Latest news with #OperationBunyanulMarsoos
Express Tribune
20 hours ago
- Business
- Express Tribune
Patriotic fervour grips capital
People buy flags, badges and other patriotic merchandise from a roadside stall in Islamabad to celebrate Independence Day. PHOTO: APP/FILE As August 14 approaches, markets across the country are awash in the colours of patriotism, particularly green and white, symbolising the national flag. Citizens are enthusiastically purchasing flags, buntings, apparel, and accessories adorned with national colours. The federal capital has fully embraced the festive spirit, with streets, markets, and landmarks reflecting a deep sense of national pride. From the bustling stalls of Aabpara Market to the lively corners of F-10 Markaz, vendors have set up shop beneath canopies of green and white. National flags of all sizes flutter in the monsoon breeze, while counters overflow with patriotic badges, caps, balloons, and crescent-and-star shirts. Shopkeepers said that the demand for Independence Day accessories has surged over the past few days, with families and schoolchildren. "We start preparing a month in advance," said Muhammad Saleem, a flag seller in Aabpara Market. "But this last week is when business really picks up-people want the biggest flags, the brightest lights, and the loudest music for August 14." The preparations are not limited to the markets only. Along major roads like Constitution Avenue, Srinagar Highway, labourers can be seen hoisting giant flags atop government buildings, their silhouettes framed against a sky heavy with August clouds. Electricians work late into the evening, stringing up thousands of fairy lights on key landmarks, including the Pakistan Monument, Faisal Mosque, D-Chowk, and the Parliament House. On the night of August 13, these illuminations will transform the capital into a glittering panorama of national pride. For many residents, the excitement is rooted in tradition. "Every year, we come here to buy flags for our rooftop and dresses for the children," said Ahmed Raza, a father of three, while shopping at Aabpara Market. This week is all about preparing for the big day because it brings the whole family together. This year's Independence Day holds special significance in light of the recent success of Operation Bunyanul Marsoos, when armed forces defeated the enemy's nefarious designs and proved that Pakistan's defence was invisible. Citizens and officials alike say the operation's achievements have revived a sense of unity and pride that recalls the earliest days of freedom. The Capital Development Authority, in collaboration with cultural and educational institutions, has lined up a full week of activities, including flag-hoisting ceremonies, folk dance performances, art exhibitions, and special shows narrating the country's history and sacrifices since 1947. School assemblies and community parades are also planned, ensuring participation from citizens of all ages. With the countdown now in its final stretch, Islamabad is bracing for a week of colour, music and unity culminating in the grand celebrations of August 14, made even prouder by the nation's recent triumphs in safeguarding peace.
AllAfrica
30-07-2025
- Business
- AllAfrica
Trump's tariff threat shows US-India aren't really allies
For years, India has proudly touted its 'comprehensive global strategic partnership' with the United States as a cornerstone of its foreign policy. New Delhi's diplomats, defense chiefs, and prime ministers have invoked the US alliance as a sign of India's rise — a symbol that it has stepped out of the post-colonial shadow and into the ranks of major global powers. But if this week's events are any indication, those claims may be more illusion than reality. On Tuesday (July 29), US President Donald Trump — the presumptive GOP nominee and still a loud voice in global politics — threatened to impose tariffs of up to 25% on Indian imports if a long-pending trade deal remains unresolved. 'They are going to pay 25%,' Trump said bluntly, adding with characteristic paradox, 'They're my friends.' At the same time, Trump once again claimed that during the recent India-Pakistan military flare-up — Operation Sindoor and Operation Bunyan ul Marsoos — five aircraft were 'shot down.' Whether intentional or not, the comment lent weight to Pakistani assertions and left India scrambling to control the narrative of what was billed as a decisive show of strength. India's foreign policy establishment has long pitched Washington as its most critical strategic partner. Defense pacts, intelligence cooperation, and joint military exercises — particularly naval drills in the Indo-Pacific — were presented as evidence of deepening ties. But Trump's tariff threat now lays bare a fundamental truth: this relationship is still largely transactional, not transformational. It was under Trump's first term that India lost preferential trade benefits under the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP). Tariff disputes escalated. US tech firms battled India's data localization laws. Now, the threat of 25% duties shows that the US remains willing to punish India economically, regardless of strategic rhetoric. What kind of 'major defense partner,' as India is officially designated, faces the same hardball tactics reserved for adversaries? And then came Trump's battlefield commentary. During a campaign stop, Trump repeated a now-familiar claim: that he helped broker peace between India and Pakistan during their May 2025 conflict, and that five fighter jets were downed during the standoff. India has never publicly confirmed such losses. Pakistani officials, however, have claimed they downed multiple Indian Rafales. Trump's statement — true or not — undermines India's narrative of military supremacy. When the world's most recognizable political figure asserts that India lost five jets, and India cannot decisively refute it, it casts doubt on New Delhi's transparency, competence, and strategic control. This double blow — economic coercion and military humiliation — has serious consequences for India's legitimacy in the Indo-Pacific. India wants to be seen as a credible counterweight to China, a regional anchor for democratic values and security cooperation. But if its most important Western ally is treating it as a disposable trading partner and publicly amplifying its military setbacks, that legitimacy suffers. Smaller regional powers — from Vietnam to the Maldives — will begin to ask: Can India really lead? Or is it a middle power still vulnerable to both US pressure and Chinese encirclement? The answer is clear: Pakistan and China. China benefits from the growing discord between Washington and New Delhi, while Pakistan — once sidelined in Indo-Pacific strategies — now finds itself vindicated. Trump's 'five jets' statement lends legitimacy to Pakistan's military claims and reinforces the message that India is not the regional hegemon it claims to be. India may continue to declare that it is a reliable, indispensable US partner. But when economic threats come faster than trade deals — and when public narratives on military engagements are shaped by Trump, not Delhi — the gap between rhetoric and reality is impossible to ignore. Strategic partnerships are not built on joint statements and ceremonial summits. They are tested under pressure — in moments like this. And right now, the US-India partnership looks more fragile than firm. Rashid Siddiqui is a student of MPhil Economics at the University of the Punjab. He may be reached at rashidsidiqui84@
Business Recorder
10-05-2025
- Politics
- Business Recorder
Pakistan airspace to remain closed for all types of flights till May 11
The Pakistan Airports Authority (PAA) announced on Saturday that the airspace will remain closed until 12:00 PM on Sunday(May 11). 'The airspace will remain closed for all types of traffic,' a notification from the PAA spokesperson said. Earlier, Pakistan carried out 'Operation Bunyan ul Marsoos,' striking several Indian military sites on the wee hours of Saturday. Pakistan launched a counterattack against India in response to missile strikes on three of Pakistan's airbases during the night of May 9-10,.
Business Recorder
10-05-2025
- Politics
- Business Recorder
No meeting of National Command Authority scheduled: defence minister
Defence Minister Khawaja Asif said on Saturday that no meeting of the National Command Authority (NCA) was scheduled following a military operation against India. 'No meeting has happened of the National Command Authority, nor is any such meeting scheduled,' he told ARY TV. Earlier, soon after Pakistan carried out 'Operation Bunyan ul Marsoos,' striking several Indian military sites on Saturday, state media PTV reported that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif convened the NCA meeting, The NCA is the authority responsible for safeguarding the national security of Pakistan through command, control and operational decisions regarding Pakistan's nuclear weapons programme. Pakistan launched a counterattack against India in response to missile strikes on three of Pakistan's airbases during the night of May 9-10, according to state media reports.
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First Post
10-05-2025
- Politics
- First Post
Pakistan fires Fatah-II: What are ballistic missiles? Does India have them?
Pakistan has escalated the attacks against India, launching the Fatah-II aimed at Delhi, which was intercepted by India. The ballistic missile is one of the latest entrants in Pakistan's arsenal with a range of up to 400 km. But what are these weapons? And what ballistic missiles does India have? read more Pakistan reportedly fired the Fatah-II ballistic missile at India, which was intercepted. Tensions between the two nations are escalating. Image courtesy: India is on high alert after Pakistan escalated attacks following Operation Sindoor. The Pakistan military announced that it has launched 'Operation Bunyan ul Marsoos', translating to firm foundation, against India. For a second night (on Friday), the neighbouring nation fired a series of drones and missiles at India, according to government sources. It fired a Fatah-II missile, but it was intercepted at Haryana's Sirsa. It was reportedly aimed at Delhi. Pakistan's Fatah-II is an indigenously developed long-range ballistic missile. What are these weapons, and what does India possess? We explain. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD What are ballistic missiles? Ballistic missiles are powered by a rocket or a series of rockets in stages. After this, they follow an unpowered trajectory before descending to hit their intended targets. These missiles carry nuclear or conventional warheads. They fly higher than artillery rockets and travel farther. They hit the ground with great speed because of gravity's pull. Ballistic missiles are categorised by the Center for Arms Control and Non-Proliferation, a Washington-based nonprofit research organisation, by the distance they can travel – short-range, medium-range, intermediate-range and long-range. Short-range ballistic missiles: They travel less than 1,000 kilometres and are also known as 'tactical' ballistic missiles. Medium-range ballistic missiles: They travel between 1,000 and 3,000 kilometres and are also known as 'theatre' ballistic missiles. Intermediate-range ballistic missiles: The range is between 3,000 and 5,500 kilometres (approximately 1,860-3,410 miles) Long-range ballistic missiles: They travel more than 5,500 kilometres and are also known as intercontinental or strategic ballistic missiles. Intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs) can fly much further than the minimum range. A truck carrying a short-range surface-to-surface Agni ballistic missile during India's Republic Day parade in New Delhi. File photo/AFP What is the range of the Fatah-II ballistic missile? The Fatah-II is a new entrant in Pakistan's arsenal and is the successor to Fatah-I. It has a longer range and is more precise. The rocket is 'equipped with state-of-the-art avionics, sophisticated navigation system, and unique flight trajectory,' according to Pakistan. It can hit targets within a 400 km range, and this range allows it to eliminate the enemy's air defence systems. The precision of the Fatah-II comes from a combination of inertial and satellite navigation systems. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The test-firing of Fatah-11 in Pakistan on December 27, 2023. ISPR/Screenshot Fatah-II can carry conventional warheads and is designed to strike military positions and radar installations. It has a terminal guidance system which helps it adjust its path in the final phase of the flight. It uses inertial navigation combined with satellite guidance for mid-course correction, reports The Economic Times. While India intercepted the missile launched at Delhi, it can take out targets like India's S-400 air defence systems, according to a report by The Diplomat. How do ballistic missiles like Fatah-II work? Ballistic missiles are launched from platforms like silos, mobile land-based launchers, aircraft, ships and submarines. According to the Center for Arms Control and Non-Proliferation, ballistic missiles have three stages of flight. The boost phase, which lasts three to five minutes, starts with the launch and stops when the rocket engine stops firing. In the midcourse phase, the missile begins to ascend toward the highest point in its trajectory and then starts moving toward the ground. This is the longest phase and can last up to 20 minutes for ICBMs. The terminal Phase begins when the detached warhead reenters the Earth's atmosphere and ends upon impact or detonation. During this phase, which can last less than a minute, strategic warheads travel at speeds greater than 3,200 kilometres per hour, according to the research organisation. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD What ballistic missiles does India have? India has several effective ballistic missiles in its arsenal, which it needs against its main rivals, Pakistan and China. India's short-range ballistic missiles include Prithvi I and Prithvi II, with a range of 150 km and 350 km, respectively. The Dhanush missile is another short-range, ship-launched ballistic missile and the third variant of the Prithvi missile family. In this handout photograph from the Ministry of Defence, taken on May 23, 2008, the Prithvi surface-to-surface missile is launched during a test at Chandipur in Odisha. File photo/AFP The Prahaar is a short-range, solid propellant, road-mobile ballistic missile designed for tactical strikes against close-range targets. Agni-I is also a short-range missile which can hit targets up to 700 km. In the medium range, India boasts of Agni-II, which can travel up to 2,000 km, while the Agni-III is an intermediate-range ballistic missile with a range of 3,000 to 3,500 km. The Agni-IV is an upgrade with a range of 4,000 km. India also has an ICBM, the Agni-V, with a range of over 5,000 km. This handout photograph released by Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) shows the launch of an Agni V intercontinental ballistic missile at Wheeler Island, in Odisha on September 15, 2013. File photo/AFP How different are ballistic missiles from cruise missiles? Cruise missiles are unmanned vehicles that are propelled by jet engines and can be launched from ground, air or sea platforms, according to the Center for Arms Control and Non-Proliferation. Such missiles are self-guided and use multiple methods to accurately hit the target. These include terrain mapping, GPS and inertial guidance, using motion sensors and gyroscopes to keep the missile on a pre-programmed flight path. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD As advanced cruise missiles approach their target, remote operators can use a camera in the nose of the missile to see what the missile sees. This gives them the option to manually guide the missile to its target or to abort the strike. India's BrahMos is a supersonic cruise missile and operates near the 3 Mach speed in the cruise phase. The cruising altitude is up to 15 km, and the terminal altitude is as low as 10 metres. The missile carries a conventional warhead weighing 200-300 kg. With inputs from agencies
