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Business Recorder
05-05-2025
- Politics
- Business Recorder
With militaries upgraded, risks multiply in conflict
India and Pakistan have significantly upgraded their military capabilities since the nuclear-armed neighbours clashed in 2019, posing increased risks of escalation even in a limited conflict, former military officers and experts say. In 2019, India carried out air strikes inside Pakistan after the bombing of an Indian military convoy in IIOJK and said it destroyed 'terrorist camps'. Pakistani jets conducted a retaliatory air strike and shot down an Indian aircraft during actions spread over two days. The neighbours have fought three wars - in 1948, 1965 and 1971 - and clashed countless times since gaining independence, mostly over the Kashmir region which both claim. Both acquired nuclear weapons in the 1990s and Kashmir is considered one of the most dangerous flashpoints in the world. Military experts say neither side will consider nuclear weapons unless pushed to the wall, but even a limited conflict would carry high risks of escalation. They say such a conflict is likely to involve aircraft, missiles or drones, where India and Pakistan are considered closely matched, although India's far greater resources would come into play over a longer period. 'Decision makers in both states now have a higher risk appetite for conflict initiation and escalation than prior to 2019,' said Frank O'Donnell, a non-resident fellow at the South Asia Program at the Stimson Center, a think-tank in Washington, as they had managed then to clash without nuclear weapons being used. 'But without a clear mutual sense of the precise actions, that could trigger inadvertent escalation,' he added. Both sides have acquired new military hardware since 2019, opening up new conventional strike options. 'Each side will think they are in a better position than last time,' said Muhammad Faisal, a South Asia security researcher based at the University of Technology, Sydney. 'It is only when we see actual combat that we will find out.' In particular, India believes that it was at a disadvantage in 2019 because it had to rely mainly on ageing Russian jets. It has since inducted 36 French-made Rafale fighter jets, a top Western aircraft, with more on order for its navy. To counter, Pakistan got one of China's most advanced war planes, the J-10, a rough equivalent of the Rafale, in batches since 2022. It has at least 20 of the aircraft, according to the London-based International Institute for Strategic Studies. The planes carry advanced capabilities, with the Rafale armed with Meteor air-to-air missiles that operate beyond visual range. The J-10 is armed with the comparable PL-15 missile, according to a Pakistani security official who declined to be identified because they were not authorised to brief the media. To plug the gaps in air defences exposed on both sides in the 2019 conflict, India secured Russia's battle-tested S-400, a mobile anti-aircraft missile system. Pakistan obtained the HQ-9 from China, which is based on Russia's S-300, one notch down. 'Most certainly in some respects we are better off (than 2019),' said Anil Golani, a former air vice marshal in the Indian Air Force, and the director general of the Delhi-based Centre for Air Power Studies think tank. 'There's a lot of clamour for action in the country but, in my personal assessment, both India and Pakistan are not looking for an all-out conflict,' he added. Hanging over any conflict is China, India's rival and Pakistan's close ally and biggest supplier of military equipment. Although the US has urged India and Pakistan to ease tensions, it will closely watch any conflict for insights on Beijing's aerial strength. The Chinese plane and its PL-15 missile have not previously been tested in combat. 'It could be a contest between Western and Chinese technology,' said Faisal, adding 'for India, there is the dilemma of how many air squadrons to commit to the Pakistan front, as it must also guard against China.' China and India fought a brief border war in 1962 and the two armies have clashed, most recently in 2022, along their tense Himalayan frontier. Pakistan has a fleet of F-16s, the US aircraft acquired decades back when ties with Washington were stronger. These F-16s were deployed in the 2019 tussle, leading India to lodge protests with the US, although New Delhi now enjoys far closer ties with Washington. This time, to avoid the political fallout with the F-16 and to take advantage of having a more advanced aircraft, Pakistan will likely spearhead with the Chinese J-10, experts said. But a drone or ground-launched missile strike is considered more likely since neither would risk a pilot being shot down. India has turned to Israel for combat-capable drones, getting the Heron Mark 2, and it has US Predator drones on order. Pakistan has acquired Turkey's Bayraktar TB2 - used by Ukraine in its war with Russia - and the Akinci, also from Turkey, according to the Pakistani security official. Amid the standoff, Pakistan tested a surface-to-surface ballistic missile with a range of 450 km (280 miles) on Saturday, to show that the armed forces were ready to 'safeguard national security against any aggression,' according to a statement from the country's military. Pakistan also has a range of short-range and medium-range missiles, capable of being fired from ground, sea and air. There was no immediate comment from India on the test. India's capabilities include the BrahMos supersonic cruise missile of about 300 km range as well the Agni series of intercontinental ballistic missiles. The 2019 skirmish almost spiralled out of control, with multiple missile strikes threatened before US intervention calmed the situation down. Kaiser Tufail, a former fighter pilot in the Pakistani air force, said that India did not manage to establish deterrence in 2019, so it would aim for a more incisive strike this time, bringing more risks in its wake. Modi said following the 2019 skirmishes that the country had felt the lack of Rafale fighters at the time, which were on order, and suggested that the results of the clash could have been different if it had the French fighter. 'If you go beyond what we saw in 2019, it is very risky,' said Tufail. 'Nuclear-armed countries slugging it out is extremely dangerous.'Reuters Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Yahoo
01-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Dickey's Barbecue Pit Now Open in Markham, ON with Chaudry Chicken Inc.
Texas-Style Barbecue Heats Up in Canada with New Restaurant at 9570 McCowan Rd Dickey's Barbecue Pit in Markham, ON Markham, ON, April 01, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The wait is over, Markham! Dickey's Barbecue Pit is now open at 9570 McCowan Rd, Unit 003, Markham, ON L3P 8M1, serving up authentic, slow-smoked Texas barbecue. This marks the sixth Dickey's location for Chaudry Chicken Inc. and its owner Muhammad Faisal, and their second in the Markham community. Through Chaudry Chicken Inc., Faisal has become a standout multi-unit operator, bringing the bold flavors of Texas to barbecue lovers across Ontario. 'We are thrilled to officially open our doors and welcome guests to our newest Markham location,' said Muhammad Faisal, owner of Chaudry Chicken Inc. 'The response from the community has already been amazing, and we're excited to provide a place where families and friends can gather over real, pit-smoked barbecue made with care.' Founded in 1941, Dickey's Barbecue Pit is known for its slow-smoked meats, cooked low and slow over hickory wood daily. With a deep commitment to quality and tradition, the brand continues to expand across the globe—powered by franchise partners like Faisal who are passionate about exceptional food and service. 'We are proud to see Chaudry Chicken Inc.'s continued success and the opening of another Dickey's location in Canada,' said Laura Rea Dickey, CEO of Dickey's Barbecue Restaurants, Inc. 'Muhammad Faisal's leadership and dedication to the guest experience make him a valuable part of the Dickey's family.' Faisal's dedication to growing the brand across Ontario reflects the strong demand for authentic, Texas-style barbecue in Canada. 'Our global growth is driven by incredible operators like Muhammad Faisal who bring the heart of our brand to life in new markets,' said Roland Dickey, Jr., CEO of Dickey's Capital Group.'We're thrilled to see Dickey's expand further in Markham and across Canada through his vision and commitment.' Guests at the new Markham location can enjoy Dickey's full menu, including brisket, beef short ribs, smoked turkey and marinated chicken, alongside fan-favorite sides like mac & cheese, barbecue beans, coleslaw, and fried okra. Takeout, delivery, and catering services are also available to help guests enjoy barbecue on-the-go or at special events. To celebrate the opening, Dickey's Markham is offering limited-time promotions and exclusive specials. Don't miss your chance to taste Legit. Texas. Barbecue.™—now available in your neighborhood! For those interested in franchise opportunities with Dickey's Barbecue Pit in Canada, Muhammad Faisal is actively expanding and welcomes inquiries. He can be reached directly at +1-437-999-9284. About Dickey's Barbecue Restaurants, in 1941 by The Dickey Family, Dickey's Barbecue Restaurants, Inc. is the world's largest barbecue concept and continues as a third-generation family-run business. For over 80 years, Dickey's Barbecue Pit has served millions with its signature Legit. Texas. Barbecue.™ Slow-smoked over hickory wood-burning pits, Dickey's barbecued meats are paired with a variety of southern sides. Committed to authentic barbecue, Dickey's never takes shortcuts—because real barbecue can't be rushed. With over 866 restaurants across eight concepts in the U.S. and several countries, Dickey's Barbecue Franchise and Dickey's Restaurant Brands continues to grow under the leadership of Roland Dickey, Jr., CEO of Dickey's Capital Group, and Laura Rea Dickey, CEO of Dickey's Barbecue Pit, Inc. Dickey's has been recognized on Newsweek's 2022 "America's Favorite Restaurant Chains" list, Nation's Restaurant News 2024 top fast-casual brands for value, and USA Today's 2021 Readers' Choice Awards. The brand has also ranked in the Top 20 of Fast Casual's 'Top 100 Movers and Shakers' for four of the past five years. Additional accolades include Entrepreneur's Top 500 Franchise and Hospitality Technology's Industry Heroes list. The brand has been featured by Fox News, Forbes, Franchise Times, The Wall Street Journal, and People Magazine. For more information, visit For information about becoming a franchise partner, visit Attachment Dickey's Barbecue Pit in Markham, ON CONTACT: Louisa Garrett Dickey's Barbecue Pit lgarrett@
Express Tribune
16-03-2025
- Business
- Express Tribune
PIA to resume UK flights after Eidul Fitr
Surprisingly, the report mentions that the government privatised seven loss-making SOEs in January 2025. While the case of the privatisation of PIA is no mystery to anyone, it is clear that the current government has not completed any privatisation transaction. photo: file Listen to article Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) is set to resume flights to the United Kingdom after Eidul Fitr, said Pakistan's High Commissioner to the UK Dr. Muhammad Faisal. Speaking at an iftar dinner in London, attended by journalists, social media influencers, and distinguished guests, Dr. Faisal announced that PIA will initially restore flights from London and Manchester to Pakistan. He also expressed efforts to restart services from Birmingham in the near future. The High Commissioner emphasized that the resumption of flights will be marked by a formal opening ceremony, with media representatives invited to cover the event. He clarified that the reinstatement of flights is independent of any operational concerns related to aircraft landings. The move comes as Pakistan aims to strengthen its aviation ties with the UK, following a prolonged suspension of direct flights. Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) restarted its European operations on January 10, 2025, with its first flight to Paris, following a four-and-a-half-year ban imposed by the European Union. The EU had suspended PIA's flight operations in June 2020 after a tragic plane crash in Karachi. The situation worsened when the then-Aviation Minister disclosed in Parliament that several pilots had been hired with fake licenses, raising serious safety concerns. Following extensive regulatory improvements and safety compliance measures, the EU lifted the ban, allowing PIA to resume its services to European destinations. Moreover, the government has assured the International Monetary Fund of selling the Pakistan International Airlines by July, but the future of Roosevelt Hotel in New York has yet to be decided amidst the US decision to terminate the $228 million worth lease deal prematurely. The Privatisation Ministry also briefed the IMF about the status of the PIA privatisation and gave a July 2025 deadline to sell the loss-making entity, said the sources. The government's earlier attempt to privatise PIA had badly failed after its weak scrutiny process ended up at selecting a real estate developer as the sole bidder. The sole bidder had given Rs10 billion offer, which was many times lower than the minimum ask price of Rs85 billion. The sources said that the IMF was informed that the government was in the process of gauging the market sentiment before issuing the Expression of Interest for inviting the investors by the end of this month.
Express Tribune
31-01-2025
- Express Tribune
Govt medicine smuggling racket busted in DG Khan
DERA GHAZI KHAN: Authorities foiled an attempt to smuggle a massive consignment of government medicines worth over Rs10 million, destined for illegal sale in Lahore and Peshawar. The suspect was caught red-handed at the General Bus Stand while his accomplice managed to escape. A case has been registered, and the District Police Officer (DPO) and Deputy Commissioner have formed an inquiry committee, demanding a report within three days. A private transport service was being used to smuggle expired and unsellable medicines belonging to national and multinational pharmaceutical companies, including some imported from Bangladesh. Upon receiving a tip-off, officials seized the medicines, which were immediately taken into custody by Chief Drug Inspector Muhammad Faisal and Chief Executive Officer Dr Muhammad Idris Khan Leghari. Two suspects, including a health department employee, were arrested at the scene. The main suspect, identified as Ikramullah, confessed during initial interrogation that health department employees, including storekeeper Pervez Akhtar, had been supplying him with government medicines. He admitted to having smuggled medicines to Lahore and Peshawar multiple times before. Sources suggest this illegal trade is not limited to Dera Ghazi Khan but extends across various districts in Punjab. Attempts to contact health department officials for clarification went unanswered. Insiders claim senior officials are trying to shield high-ranking officers while shifting the blame onto lower-level employees. On the complaint of Chief Drug Inspector Muhammad Faisal, District Police Station Gadai registered case number 207/25 and launched an investigation. Taking immediate notice of the large-scale theft and smuggling of government medicines, Deputy Commissioner Muhammad Usman Khalid formed an inquiry committee. Deputy Commissioner Usman Khalid condemned the theft and smuggling of government medicines, calling it an "unforgivable crime."
