Operation Sindoor fallout: Rattled Pakistan hastily props up new missile force; increases military spending
Operation Sindoor
, a rattled Pakistan is working hastily to improve its military capabilities, establishing a new military force to oversee its missile arsenal, the Army Rocket Force Command.
Pakistani PM
Shehbaz Sharif
made the announcement late Wednesday, speaking at the country's 78th Independence Day ceremony in Islamabad.
"It will be equipped with modern technology and capable of striking the enemy from all directions," he said, adding, "It will improve our conventional war capabilities."
'It is a key milestone in the advancement of the country's military response capability,' Sharif further stated.
Pakistan's new force is reportedly modelled on its all-weather ally China's People's Liberation Army Rocket Force, which oversees an arsenal of land-based ballistic, hypersonic, and cruise missiles, both nuclear and conventional.
"After the recent conflict, the object of course is to further strengthen Pakistan's military capability and this is a part of that process," defence analyst Talat Masood, a former general, told AFP.
Pakistan's President Asif Ali Zardari, three services chiefs and other national dignitaries were also present at the event, PTI reported.
Back in May, Pakistan and India engaged in a fierce four-day conflict involving missile, drone and artillery fire.
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It was the deadliest escalation between the nuclear-armed rivals since 1999.
The conflict erupted after India launched Operation Sindoor in retaliation against Pakistan-backed terrorists who killed 26 tourists in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir.
Pakistan deployed several of its missile systems during the fighting, alongside J-10C Vigorous Dragon and JF-17 Thunder fighter jets.
Also Read:
'If you ask a Pakistani ...': Army chief mocks Pak victory claim; hails 'free hand' in Operation Sindoor
Islamabad has since moved to strengthen the country's defences, raising military spending by 20% in the June budget.
Plans are also under way to acquire 40 new Chinese fighter jets and modern air defence systems.
In his address, Shehbaz also thanked nations including China, Saudi Arabia, Türkiye, Azerbaijan, the UAE, and Iran for supporting Pakistan.
He also called on all political parties, stakeholders, and civil society to come together to protect the country's national interests.
The PM further claimed that the country's inflation had fallen from 34% to 5% and the interest rate went down to 11% from the earlier 21%.
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