminar on “Pak-Afghan relations in the changing world scenario” organised by department of Political Sciences, University of Peshawar here on Thursday. TheAfghanistan is strongly supporting the reconciliation and peace process.

Love thy neighbour: Pak ambassador stresses on cordial ties with Afghanistan

April 19, 2013
Sadiq made the remarks while addressing a seminar titled ‘Pak-Afghan Relations in the Changing World Scenario’, arranged by the University of Peshawar’s (UoP) Department of Political Science at Archaeology Museum Hall University.

Why break the relationship?

April 20, 2013
Many would want to believe otherwise but it was the US that needed the relationship with Pakistan in 2001 as a transit area and major staging base for its Afghanistan operations.Pakistan, for its part, did need the economic and military aid on offer.

Afghan peace critical component in Pakistani foreign policy, ambassador

April 21, 2013
“Though Pakistani-Afghan relations have risen and fallen in the past, the past mistakes are history,” he told University of Peshawar students at a seminar. “We have to move forward.” About 30,000 Afghan students have graduated from Pakistani universities.

Afghanistan remains the second largest export market for Pakistan

April 22, 2013
While speaking during a seminar titled “Pak-Afghan relations in the changing world scenario” Mr. Sadiq said reconciliation among all ethnic groups and stakeholders in the war-affected country is the only solution for restoration of peace in the region.

U.S. special envoy, Pakistan army chief discuss Afghan reconciliation

April 22, 2013

The visit comes at a time when relations between Pakistan and Afghanistan are tense over the cross-border tension. Two topU.S. generals also visitedPakistan this month and discussed mainly aboutAfghanistan.

Why downturn in Pak-Afghan ties? – The Frontier Post

April 23, 2013
Pakistan being the neighbor directly gets affected by each ongoing scenario that takes place in Afghanistan.Pakistan has always tried to build enhanced relations withAfghanistan but the issues like border tension; Taliban fuss andUS presence has…

Kerry to Host Afghans and Pakistanis

April 23, 2013
The notably tense relationship between Mr. Karzai and General Kayani has been seen as an obstacle in efforts to ensure Afghan stability ahead of national elections next year.Pakistan’s cooperation is also critical

Pakistan to participate in Brussels talks on Afghanistan

April 23, 2013
The decision comes at a time when relations between Pakistan and Afghanistan are tense over the cross-border attacks. During the visit, General Kayani will also meet with senior NATO officials, the Foreign Ministry said.

Nato wants Pak positive role in Afghanistan – The Nation

April 24, 2013
Pakistan must play a positive role in bringing stability to Afghanistan as foreign troops prepare to leave in 2014, the head of NATO said on Tuesday, before a US-chaired meeting that will try to ease friction between often feuding neighbours.

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An in-house talk was arranged by SASSI about “History of Iraq’s Nuclear Program: New sources-New Answer”. Dr. Maria Sultan chaired the meeting and the speaker was Dr. Malfrid. Dr Malfrid Braut-Hegghammer, Assistant Professor, Norwegian Defense University College and visiting fellow South Asian Strategic Stability Institute (SASSI). The discussion was attended by experts from academia, media, foreign dignitaries and strategic community.

Dr. Malfrid in her presentation gave the overview of history Iraq’s nuclear program. She discussed four things: Firstly, How Iraqi sources shed light on Iraq’s nuclear history? ; Secondly, sources and perspectives; thirdly, nuclear lobbies in Iraq; finally, she presented conclusion and implications.

During her presentation she discussed the essence of the sources that emerged and then Iraq’s nuclear future. She challenged the argument that scientists are in authoritarian states are less willing and capable to built nuclear program. She presented her hypotheses even in such states nuclear program is influential and demand-full.

She highlighted that essence of academic debate and new sources mentioning two perspectives; Regime Survival (Etel Solingen, 2007) and new patrimonial states and science (Jacqkes Haymus, 2012). She highlights the nuclear logics from the Etel Solingen’s book and agreed the Jacqkes Haymus point that politics dominate and interfere in nuclear science. She also mentioned two sources in this regard CRRC/ captured records, memoirs and accounts.

Iraq explored nuclear science in mid 1950’s but had no technology. In 1960 Nuclear Research Centre established but there were no ambitions of nuclear program. She mentioned that in July 1968, the coup transformed the nature of politics under the leadership of Saddam Hussain. She also highlighted that different opinions were rising inside the nuclear establishments and even there were proposals but Saddam Hussain did not sanction any nuclear program.

Dr. Malfrid pointed out that, I975-79 was the period of drifting towards the bomb. But in 1980-81 the nuclear ambitions derailed. She also pinpointed the concerns of Dr. Jaffar the then director of Nuclear Research Centre (NRC), who was agreed to go for Iraqi Nuclear Program if the Ba’athist would be fired from Iraq. She told the audience that Osirak Attack in June 1981, once again brought attention towards the nuclear weapons program. This was the time period between 1981-91.

She concluded her presentation by saying that demand for nuclear weapons emerged in three stages: develop nuclear weapons option from 1975; recruit managers and planners in 1979-80; start nuclear weapons program in 1981. She further added that the scientists channeled and defined demand of direction as co-option not coercion, and they have the sign to say no.

The presentation was followed by the comments session. In the end DG SASSI Dr. Maria Sultan concluded the session by stating that when we talk about democracies v/s dictatorships what is important is to make institutes that can sustain. Further adding to that she stated that democracies are said to be the better because they put in institutions rather than emphasizing on individuals whereas in dictatorships individuals are given the power. She mentioned that if the individual is not focused and committed then the program might not survive after the disempowerment of that particular individual. So the only difference between democracies and dictatorships is in terms of how power is seen whether the power disseminates to the institutions and the group of people and the structures to make it sustainable or it is transferred to the individuals. In this case, it very important to see how much check and balance one has. This is how the system variates and there are other drivers too that can play role in it. The South Asian Strategic Stability Institute (SASSI) is an independent think tank dedicated to promoting peace and stability in South Asia. The South Asian Strategic Stability Institute takes a multi-disciplinary approach focused on strategic stability, aimed at bringing together the various streams of thought from the social and natural sciences, the policy makers and academia.

The Institute takes a multi-disciplinary approach aimed at bringing together various streams of thought from across the social and natural sciences, policy makers as well as the academia. We hope to make a leading contribution to regional and international academic and policy-orientated research discourses about South Asian security. (Mateah Aqeel has also contributed in this report)

The views and opinions expressed in this report are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of any person or organization.

Published in Weekly Pulse (22nd to 28th March 2013)

http://weeklypulse.org/details.aspx?contentID=3425&storylist=2

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WHEREAS it is expedient to provide for the establishment of South Asian Strategic
Stability Institute (SASSI) University at Islamabad and for matters connected with and
ancillary thereto;
It is hereby enacted as follows:—

CHAPTER I
PRELIMINARY

1. Short title and commencement.- (1) This Act may be called the South Asian Strategic Stability Institute University Islamabad Act, 2013.

    (2) It shall come into force at once.

2. Definitions.- In this Act, unless there is anything repugnant in the subject or context:

(i) “Academic Council” means the Academic Council of the University;

(ii) “Authority” means any of the authorities of the University;

(iii) “Affiliated institution” means Educational institution authorized by the board to conduct academic programs, research and development projects as approved by the University;

(iv) “Board” means the Board of Governors of the University;

(v) “Board of trustees” means Board of Trustees of the University;

(vi) “Chancellor” means the Chancellor of the University;

(vii) “College” means a constituent college, department, Institute or Centers;

(viii) “Commission” means the Higher Education Commission of Pakistan;

(ix) “Constituent college” means an educational institution, by whatever manner described, maintained and administered by the University;

(x) “Controller” means the head of examination department of the University;

(xi) “Dean” means the head of a faculty of the University;

(xii) “Department” means teaching department of the University;

(xiii) “Director” means the head of an institute established as a constituent institute by the University;

(xiv) “Executive Committee” means the Executive Committee of the University;

(xv) “Faculty” means an administrative and academic unit of the University consisting of one or more departments. It also includes any Professor, Associate Professor, Assistant Professor or Lecturer, tutor, engaged wholetime
or part-time by the University, or by a constituent college, institute or Centre;

(xvi) “Government” means the Federal Government;

(xvii) “Institute” means an institute or Centre, maintained and administered by the University;

(xviii) “Officer” means any officer of the University;

(xix) “Patron” means the Patron of the University;

(xx) “prescribed” means prescribed by the statutes, regulations or rules;

(xxi) “Professor Emeritus” means a retired Professor appointed by the Chancellor on honorary basis;

CHAPTER II
THE UNIVERSITY 

3. Establishment and incorporation of the University- (1) There shall be established a University to be called as the South Asian Strategic Stability Institute University Islamabad, consisting of,-

(a) the Patron, the Chancellor, the Vice-Chancellor, the members of the Board and the Board of Trustees;
(b) the members of Executive Committee, Deans, the Chairmen of the teaching departments and members of the Academic Council or any other Councils, Committee or Advisory Committees, as the Board of Governors may establish or authorize from time to time of the University;
(c) the members of the boards, committees and other bodies as the Board may establish;
(d) the members of the Faculties and students of the University and its constituent units in accordance with the terms prescribed from time to time, and all other; and
(e) such other officers and members of the staff as the Board may, from time to time, specify.

(2) The University shall be a body corporate by the name of South Asian Strategic Stability Institute (SASSI) University, having perpetual succession and a common seal, with powers, among others, to acquire and hold property, both movable and immovable, and to lease, sell or otherwise transfer any movable and immovable property which may have become vested in or been acquired by it.

(3) The principal seat of the University shall be at Islamabad and it may set up its campuses, colleges, institutes, offices, research or study centers and other facilities at such places in Pakistan as well as abroad as the Board of Governors may determine. The additional campuses shall be set up in other parts of the country, and in other parts of the world.

(4) Notwithstanding anything contained in any other law for the time being in force, the University shall have academic, financial and administrative autonomy, including the powers to employ officers, teachers and other employees on such terms as may be prescribed, subject to the terms of this Act.

 (5) In particular and without prejudice to the authority granted to the Commission by the law, the Government or an authority or auditor appointed by the Government shall have no power to question the policy underlying the allocation of resources approved by the Board in the annual budget of the University.

4. Powers and purposes of the University- The University shall have the following
powers, namely:-

(i) to promote and dissemination of knowledge and technology and to provide education, training, research, demonstration and scholarship in such branches of learning, as it may determine.

(ii) to make provisions for research, service to society and for the application, advancement and dissemination of knowledge by employing information technology including satellite, television, internet etc., or through conventional and innovative methods in the fields of management sciences, medical sciences, computer sciences, professional psychology strategic studies, security studies, environmental sciences, engineering as such other disciplines from the fields of natural and social sciences as it may determine;

(iii) to determine courses for study at the under graduate level in its constituent units as well as in its affiliated institutions, centers and colleges;

(iv) to prescribe courses of studies to be conducted by it and its affiliated constituents units and appropriate bodies;

(v) to hold examinations and to award and confer degrees, diplomas, certificates and other academic distinctions to and on persons who have been admitted to and have passed its examinations under prescribed conditions;

(vi) to prescribe the terms and conditions of employment of the officers, Faculty and other employees of the University;

(vii) to affiliate itself or associate with any other Institutions or Universities and relevant bodies whether national or international;

(viii) to pursue and coordinate research innovation and development;

(ix) to decide teaching methods and strategies in order to ensure most effective research and academic programmes;

(x) to use the financial and other resources allocated to it for execution of its
functions;

(xi) to engage, where necessary, any persons on contract of specified duration and to specify the terms of each engagement;

(xii) to confer honorary degrees or other distinctions on approved persons in the manner prescribed by the board of Governors in consultation with board of Trustees for the purpose;

(xiii) to confer degrees on the person who have carried out an independent research under prescribed conditions;

(xiv) to liaison with other research or academic organizations, industry and the relevant organizations or institutions to promote public private partnership, innovation and research, development, industrialization for the purposes of education, training and development;

(xv) to provide for such instruction for persons not being students of the University as it may prescribe and to grant certificates and diplomas to such persons;

(xvi) to institute programs for the academic collaboration and exchange of students and Faculty between the University and other universities, educational institutions and research organizations, inside as well as outside Pakistan:

(xvii) to maintain linkages with alumni and the industry and the relevant bodies;

(xviii) to develop and implement fund-raising plans;

 -: 4 :-

(xix) to provide and support the academic development of the faculty of the University;

(xx) to confer degrees on persons who have carried on independent research underprescribed conditions;

(xxi) to affiliate and disaffiliate educational institutions or relevant organizations under prescribes conditions;

(xxii) to inspect colleges and other educational institutions affiliated or seeking affiliation with it;

(xxiii) to accept the examinations passed and the period of study spent by students of the University at other universities and places of learning equivalent to such examinations and periods of study in the University, as it may prescribe, and
to withdraw such acceptance;

(xxiv) to co-operate with other universities, public authorities or private organizations, inside as well as outside Pakistan, in such manner and for such purposes as it , may prescribe;

(xxv) to institute professorships, associate professorships, assistant professorships and lectureships and any other posts and to appoint persons thereto;

(xxvi) to create posts for teaching, research, extension, administration and other related purposes and to appoint persons thereto;

(xxvii) to recognize selected members of teaching staff of colleges or educational institutions admitted to the privileges of the University or such other persons, as it may deem fit, as University Faculty;

(xxviii) to institute and award fellowships, scholarships, bursaries, medals and prizes under prescribed conditions;

(xxix) to establish teaching departments, schools, colleges, faculties, institutes, workshops, laboratories, Museums and other centers of learning for the development of teaching and research and to make such arrangements for their maintenance, management and administration as it may prescribe;

(xxx) to maintain order, discipline and security on campuses of the University and the colleges as per the rules and regulations of the University;

(xxxi) to promote extra-curricular and recreational activities of the students and to make arrangements for promoting their health and general welfare;

(xxxii) to demand and receive such fees and other charges as it may determine from time to time;

(xxxiii) to make provisions for research, advisory or consultancy services and with these objects to enter intoarrangements with other institutions, public or private bodies, commercial and industrial enterprises relevant Government, International, Nongovernmental Bodies, under prescribed conditions;

(xxxiv) to enter into, carry out, vary or cancel contracts;

(xxxv) to receive and manage property transferred and grants, contributions made to the University and to invest any fund representing such property, grants, bequests, trusts, gifts, donations, endowments or contributions and convert one
kind of property into other in such manner as it may deem fit;

(xxxvi) to provide for the printing and publication of research and other works;

(xxxvii)to do all such other acts and things, whether incidental to the powers aforesaid or not, as may be requisite or expedient in order to further the objectives of the University as a place of education, learning and research; and

(xxxviii) to decide virtual, online and distance teaching methods and strategies in order to ensure the conduct of most effective educational and training programs in the light of policy on the subject made by the Board of trustees.

 -: 5 :-

5. University open to all classes, creeds, etc. – (1) The University shall be open to all persons of either gender and of whatever religion, race, creed, class, color or domicile who qualify for the admission as set forth in the rules and regulations and the criteria and the policy maintained by the body and no person shall be denied privileges of the University on the ground of religion, race, caste, creed, class, color or domicile.

6. Teaching at the University- (1) All recognized teaching in various courses shall be conducted by the University or the colleges in the prescribed manner and may include lectures, tutorials, discussions, seminars, demonstrations and other methods of instruction as well as practical work in the laboratories, hospitals, workshops and other organizations as it
may deem appropriate.

(2) The authority responsible for organizing recognized teaching shall be such as
may be prescribed.

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                                 TimeLine

                                   Fact sheet

Submitted By: Mobeen Tariq | Muhammad Shakir

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The bill was passed in the National Assembly without debate in January and by the Senate Standing Committee on Education last week. Senator Saeed Ghani presented bill for the establishment of South Asian Strategic Stability Institute (SASSI) University which were approved unanimously.

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On Monday September 17, 2012Pakistantested its cruise missile Hatf VII of 700 km range. It can carry a payload of less than 500kg. It was launched from a Multi Tube Missile Launch Vehicle (MLV) and can target both on land and sea at pin point accuracy. It is also equipped with modern cruise missile technology Terrain Contour Matching (TERCOM) and Digital Scene Matching \ Area Co-relation (DSMAC) and additional capability of real time remote monitoring of missile flight path.

A cruise missile is a terrain hugging missile meaning it moves parallel to the surface of the earth. As it’s a low flying missile so its stealth capability enables it to be undetectable by radars. Definition of a cruise missile “an unmanned self-propelled guided vehicle that sustains flight through aerodynamic lift for most of its flight path and whose primary mission is to place an ordnance or special payload on a target.”[1] The composition of a cruise missile includes airframe, guidance systems, weapon assimilation, control, navigation and propulsion.

Hatf VII poses great threat to Indian targets and overwhelms the Anti Ballistic Missile system which Indiahas acquired. The characteristics of Hatf VII are designed in order to minimize the threat from these offensive defense weapons. Earlier when Indiaacquired BMD system and conducted successful tests of its anti Ballistic missiles the deterrence stability was destroyed and it totally favored India. Maria Sultan, a Pakistani expert on South Asian nuclear arms control and disarmament issues, writes that BMD capability “would allow Indiato launch pre-emptive strikes, rendering Pakistan’s limited ballistic missile capability ineffective.”[2]Khalid Banuri, Director, Arms Control and Disarmament Affairs, Strategic Plans Division, Chaklala, also believes that BMD capability would “provide an elated sense of security and prompt pre-emptive impulses from India.” [3]The Congressional study by Feickert and Kronstadt says that Indian ABM capability can break the current state of deterrence between India and Pakistan.[4] Zafar Nawaz Jaspal, a Pakistani WMD expert, says the Indian BMD systems pose challenges to Pakistan’s nuclear deterrence capability by eroding strategic equilibrium and shifting balance of power in India’s favor. He says that according to real politic calculus, India is more likely to adopt adventurous policies against Pakistan behind the safety of missile shield.[5] 

Now Hatf VII has the potential to give Indian troops pause in implementing adventurous doctrines and will prohibitIndiafrom punishingPakistanthrough these aggressive doctrines like cold start Doctrine. A projection of limited war however in the Indian context.Pakistanfaces a conventional asymmetry withIndiawhich the nuclear weapons have neutralized so in the consequence of these measuresPakistantested tactical nuclear weapons as it earlier tested the delivery mean for it. Penetration into the adversary’s territory enhances the fear and threat into its minds in consequence to which deterrence is boosted. Tactical nuclear weapons has enhanced the deterrence of Pakistan as its projecting a strong threat to its adversary’s battle troops so India will be rational towards deploying its forces on the borders and taking the first step to engage in war be it limited or all out.

Secondly the readiness level of the TNWs is about 3 to 4 minutes meaning the response level is too high.  The Hatf VII tested byPakistanis a solid fueled propellant and a plutonium based warhead which can be kept at the hair trigger alert and deployed. Hatf can also be launched from a submarine due to the multi stage tube of the missile thus assuring the second strike capability and formulating stability in the region in the context of Pakistan.

As penetration into the enemys’ territory and surviving the pre emptive strike assures second strike capability. The acquisition of an assured second strike capability is a doctrinal compulsion forIndiahence acquired it in the form of nuclear capable submarines butPakistanfaces economic challenges and has wisely opted solutions to the expensive weapons ofIndiaso acquired it in the form of cruise missiles and tactical weapons. However the good news is Hatf VII is both i.e. a cruise missile as well as tactical weapon. Tactical nuclear weapons grant a very first step of the escalation ladder making the war less likely which adds to escalation control and also act as a force multiplier so that the adversary will think at least twice before taking any action against a state with TNWs. Hence the idea is not to escalate but to stop Indian troops from taking any single step towardsPakistanand to control the escalation.

Hatf VII is a multi tube missile meaning a MIRV. It can carry multiple warheads and can hit multi targets. These warheads can also be mixture of decoys and true warheads. Firstly the detection of a cruise missile is highly impracticable; radars can not detect a cruise missile due to its low flying capability with a multi targeting option and the ability to penetrate enemy’s defense increases. Thereby in this case challenging Indian ABM efforts. In short, deterrence with testing Hatf VII has been stabilized between the two nations

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Islamabad: Former Director General of Inter-Services Public Relations  Major General (retd) Athar Abbas has said that the US drone attacks create difficulties for the Pakistan army in the tribal region near Afghan border.

He was speaking at a round-table-conference organized by Sustainable Development Policy Institute (SDPI)  on Thursday in Islamabad. Prominet among  others who attended the conference included defence analyst Ejaz Haider, defence analyst Sikandar Shah and social worker Navid Shinwari. The speakers stressed the need for a strategy in addressing the concerns regarding the US drone.

Abbas said that a cause of opposing the drone attacks was that the army and its intelligence services had the ability to take action against armed mercenaries in the restive region.

The former DG of army’s media wing conceded that Pakistan army could not win public support since the decisions taken on tribal areas before 2008 were not ideal. He said the army achieved success in Swat and some tribal areas after army and the civilian government developed consensus in taking decision regarding war against militancy.

“Drone strikes are operational concerns or need guiding strategy” discussed during SDPI’s round table at Islamabad. © TheNewsTribe

Ali Sarwar Naqvi Former Ambassador and Executive Director, Center for International Strategic Studies highlighted increasing militarization of US foreign policy decision making and said, lately pentagon has dictated the US foreign policy on issues related to Afghanistan and Pakistan.

Shinwari shared the findings of their study which reveals that majority of people in Fata are against drone strikes and favored Pakistan Army operation to clean up militants from their areas.

Navid Shinvari also said that though he had been supporting the drone attacks since they killed several al-Qaeda figures, they were also making tribesmen to continue their armed resistance.

He said that although the local tribes had been opposing the army operation out rightly in the beginning , now they had started supporting the military in its efforts against militancy.

He also said that, in earlier days, field commanders of Pakistan Army didn’t opposed use of drone to take out adversaries if they were used sparingly, conducted mutually and were based on hundred percent matured intelligence

Ejaz Haider, Senior Advisor, SDPI started the discussion and raised various policy points while elaborating operational and strategic concerns. “Is Pakistan opposing drone as a weapon of war or the way USA is using drone is the reason for dissent? “ he questioned. He said, there is no way US can give drone technology to Pakistan as it involves access to sophisticated satellite network which is not possible at any stage.

Presiding over the conference Ejaz Haider said that neglecting violation of Pakistan sovereignty in the shape of tolerating US drone attacks would be tantamount to contempt of country’s sovereignty.

Sikandar Shah said that every country had the right of self defence and it could move United Nation’s Security Council if any country violate its sovereignty.

According to official release of SDPI “there is need for clear international legal, operational and ethical framework for the use of drone strikes in any part of the world, stated participants of a round table discussion on drone strike in Pakistan here on Tuesday.”

Roundtable discussion titled “Drone Strikes: Are Operational Concerns Guiding Strategy?” organized by Sustainable Development Policy Institute (SDPI) and attended by renowned analysts discussed the legality of drones, and their use at political, strategic and operational levels.

Dr Maria Sultan, Director General,SASSI called the drone strikes as unethical, illegal and a severe violation of international law. © TheNewsTribe

Dr Maria Sultan, Director General,SASSI called the drone strikes as unethical, illegal and a severe violation of international law. Highlighting lack of transparency and accountability in drone strikes, she said, international law does not allow spy agencies to conduct militarized operation in sovereign countries. She said, legal and operational use of drones is inter-coined which entails the nature of weapon and its legal jurisdiction to be used anywhere in the world.

Renowned journalist and media analyst, Zahid Hussain, said that it was important to discuss legalities of drone war which was un-acknowledged so far, until last year when US, officially admitted drone operations in Pakistan. He said, Pakistan’s moral stance on drone gets weaker every time when a killing of some important Al-Qaida leader is hailed in Pakistan. We also need to hold ourselves accountable for compromising sovereignty before criticizing USA for violation of our sovereignty, he added.

Professor Sikandar Shah from LUMS said that according to international law, invitation from the targeted country and the right of self defense with certain legalities are the only two ways through which drone strikes can be justified on sovereign countries. These prepositions, he said, make drone strikes totally illegal in Pakistan.

Richard N. Leiby, Pakistan Bureau Chief, The Washington Post pointed towards increase of drone strikes in Obama regime.

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Deterrence Enhanced – The Test of Hatf VII (Babur) Missile

Pakistan on September 17, 2012 conducted successful test of Hatf VII (Babur) cruise missile. The missile has the range of 700 km with payload of approximately 500 Kg. It is low-flying, terrain-hugging missile with stealth technology that can hardly be visible in radars. It can carry both conventional and nuclear arsenals. If analysed, the geographical contiguity of Pakistan and India provide a strategic leverage to the former, particularly in the wake of tactical warfare. At present,Pakistanis in a full position to carry out any tactical warfare if any war is imposed on it.

The missile has added features of Terrain Contour Matching (TERCOM) and Digital Seen Matching and Area co-Relation (DSMAC).  The two technologies act as navigation and surveillance for the missile. TERCOM takes contour map of the terrain and compare it to measurements during flight by an on-board radar altimeter. The system provides information of distance between the missile and the ground. TERCOM and DSMAC are advanced navigation technologies. They are better than Inertial Navigation System (INS). These systems enhance missile accuracy and selection of enemy’s target.

It is also employed with Strategic Command and Control Support System (SCCSS) that means it is under the full command and control system to retaliate any emerging threat. Evaluating threat perception and response remain one of the foremost duties of strategic command. Pakistan has a robust command and control system under the National Command Authority (NCA). NCA is the apex political decision-making body regarding development and employment of strategic assets.  It was formed in 2000. It is chaired by Prime Minister of Pakistan who is the Chief Executive of the government of Pakistan. NCA directs any development in nuclear programme to Strategic Plans Division (SPD). SPD runs as a secretariat of strategic forces. SCCSS system provides all strategic assets with round the clock situational awareness in a digitized network centric environment to decision makers at National Command Centre (NCC). It is ready to meet any daunting challenge to national security. The test of Hatf VII is indeed a booster in enhancing country’s national power.

The missile was tested from a Multi-Tube Missile Launch Vehicle (MLV) that adds two-pronged advantages to Babur missile system. One, it can deceit enemy by firing multiple dummy missiles with an original one so as to make flounder the Ballistic Missile Defence (BMD) system of India. Second, it amplifies deployment options of Babur Weapon system. The MLV can be moved and be deployed at any strategic target. In tactical warfare, this adds to the enhanced capability of assured destruction. The missile is also capable of targeting in land and sea therefore; it is not only a defender of territorial boundaries of land but also of maritime security. The cost of manufacturing of a cruise missile is far less than developing a Ballistic missile thus, Hatf-VII also gives economic advantage.

In purview of the emerging threats in the region, particularly, the pursuance of Indian Cold Start Doctrine (CSD) that aimed at initiating a limited war under the cover of nuclear threshold and India’s continued efforts to acquire Ballistic Missile Defence (BMD), the test of Hatf VII (Babur) is a booster for country’s deterrence capability. CSD is an Indian plan of military to carry out a string operation against Pakistan. The plan was chalked out in 2004 and till 2012; India has done almost a dozen military exercises near Pakistani territory. The main military exercises include Divya Ashtra in 2004, Desert Strike in 2005, Shange Shakti in 2006, Ashwamedh in 2007, Brazen Chariots in 2008, Hind Shakti in 2009, Vayu Shakti in 2010, Vijyee Bhava in 2011 and INRDA in 2012.   Although, Indian Army chief, Gen. V.K. Singh denied the idea in 2010 by stating, ‘There is nothing called “Cold Start” yet, military actions cannot hide Indian adventurous intentions. In response of all these exercises, Pakistan has developed corresponding capability, for this there have been developments in the cruise technology. This adds both battle field and strategic capability to Pakistan. It has developed tactical nuclear arsenals that can destruct and harm enemy’s forces at smaller level instead of a huge nuclear holocaust. Tactical weapons needed delivery system for short range. Babur proved to be an appropriate carrying missile of tactical weapons.

Not to speak of Cold Start Doctrine, India is even endeavoring for acquiring Ballistic Missile Defence (BMD) system. BMD is a defensive technology with offensive capability to detect, intercept and destroy incoming missile of the adversary. However, BMD can only stop Ballistic missiles as they go into sub-orbital space. However, Hatf VII (Babur) is a low flying cruise missile, it is hard to detect it through radars and thus it limits BMD system of India and reinforce Pakistan’s deterrence capability.

Encapturing the broader picture at regional and international level, the Indian-US enhanced strategic partnership is another point of thinking for Pakistan’s foreign policy. In the real politik; a country is bound to defend itself by its own means. In the present scenario of nuclear South Asia, the Balance of Power is the need of the hour. As Pakistan was compelled to balance Indian hegemony in 1998, it is too compelled to maintain deterrence in the contemporary dynamic nuclear arena. The test of Hatf proved to be a sign of maintaining credible deterrence in South Asia.

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 Diplomatic News Agency, 27 Sept 2012

‘In short Babur is a force multiplier for Pakistan’s deterrence credibility, with this development of Babur, Pakistan has now all the capable platforms, land, air & sea borne capability for maintaining deterrence stability’. This was said by Dr Maria Sultan Director General, South Asian Strategic Stability Institute in a press conference held at Press Club Islamabad on 27^th September 2012. The South Asian Strategic Stability Institute (SASSI) is an independent think tank dedicated to promoting peace and stability in South Asia. Its work is focused on strategic stability in the South Asia region, and thus on the emergent nuclear relationship which is at the heart of that stability.

India’s BMD technology development affects the balance of power in the region. Indian BMD systems pose challenges to Pakistan’s nuclear deterrence capability by corroding strategic equilibrium and unstable balance of power in India’s favor. Dr Sultan further stated that the ‘No First Use’ is in itself logic to build a large nuclear arsenal, and one which can clearly be seen in the draft nuclear doctrine where India, on the one hand, pledges to maintain minimum credible deterrence and on the other, it aspires to build a nuclear triad and further weapon development without taking into account regional stability.

Mateah Aqeel Research Fellow SASSI said that Hatf VII (Babar) can be a good equalizer against the Indian ballistic missile defense system. The missile is stated to have a high degree of maneuverability, allowing it to have a “hugging” the terrain ability, and is also seen as a counter to BMDs.  Asra Hassan Research Fellow SASSI said that Hatf VII (Babur) add to deterrence in both conventional and nuclear realms due to their ability to penetrate sophisticated air defense and anti-ballistic missile defense networks and, therefore, are a credible option for counter-force targeting on land and sea.

Beenish Ansari Research Fellow SASSI said that Hatf VII test strengthens Pakistan’s deterrence capability and national security.Pakistan has been testing and improving its cruise missile systems since 2005 and now maintains land-and air-based versions of the system, Babur and Raad, respectively.

Adnan Bukhari Research Fellow SASSI said that Cold Start Doctrine has the potential not only to operationalise Indian military doctrine on the basis of preemption but can also trigger a nuclear conflict. Deterrence in South Asia is delicate because of rapid militarization and operationalisation of Cold Start Doctrine. India introduces Cold Start Doctrine to carry out limited war against Pakistan and remain below the nuclear threshold. The concept of limited war will push the region into further instability.

Khadija Sharif Research Fellow SASSI said that Hatf VII has the potential to give Indian troops pause in implementing adventurous doctrines and will prohibit India from punishing Pakistan through these aggressive doctrines like cold start Doctrine. A projection of limited war however in the Indian context. Pakistan faces a conventional asymmetry with India which the nuclear weapons have neutralized.

Mobeen Tariq Research Fellow SASSI said that India is on the way of modernizing its navy; the presence of Indian nuclear submarines has strategic implications for Pakistan. So Pakistan has to acquire a sea-based deterrence for emerging threats which are emanating from Indian naval modernization. Hatf VII (Babur) has heightened Pakistan’s strategic standoff capability at sea. It can enhance Pakistan’s nuclear deterrence capabilities by demonstrating to the world that Pakistan can protect not only its territory but also its maritime security. Naval blockade against Pakistan is impossible after the induction of this missile.

Muhammad Shakir Baacha Research Fellow SASSI said that in addition, the missile has in-built links with (SACCS) the command and control systems that can be used to coordinate the operational functions of nuclear forces with centralized control from the NCA. Pakistan has fully automated its Strategic Command and Control Support System (SCCSS) that enables robust Command and Control capability of all strategic assets with round the clock situational awareness in a digitized network-centric environment to decision makers at the National Command Centre (NCC).Pakistan now has the capability to work out a comprehensive and robust command and control over its cruise missiles throughout their flight trajectory.

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