Latest news with #Misaq-e-Istehkam-e-Pakistan
Business Recorder
3 days ago
- Business
- Business Recorder
PM announces formation of force to supervise missiles
ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has announced the formation of a new military branch — the Army Rocket Force Command — in a move aimed at strengthening the country's conventional warfare capability in the wake of recent hostilities with India. Speaking at a ceremony marking the country's 79th Independence Day late Wednesday night, the prime minister said the new command, equipped with advanced technology, would enable the armed forces to 'target the enemy from every direction' and represented 'another milestone' in bolstering the nation's defensive posture. The formation of the Rocket Force follows a brief military confrontation with India earlier this year in May, referred to as Marka-e-Haq, or Battle of Truth. The conflict erupted after the 22nd April attack in Pahalgam and concluded with a ceasefire on 10th May. Sharif described the military engagement as a swift and decisive response by Pakistan's armed forces, claiming victory within 'three to four days'. 'India forgot that wars are not won with weapons alone, but with the spirit of the nation,' he maintained. The establishment of the new command comes shortly after the federal budget for 2025-26 fiscal year, announced in June, which included a 20 percent increase in defence spending — a rise widely viewed as part of a broader strategy to modernise country's armed forces. At the Independence Day event — held late on Wednesday night — the prime minister unveiled a digital model of the proposed Marka-e-Haq Monument. The ceremony featured a military parade, a flypast by the Pakistan Air Force Falcons, and participation by personnel from Türkiye and Azerbaijan. Fireworks marked the culmination of the event as the national anthem was played at midnight. Senior officials in attendance included President Asif Ali Zardari, Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Senate Chairman Yousuf Raza Gilani, National Assembly Speaker Ayaz Sadiq, as well as Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Asim Munir and other senior civil and military officials. The prime minister praised Field Marshal Munir, Joint Chiefs Chairman Gen Sahir Shamshad Mirza, and Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu for their leadership during the conflict, calling it the beginning of a 'new Pakistan'. He also paid tribute to his brother, former prime minister Nawaz Sharif, for defying international pressure in 1998 to conduct Pakistan's nuclear tests in Chagai, Balochistan. 'Our nuclear arsenal is not for aggression. It is only for defensive purposes,' he added. In a move aimed at promoting political unity, the prime minister also invited all political parties to join a proposed national charter, Misaq-e-Istehkam-e-Pakistan (Charter for Pakistan's Stability). 'Differences have their own place,' he said, 'but we are all one for the sake of our beloved Pakistan.' Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Time of India
3 days ago
- Business
- Time of India
Pakistan announces Army Rocket Force Command
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan turned its Independence Day celebrations on Thursday into a carefully choreographed display of military muscle and political messaging headlined by the announcement of a new Army Rocket Force Command. The event at Islamabad's Jinnah Stadium, branded Marka-e-Haq ('Battle of Truth'), saw Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif share the stage with army chief Field Marshal Asim Munir, ISI chief Lt Gen Asim Malik, and Asifa Bhutto Zardari. Military representatives from Turkey and Azerbaijan added a touch of foreign endorsement. In his address, Shehbaz also unveiled 'Misaq-e-Istehkam-e-Pakistan (Charter for Stability)', pitched as a call for unity beyond partisan divides. The newly announced rocket force marks a first in Pakistan's military structure, signalling ambitions for precision-strike capability. But with the economy still under strain, the decision is likely to spark debate over balancing strategic aspirations with fiscal realities. On foreign policy, Shehbaz expressed gratitude to China, Turkey, Saudi Arabia, Azerbaijan, UAE, Iran, and, pointedly, US President Donald Trump, for support during tensions with India. He reiterated Pakistan's firm positions on Kashmir and Palestine, indicating no softening of regional stances. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Dementia Has Been Linked To a Common Habit. Do You Do It? Memory Health Click Here Undo The Independence Day spectacle underscored an image of civil-military unity in a country where political turbulence often overlaps with military dominance. Whether Marka-e-Haq becomes more than pageantry will depend on Islamabad's ability to deliver on promises of reform, stability, and economic recovery long after the parades are over.
