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Spectator
2 days ago
- Politics
- Spectator
Gagging the military is a mistake
Some weeks ago at an army conference I listened to senior officers discussing the lethal, agile, 'integrated' British military of the future as set out in the government's recent Strategic Defence Review. Unfortunately I can't tell you what they said. The Chief of the General Staff Sir Roly Walker answered questions on what the SDR meant for the army. I can't tell you what he said either. Officers attending the conference were apparently told that, if they found themselves in accidental conversation with a journalist, they were to extricate themselves immediately. At a time of increased focus on national defence, it was a poor day for transparency. This was not a one off. A new Downing Street diktat bans senior officers (and also civil servants, diplomats and other public officials) from speaking at events that include question and answer sessions, or where the media is expected to be in attendance. Only ministers can now represent the government position. Officials have even been told not to speak to journalists on background. This unprecedented gag weakens public understanding of defence, is self-defeating, and displays an astonishing lack of trust. Relations between soldiers and governments have never been easy. Senior officers have often plunged into the political fray to gain institutional or budgetary advantage. Churchill's generals bemoaned his interference in military affairs; he in turn criticised their politicking and lack of strategic acumen. More recently, the concentration of financial and political power within the Ministry of Defence at the expense of the individual military services has curtailed open professional policy discussion. Post-Cold War spats over defence cuts, and the course of conflicts in Afghanistan, Iraq and Libya also left a legacy of distrust. David Cameron famously told his generals in 2011 to do the fighting while he did the talking. Although governments have always sought to control 'the narrative', recently a persistent pattern has emerged of the government trying to prevent those working in defence in the public sector from communicating with the outside world via experts, think tanks and the media. In January 2024, General Walker's predecessor was slapped down for his misinterpreted comments about Britain needing a 'whole of nation' approach to defence (a wise view now embedded in the SDR). In April this year, the Chief of Defence Staff Tony Radakin addressed the National Defence University in Beijing. The MoD did not tell the public about the visit or what he said; we all first heard about it via the Chinese Ministry of Defence. Keir Starmer has promised 'transparency in everything we do', but defence reporters tell me that No. 10 is obsessed with a narrow defence message about jobs and domestic growth, not the risk of war with Russia or why investment is required. Backdrops, buzzwords and bland platitudes are prioritised over informed content. Media visits to defence establishments have been reduced and briefings curtailed; Labour ministers have decreed that every MoD press release should have a political message. The situation is not helped by a reactive, defensive MoD press operation focused on the news of the day rather than wider themes. Spin often gets in the way of substance. This is all unwise. Firstly, the clamp down reduces public understanding. Hard pressed ministers do not have the time nor professional knowledge to be able to explain the breadth and complexity of activity across defence. Some are better communicators than others. Those checking speeches in No. 10 lack experience, often erring on the side of caution, further reducing clarity. This means the official view can be poorly reflected, or reflected in strange ways by blocking mid-ranking subject matter experts from engaging directly. Secondly, the gag actively works against the government's own agenda. Defence is now the stated top priority of this government. The SDR recommended 'reconnecting defence with society'. This will be difficult. With the UK military so small, the public see less and less of it. Fewer have a direct family connection with it. Only half of the population believe spending on defence should increase. Less believe that increasing defence spending to 5 per cent of GDP, as promised the recent Nato summit, should come at the expense of health, welfare or benefits. Changing these perspectives requires more, not less, public discourse to build understanding and confidence. Thirdly, although politicians – rightly – should be the primary voice for a 'national conversation led by the government' on defence, senior officers and officials can assist them by explaining, supporting, clarifying and emphasising policy. Political sensibility is a prerequisite for the highest ranks of the military and civil service; the government should use those officials to strengthen defence ties with society. They should not marginalise them. Abroad, diplomats should be free to explain UK policy to our allies, not be prevented from doing so. Lastly, openness is a key principle for public life. No. 10's pettifogging tendency for ever greater centralisation and its evident distrust for its own officials goes against the empowered, unshackled and 'emboldened civil service' that Starmer says he wants. Control freakery diminishes the public realm. The first anniversary of Labour's election has found Starmer at the lowest point of his premiership. A shake up is due. But not everything is political; a 'whole of society' approach on defence means just that. It's time that Walker and his colleagues are uncorked.
Saudi Gazette
3 days ago
- Politics
- Saudi Gazette
Saudi naval chief, Pakistani defense leaders discuss regional maritime security and joint training
Saudi Gazette report ISLAMABAD — Chief of the General Staff of the Royal Saudi Naval Forces, Lt. Gen. Fahd Al-Ghuraibi, met with Pakistan's Minister of Defense Khawaja Muhammad Asif in Islamabad as part of his official visit to Pakistan. During the meeting, the two sides reviewed the strategic partnership between the naval forces of Saudi Arabia and Pakistan and their shared role in enhancing regional maritime security. They also discussed a range of issues of mutual interest. Lt. Gen. Al-Ghuraibi also held formal talks with Pakistan's Chief of Naval Staff, Admiral Naveed Ashraf, in the presence of both countries' official delegations. The discussions focused on strengthening naval cooperation in areas such as training, maritime security, and joint coordination in addressing regional maritime challenges. As part of his engagements, the Saudi naval chief met with Maj. Gen. Jawad Ahmed, Commandant of Pakistan's National Defence University. The meeting explored academic cooperation and the exchange of expertise in advanced military education. The two sides also discussed joint training programs aimed at enhancing the capabilities of naval personnel in both countries. Lt. Gen. Al-Ghuraibi concluded his visit with a meeting with Pakistan's Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Gen. Sahir Shamshad Mirza. Both officials emphasized the importance of integrated defense efforts to address regional security threats and the need to continue joint work to promote stability and strengthen military ties between Saudi Arabia and Pakistan.
India.com
6 days ago
- Politics
- India.com
India's Nuclear Submarines, K-6 Missiles & MIRV Power Can Crush China, Rattle US
New Delhi: India's BrahMos missiles struck 11 major airbases inside Pakistan during Operation Sindoor. The destruction left behind was severe. Most of those bases still remain non-operational. The attack exposed India's combat strength, and that revelation has triggered visible fear in Pakistan's press. The Dawn has published a series of articles warning the world about India's growing missile power. Just last week, it raised alarms about India's bunker-buster bombs, calling them a significant threat to Pakistan's national security. Now, a new report highlights the one fear that Islamabad cannot shake – India's rapidly expanding naval nuclear arsenal. Dr. Aqil Akhtar, visiting faculty at Pakistan's National Defence University, warns that India's sea-based missile systems pose a direct threat. He writes that India is aggressively expanding its naval presence and firepower across the Indian Ocean, Pacific and Arabian Sea. According to him, the scale of this buildup exceeds India's defensive needs by a wide margin. India's naval modernisation is accelerating military competition and destabilising strategic balance. The analysis singles out India's nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarines (SSBNs) and attack submarines (SSNs) as a major danger for Pakistan. The report describes India's sea-based nuclear deterrent programme as a shift from a defensive posture to an offensive maritime doctrine. Why Pakistan Fears INS Arihant, INS Arighat According to Dr. Akhtar, Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government is weaponising the Indian Ocean under a bold maritime strategy. The article describes this strategy as a trigger for regional and global instability. India's SSBN programme has reached a mature phase, which has sent alarm bells ringing in Islamabad. In direct combat terms, Pakistan stands no match. China, too, is now within India's striking range. India's sea-based missile power has reached a point where, in a full-scale war, India could inflict complete destruction on any adversary, including China. The Dawn expresses growing panic over India's nuclear submarines such as the INS Arihant and the INS Arighat. These platforms have completed India's nuclear triad, giving New Delhi second-strike capabilities from land, air and sea. The subs carry K-15 missiles (750 km range) and K-4 missiles (3,500 km range). India is preparing to deploy K-5 (6,000 km) and K-6 (8,000 km) SLBMs in the near future. Agni Missiles and MIRV Weapons Raise Global Alarms The article claims Pakistan's fear goes beyond regional considerations. India's strategic capability now spans global distances. The analysis notes that India is capable of storing over 400 nuclear warheads, with at least 100 ready for submarine launch. With this arsenal, even major powers like China and the United States would hesitate before engaging India militarily. According to the Dawn , India's recent behavior marks a drift from its stated policy of 'credible minimum deterrence'. The article suggests that India is now showcasing offensive power openly. Weapons equipped with Multiple Independently Targetable Reentry Vehicle (MIRV) technology give India rapid first-strike potential, a shift that could destabilise nuclear strategy across Asia. A Threat That Can't Be Ignored Dr. Akhtar references senior Carnegie Fellow Ashley J. Tellis, who wrote in the Foreign Affairs that India's maritime strategy goes beyond China. According to the article, India aims to counter any nation seeking dominance, even the United States. The policy is rooted in the belief that countries have interests, not permanent friends. India's SSBN capability forms the backbone of its second-strike doctrine. That means if a nuclear attack is launched against India, retaliation is guaranteed and unavoidable. No enemy would be left standing. Pakistan has approached the United Nations Security Council and Western governments, urging them to stop India's development of long-range intercontinental missile systems such as the Agni-V and the Agni-VI.
Business Recorder
15-07-2025
- Politics
- Business Recorder
Dodgy claims
EDITORIAL: In response to Indian Deputy Army Chief Lieutenant General Rahul Singh's recent claim that China provided 'live impetus' to Pakistan during the four-day military confrontation last May, Pakistan's Army Chief Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir has categorically dismissed the assertion as 'irresponsible and incorrect.' Speaking at the National Defence University, he described India's attempt to implicate other nations in a purely bilateral conflict as a 'shoddy attempt' at camp politics, especially given India's position as a member of the Quad, a US-led security alliance focused on countering China's influence in the Indo-Pacific region. The Field Marshal further criticised India's attempts to position itself as the 'net security provider' in a region increasingly wary of its hegemonic ambitions and extremist Hindutva ideology. China also weighed in on the matter, with its Foreign Ministry issuing a statement on Monday affirming that its defence and security cooperation with Pakistan is part of normal bilateral relations and does not target any third party. India's efforts to deflect responsibility for its setbacks during the conflict are not only an attempt to salvage national pride but also a reflection of a deeper miscalculation in its military capabilities and strategic posture. The confrontation, which escalated rapidly, saw India launching missile and drone strikes deep into mainland Pakistan, blatantly disregarding international law. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, accusing Islamabad without evidence of involvement in the April 22 Pahalgam terrorist attack, referred to the unprovoked strikes as the 'new normal.' Expecting to gain an upper hand with its newly acquired Rafale jets and other advanced Western weaponry, India was caught off guard by Pakistan's swift and effective response. Not only did Pakistan repel the missile and drone assaults, but it also downed six Indian aircraft, including three of India's prized Rafale jets. This is particularly significant given that in 2019, after India's airstrike on Balakot in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Prime Minister Modi had lamented that had India possessed Rafale jets at the time, 'the result would have been different.' While India had bolstered its military capabilities with cutting-edge Western technology, Pakistan deployed J-10C fighters armed with PL-15 beyond visual range (BVR) missiles, obtained from its strategic partner, China. Pakistan also integrated AI-driven systems into its defence network, attaining a clear tactical advantage in real-time combat situations. Pakistan has consistently demonstrated its military prowess in past conflicts over Kashmir, and this latest confrontation further solidified its operational capabilities. Lt-Gen. Singh's claim of Chinese involvement in the bilateral conflict is not only an attempt to deflect attention but also an indication of India's unwillingness to confront its own strategic miscalculations. By pointing to China, India hopes to maintain the narrative of its military superiority. However, such diversionary tactics will only go so far. Both the international community and astute domestic observers can see through the official rhetoric, recognising that the real issue lies in India's overconfidence and its failure to accurately assess its own military limitations. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
India Today
13-07-2025
- Politics
- India Today
UP's Chhangur Baba travelled to Nepal to secure ties with Pak's ISI: Sources
In a fresh and explosive revelation, sources have revealed that Jalaluddin alias Chhangur Baba - the self-styled godman at the centre of a multi-state religious conversion racket - had travelled to Kathmandu in a bid to strengthen ties with Pakistan's Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI). This alleged move goes beyond the ongoing illegal religious conversion case in which Baba is already facing serious from orchestrating the religious conversion of economically weak Hindu families, Chhangur was allegedly planning to establish direct links with the ISI. According to sources, he wanted Hindu women - who had been converted to Islam - to be married off to ISI agents and sleeper cell operatives in agencies arrested Chhangur Baba and his two close associates - Neetu and Naveen - just in time, thereby averting what officials described as a potential national security disaster. A recent meeting of ISI agents was reportedly held at the Pakistani Embassy in Kathmandu. A delegation from Pakistan's National Defence University also participated in the event, which was attended by ISI officials. The Pakistani delegation even visited the India-Nepal border said Chhangur was seeking to establish contact with the Pakistani Embassy through a religious leader based in Nepal, but due to security restrictions, he was unable to enter the further revealed that Chhangur was trying to establish a base in Barhni, located in Uttar Pradesh. His next plan reportedly involved bringing in batches of Rohingya refugees, falsely presenting them as Hindus, and then converting them to religious conversion network allegedly spread across multiple Indian states, including Maharashtra, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Bihar, West Bengal, and various districts of Uttar Pradesh. Balrampur's Utraula region was reportedly chosen as the central hub for these operations due to its proximity to the Nepal is also said to have had connections with international Islamic organisations, including the Islamic Development Bank (Saudi Arabia), the Muslim World League, Dawat-e-Islami, and the Islamic Union of TURNS WHISTLEBLOWER?In what is being described as the biggest revelation in the case so far, Mohammad Ahmed Khan, believed to be Chhangur Baba's close aide and financial associate, has come forward with startling to Aaj Tak, India Today's sister website, Khan said, "I myself was troubled by Chhangur Baba He forcibly grabbed land worth crores that was in my name. I was his partner in financial dealings worth hundreds of crores."Khan further alleged that Chhangur Baba operated a syndicate involving land grabbing, illegal funding, and threats, run through a group known as the Rabbani Rabbani gang worked directly under Baba's instructions. They occupied land, prepared fake documents, and threatened people. The gang also had links with the late gangster Mukhtar Ansari's henchmen," Khan claimed, adding that he possesses photographic evidence of these also revealed that just before Baba's arrest, a member of the Rabbani gang managed to join the Uttar Pradesh Raksha Parishad (UP Defence Council), fuelling concerns about the gang's influence within administrative said he met Changur Baba in 2023 and had no association with him before that."He tried to frame me in a property case, and I had to take him to court. Even after his arrest, his gang members are still active and capable of executing large-scale plans," he Uttar Pradesh Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS), which is investigating the case, has said that Changur Baba is accused of converting over 1,500 Hindu women and thousands of other non-Muslims to Islam through coercion and inducement.- EndsMust Watch
