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Business Recorder
3 days ago
- Business
- Business Recorder
Dar says Pakistan for ‘strongest ties' with US
NEW YORK: Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar said on Sunday Islamabad wished for 'strongest relations' with the United States (US) despite enjoying an iron-clad partnership with Washington's rival, Beijing. In his televised address to the Pakistani community in New York, DPM/FM Dar asserted that Pakistan is no longer isolated and enjoys numerous friends within the international community. This is evidenced by recent high-level meetings with officials from China, the United States, and several other countries that focused on economic and strategic ties. Pakistan maintains a tricky balance in its relations with China and the US. While aligned with the US for military cooperation and counter-terrorism efforts, Islamabad has strengthened economic ties with Beijing through initiatives like the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). Rubio lauds Pakistan's anti-terror role, vows deeper ties in meeting with FM Dar Relations between Washington and Beijing have been strained over the past several years as both world powers compete for global influence in several domains. The US and China have disagreements over several issues such as trade, Taiwan, the South China Sea and China's Belt and Road Initiative. 'Our government and we have emphasized and will continue to emphasize that our relations and iron-clad brother partnership with China, our relations [with the US] should not be looked at through that lens,' Dar said. 'We want strongest relations with the United States of America as well.' Dar pointed out that Islamabad, under the previous government of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif from 2022-2023, had made it clear to Washington that this was its official policy. However, the Pakistani foreign minister said the Joe Biden administration did not engage with Islamabad. 'I'm glad that they [Trump administration] have actively engaged themselves with us,' Dar said. During a nearly two-hour interaction with the Pakistani community at the Pakistan Consulate in New York, the Deputy Prime Minister also stated that Pakistan decisively countered Indian aggression by downing six fighter jets, including four Rafale aircraft. Dar said commended their solidarity during recent Pakistan–India tensions and their efforts to raise awareness on the country's core issues. Senator Dar drew loud applause when he narrated the events of the standoff, including Pakistan Air Force's shooting down of six Indian aircraft, leading up to ceasefire and the nation's unity in support of the of armed forces. He highly praised the leadership of the Army chief, Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, in dealing with that crisis. The Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, Ishaq Dar, has stated that Pakistan is experiencing a significant positive boost in its standing on the world stage, saying it had emerged from a period of isolation and witnessing economic revival. 'We have made considerable progress, especially in political and economic fields, in the past three years, despite heavy odds– we are indeed a resilient nation,' he added. The DPM/FM, who earlier in the day returned from Washington, DC, told the slogan-chanting audience that his meeting with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Friday was held in a cordial atmosphere. 'The meeting went very well. We discussed key global and regional issues', DPM/FM Dar said, hoping that US-Pak ties would be further strengthened. Present on the occasion were Pakistan's Ambassador to the United States, Rizwan Saeed Sheikh, the Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad and the Consul General in New York, Aamir Ahmed Atozai. He painted an optimistic picture of Pakistan's economic trajectory, noting a significant drop in inflation from 40% to 2.4% as of January 2025 as evidence of effective government policies and robust diplomatic efforts. Noting Pakistan's ongoing economic recovery, the DPM/FM cited the successful completion of the IMF programme, reduced inflation, and restored investor confidence, a fact the global credit rating agencies have acknowledged. He reiterated the government's aspiration for Pakistan to join the ranks of G-20 economies. In this regard, Senator Dar credited PML-N Quaid Mian Nawaz Sharif's leadership who he said continues to guide the federal and Punjab governments, calling him an able statesman. Highlighting key government initiatives, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Dar briefed the community on the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC), which streamlines investment procedures across priority sectors. He also informed them that the government is actively working toward the early resumption of PIA flights to New York, after restoring routes to Europe and the United Kingdom. The DPM/FM expressed appreciation for the contributions of the Pakistani-American community to both Pakistan and the United States, acknowledging their vital role in strengthening bilateral relations and enhancing Pakistan's global image. Dar also highlighted Pakistan's active engagement on the multilateral front, particularly its current presidency of the United Nations Security Council, secured with the support of 182 countries—reflecting the international community's confidence in Pakistan's principled diplomacy. He especially referred to the unanimous adoption of Pakistan-sponsored resolution calling for pacific settlement of disputes. Pakistan, he said, was a peaceful country which believes in diplomacy and dialogue to resolve outstanding problems. Referring to regional developments, he underscored Pakistan's outreach to Afghanistan with a view to enhancing regional connectivity through trade and rail corridors to Central Asia. He emphasized Pakistan's expectation that Afghan soil will not be used for terrorism, and noted assurances received from Afghan authorities. Senator Dar said Pakistan will continue to work for the release of Aafia Siddiqui who is incarcerated in an American prison, citing a series of steps already taken in this regard. He concluded by reaffirming the Government of Pakistan's firm commitment to partnering with the Pakistani-American community as strategic stakeholders in national development and in advancing Pakistan–U.S. cooperation rooted in mutual respect and shared aspirations. Earlier, Ambassador Sheikh, the envoy to the US, said that Pakistan's image got a huge boost following its armed forces' spectacular performance in defending the country. He also said, 'To make our defence impregnable, our economy has to be strong,' and urged the community to invest in their homeland.
Business Recorder
4 days ago
- Politics
- Business Recorder
‘India's miscalculation and Pakistan's strategic victory'
This is apropos a letter to the editor 'India's miscalculation and Pakistan's strategic victory' carried by the newspaper yesterday. This writer would like to add that President Donald Trump convened his strategic team, led by Vice President JD Vance, with Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Chief of Staff Susie Wiles. Real-time intelligence painted a grim picture: Pakistan's counteroffensive was not only imminent, but could severely cripple India's command-and-control infrastructure, disrupt key economic hubs, and dismantle its air defense shield. JD Vance was dispatched to urgently communicate this intelligence to Prime Minister Modi. The message was blunt: any further escalation would result in irreversible consequences. The strategic calculus shifted instantly. Modi, once intoxicated with power and emboldened by false notions of invincibility, was brought to his senses. The once defiant leader now faced the reality of defeat, and with surprising haste, he accepted a ceasefire — grasping at the lifeline extended by US diplomacy. Pakistan's military response was not merely reactive — it was the product of years of strategic planning and technological upgrades. The Pakistan Air Force (PAF), often underestimated, proved formidable. It not only neutralized Indian air incursions but used advanced jamming techniques to cripple enemy communications, rendering even India's most prized Rafale jets vulnerable. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
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First Post
6 days ago
- Politics
- First Post
After India phases out MiGs, how will the IAF measure up to Pakistan and China?
India is set to phase out its MiG fighter jets, which have been in service for decades, by September. The Indian Air Force will replace the MiGs with its indigenously developed Tejas Light Combat Aircraft (LCA). But where does that leave the strength of the IAF? How does it compare to the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) and the People's Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF)? read more India is phasing out its MiG fighter jets by September. The fighter jets, which have been given the ignominious nickname of the 'flying coffins' for their propensity to crash and kill pilots, have been in service for decades. India will replace the MiGs with its indigenously-developed Tejas Light Combat Aircraft (LCA). But where does that leave India's Air Force against China and Pakistan? Let's take a closer look: Indian Air Force The strength of Indian Air Force's active squadrons is set to drop down to just 29 from October. This would mean India is at its lowest number of squadrons since the 1960s. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD While the squadron size can vary depending on the country, it typically ranges from 18 to 24 aircraft. The Indian Air Force currently has 31 squadrons in service. With the MiGs set to retire on September 19 at the Chandigarh Air Force Station, this will bring the number of India's squadrons down to just 29. According to assessments, the Indian Air Force requires 42 squadrons to be at its full strength. India currently has 522 jets. It needs to induct at least 40 fighter jets every year simply to maintain its strength. Unless India keeps inducting new aircraft into its Air Force, its squadron strength will continue to dwindle as old models keep being phased out. At the moment, that seems to be a tall task. India placed an order for 36 Rafale from France, but that hasn't been enough to bolster the ranks of the IAF. India currently has just two Tejas squadrons in service. The Tejas Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Mark-1A is a 4.5 generation fighter jet. X/@HALHQBLR Meanwhile, an order it placed for 83 Tejas Mk-1A aircraft has been beset by delays and missed deadlines from Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL). STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Not a single craft has been inducted into service. However, to be fair, this is due to General Electric, which is making F-404IN20 engines for the Tejas Mk-1A craft, has been unable to meet its deadline. GE has said this is due to supply chain issues. Another reason for the delay is that the Kaveri engine that was expected to power the LCA remains under development. India is currently developing a 5th generation Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft. However, this could take years if not a decade before being inducted. Experts say a healthy mix of different aircraft is needed. Aerospace and defence expert Pushan Das told The Telegraph Online, 'As the IAF's combat squadrons continue on its downward slide in numbers. It seems intuitive that India must consider a broader range of options better suited for its combat requirements. One potential option is acquiring an additional mix of technologically up-to-date Rafales and accelerating the production and induction of the indigenous Tejas with requisite enablers such as air refuelling capabilities and Airborne Early Warning and Control Systems (AEW&C), although there are certainly other options as well.' STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The air forces of Pakistan and China Pakistan has 25 squadrons in its air force with around 450 fighter jets. Islamabad is also reportedly looking to expand and modernise the Pakistan Air Force (PAF). There are also reports that it is looking to purchase a few dozen J-35 fighter jets from China in a bid to try to gain parity with Indian air superiority. China, on the other hand, has a whopping 66 squadrons and a massive 1,200 fighter jets in its People's Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF). At this rate, India will be completely outmatched when it comes to the sheer weight in numbers of both air forces. China has already inducted two fifth-generation fighters into the ranks of its air force. The J-36 is thought to be China's attempt at a sixth-generation fighter plane. Image courtesy: X India's Tejas LCA Mark-1A is at best a 4.5 generation fighter. China is also locked in a race with the United States to develop a 6th generation fighter aircraft. The US is building the F-47, while China is developing the J-36. While the details of both remain closely-guarded, videos of the J-36 went viral on social media in China in April. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The US currently has the F-35 – which remains the most advanced fighter jet even built – as the mainstay of its air force. Why it matters India needs to be on its guard. After all, it has fought multiple wars with both Pakistan and China. The two neighbours, who have professed to be 'iron brothers' and 'all-weather friends', worked together during Operation Sindoor. However, it must be noted that the quality of the Chinese-made equipment and aircraft used by Pakistan came under scrutiny due to its poor performance. Still, at the end of the day, when it comes to aerial firepower, it remains a number's game. India will not want to find itself completely outnumbered in the sky in case a conflict breaks out. And fighting a battle on two fronts would be far harder than a single-front conflict. With inputs from agencies
India.com
23-07-2025
- Politics
- India.com
Nuclear submarines, K-6 missiles, MIRV systems...: India capable of defeating US, China in..., coward Pakistan accuses Modi govt of...
Pakistan fears the destructive power of India's nuclear-powered submarines. (File) Months after India's BrahMos missiles pulverized Pakistani military infrastructure, including inflicting critical damage to eleven airbases of the Pakistan Air Force, during Operation Sindoor, Pakistani military experts have acknowledged the power of India's destructive missile capabilities, and expressed 'concern' over New Delhi's plans to build a bunker buster bomb akin to the 30000 lbs GBU-57 Massive Ordnance Penetrator (MOP) which the US dropped on Iranian nuclear facilities last month. Why Pakistan fears India's sea-based missiles? In a piece published in the Dawn, Dr. Aqeel Akhtar, visiting faculty at Islamabad-based National Defense University, termed the India's sea missile capability as a major threat to Pakistan, while also accusing New Delhi of aggressively increasing naval constructions and missile power in the Indian Ocean, Pacific Ocean and the Arabian Sea. 'India-led nuclearisation of the Indian Ocean has increased strategic asymmetries, significantly intensified military competition and strained strategic stability in the region. India's nuclear submarines, nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarines (SSBNs) and nuclear-powered attack submarines (SSNs) pose a major threat to Pakistan,' he wrote, adding that New Delhi's powerful sea-based nuclear deterrence development marks a major shift from a defensive to an offensive maritime stance. How India bolstered sea-based nuclear deterrence? The Pakistani academic alleged that the Narendra Modi government has 'weaponized' India's growing naval power and adopted an aggressive maritime strategy, which could upset the regional power balance as well as the global strategic balance. Akhtar pointed out that India's SSBN (Nuclear Ballistic Missile Submarine) program is in its advanced stage, which poses the biggest threat to Pakistan. The Dawn article also mentions INS Arihant and INS Arighat, both nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarines (SSBNs) of the Arihant class, as the bulwark of India's sea-based nuclear deterrence, that have taken the the country's nuclear triad to the next level. The two submersibles can carry medium-range and long-range missiles such as K-15 (750 km range) and K-4 (3500 km range), and India also plans to deploy ultra long-range submarine-launched ballistic missiles (SLBMs) like K-5 (6000 km) and K-6 (8000 km) in the future. Why India can defeat China, US, or any other country in Indian Ocean? In his article, Dr Akhtar expresses 'concern' that India's maritime capabilities are rapidly approaching levels where the Indian Navy can challenge and defeat powerful foes like the China or even United States, especially in the Indian Ocean region. 'India now has the capability to keep more than 400 nuclear warheads, out of which over 100 nuclear ballistic missiles can be deployed on SSBN. With this capability, no power in the world, even US or China, can dare to fight Indian naval forces in the sea. The destruction will anything beyond what the enemy could imagine,' he writes. The report accuses India of deviating from its declared minimum deterrence policy (CMD), particularly by deploying weapons with MIRV (Multiple Independently Targetable Reentry Vehicle) capability, that could 'endanger strategic stability in the region'. Dr Akhtar's piece also quotes an article by Ashley J. Tellis, senior fellow at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, in which she emphasized New Delhi's goal is to control not just China, but any other country, including the United States, that aspires to dominate the Indian Ocean region. Notably, Pakistan has urged United Nations Security Council and the US-led West to curb India's ICBM program, including the Agni-V and Agni-VI missiles, citing 'threat' to global peace.
India.com
21-07-2025
- Politics
- India.com
Revealed: Not Chinese J-35 Jets, But a ‘Ghost Weapon' – Pakistan Air Force's Most Dangerous Plan Under Munir
New Delhi: In the days following the bruising military clash between India and Pakistan from May 7 to 10, something changed deep within Pakistan's military command. At the centre of this change lies not a fighter jet, not even the Chinese-made J-35s the media speculated about, but something quieter. Something Pakistan does not want anyone to see. Not yet. What began as whispers has now taken shape through a revealing report by Quwa, a Pakistan-based defense analysis platform. And it points to something far more ambitious than buying more jets. Pakistan's next big leap may not be in the skies, but in the shadows. The report details a high-stakes project brewing inside Pakistan's Air Force – an invisible defense network designed to outthink and outpace future threats. The system is not about raw speed or firepower. It is about sensing danger before it strikes and responding in ways the enemy cannot detect. Senior Pakistani defense planners are now convinced that the future of air dominance will not be won with just wings and missiles. It will depend on how fast information flows, and how silently. The plan is to build a dispersed network that ties together hundreds of sensors, drones, radars and data relays, all communicating with each other like nerves in a living body. A network that does not shout or blink, just watches, calculates and acts. At the core of this strategy lies one of Pakistan Air Force's most difficult tests, which is how to stay invisible in a world flooded with electromagnetic noise. In any modern war, electromagnetic attacks, radio jamming, data interception and signal disruption, are likely to be the first wave. And it is in that chaos that this invisible grid must not just survive, but lead. The ambition goes beyond simply dodging detection. Military engineers are working on a next-generation Tactical Data Link (TDL), a digital nervous system for war. It is more than a tool. It is a language, one that could allow pilots, ground units and command centers to think as one, even under the fog of war. As one Pakistani analyst observed, what Pakistan is building is not only an upgrade, it is a rewriting of the rules. A defense system that breathes. A force that speaks in silence. And as Pakistan absorbs the lessons of Operation Sindoor, its eyes are not just on India's jets, but on the invisible battlefield in between.
