راولپنڈی: پاک فوج اور پاک بحریہ میں براق اور شہپر نامی ڈرون طیاروں کے دو بیڑے شامل کرلئے گئے۔
آئی ایس پی آر کی جانب سے جاری بیان کے مطابق براق اور شہپر بیڑوں کی شمولیت کے حوالے سے ایک تقریب کا اہتمام کیا گیا جس میں آرمی چیف جنرل اشفاق پرویز کیانی، ایئرچیف مارشل طاہر رفیق بٹ اور ڈائریکٹر جنرل اسٹریٹیجک پلانز ڈویژن لیفٹیننٹ ریٹائرڈ خالد احمد قدوائی کے علاوہ مسلح افواج کے سینیئر افسران، سائنسدان اور انجینئرز نے شرکت کی۔
اس موقع پر آرمی چیف جنرل اشفاق پرویز کیانی کا کہنا تھا کہ نیشنل انجنئیرنگ اینڈ سائنٹیفک کمیشن کے ماہرین کی کاوشیں کسی سے ڈھکی چھپی نہیں، براق اور شہپر کی پاک فضائیہ اور پاک فوج میں شمولیت ان کی قابلیت کا منہ بولتا ثبوت ہے جس سے مسلح افواج کی استعداد کار میں اضافہ ہوگا۔
واضح رہے کہ براق اور شہپر ڈرون طیاروں کے پہلے بیڑے ہیں جو پاک فوج اور پاک فضائیہ میں شامل کئے گئے ہیں، ڈرون طیاروں کی شمولیت سے جہاں مسلح افواج کی دفاعی صلاحیتوں میں اضافہ ہوگا وہیں مستقبل میں ان طیاروں کو دیگر سماجی و معاشی مقاصد کے لئے بھی استعمال کیا جاسکے گا۔
A nation without a strong defense is at a mercy of an aggressor. Pakistan right after its birth is facing serious threats form its eastern borders and had faced the humiliation of Dhaka fall in 1971 after India invaded Eastern Pakistan, while been backed up by Russian Federation. We also faced tremendous difficulties after the US congress imposed on us the Pressler sanctions in 1985. Under such circumstances, it was necessary to start indigenous production of weapons. It is pertinent to mention that after India tested their first nuclear device in 70s it was decided by then PM Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto to start our nuclear program for defense applications. The defense system was further boosted after Pakistan decided to go for missile development.
Keeping in mind that our country has faced several sanctions by USA and its allies it has always been a daring task for the govt. to initiate defense projects. The designing, development and production of any particular device needs a long and tedious process. Acquiring sensitive equipment, transfer of technology and then indigenous development is complex and besides being technically sound the support from govt. on economical and diplomatic fronts is necessary.
During the two tenures of PMLN, we took the most daring steps from the development of missile boats to the nuclear tests. In this blog post we are presenting the bold work of PMLN govt. for strengthening the defense of Pakistan.
As it has been discussed that in 1985 US congress imposed sanctions on Pakistan thus halting the supply of spare parts for Pak Armed forces, it was necessary to start indigenous development of these devices. Several new organizations were created during the first tenure of PMLN. In 1990, Pak Army Air defense corps were equipped by shoulder fired men portable surface to air missile ANZA. During 1990, R & D work began for up gradation of Type59 Tank. That phase was successfully completed in 1997. For strengthening the Navel force of Pakistan PMLN during its first enure approved the establishment of a new navel base in Baluchistan. This navel base in known as Jinnah Navel Base. The construction of this base was started in 1990 and the first phase was finished during the second tenure of PML i.e in April 1997. PNS Qasim was commissioned as a training cum depot unit on Nov 25,1990. In Oct 1991, PNS Ahsan was commissioned in Pak NAVY. This unit acts as a coastal radar station for surveillance. During the first tenure of PMLN (1990-93) the govt. of Pakistan signed an agreement for the development of Main Battle Tank which is known as Al Khalid MBT. In 1991, field trials were carried out while the ground facilities for its development was completed in Taxila HMC in 1992. The missile program was assigned to NDC which was established during the first tenure of PMLN 1990-93. This organization latter proved its worth by providing state of the art missile technology to Pakistan. In Feb,1992 Air Weapon Complex was established to quench the requirements of Pakistan Air Force. In 1992, an intelligent computer based generic system based on Micro-Vax technology was inducted at electronic warfare training center of Pak Navy. PNS KALMAT which is a twin screw coastal oil tanker cum cargo vessel was indigenous development at Karachi shipyard and Engg. works, was commissioned on 29th August 1992. Similarly, an Eriden class mine hunter PNS MUNSIF was commissioned in PN on 26 oct, 1992 during the first tenure of PMLN.
The second tenure of PMLN brought a new revolution to Pakistan when huge projects were initiated. Those days were tense in the sense that an extremist Hindu party BJP took charge of Indian Govt. The requirements of Pak Army were full filled well in time, in the form of conventional weapon systems and in the form of advance missile system. In 1997, Pak Army was delivered 95+24 M198- 155mm Howitzer. Also during the second tenure of PMLN Pak Army procured T-80 battle tanks from Ukarine. PN commissioned several missile boats that were manufactured in Pakistan. Among those were PNS Jalalat commissioned on August 14, 1997. The missile system of Pakistan also had a major breakthrough when in July 1997, Pakistan tested Hataf III Ghaznawi which can hit within a range of 600 km. On 24th July,1997 The test-firing of ANZA surface to air missile by Pakistan was an action that determined the safeguarding of National security interests. It is pertinent to mention that ANZA can hit any aircraft from surface to an altitude of 60,000 feet. On same day an anti tank missile BAKTARSHIKAN was successfully tested too.
In 1998, the development of a new tank started in HIT-Pakistan, which resulted in a new and a robust tank known as Al-Zarrar. Furthermore, for the better and fast infantry operation, in 1998, Pakistan started the design work on an Armored Personal Carrier named Talha. On the question of weapon race in the region The Federal Minister of Information Mushahid Hussain while,talking on "Pakistan and the changing regional scenario " at Bangladesh Institude of Int. Strategic Studies Dhaka, clearly told the world
"If India justifies its arm build up under the garb of its security concerns, by the same token, Pakistan, Nepal and Bangladesh have the right to take measures for their security"
03 May 1998
On April 6,1998 Pakistan successfully tested Ghauri I that is capable to hit all major cities of India. It was because of this missile that forced the Indian Air Force to shift its Jodhpur Headquarters. On Decemeber 13,1998 a modified version of ANZA was test fired. This laser guided missile ANZA I was tested by the Army Air defense units. On 28th May, 1998 Pakistan conducted Nuclear tests that effectively equalizes the balance of power in the region.
03 May 1998
On 15th April 1999, Pakistan test fired Shaheen missile with a lethal range of 600km [Witness to blunder by Col. Ishfaq Hussain Page 81]. In Sept, 1999 Pakistan Navy got commissioned another Missile boat PNS Shujjat. For undersea warfare Augasta 90B was commissioned in PN on Sept 6,1999 and was named PNS/M KHALID. On 9th of July, Pakistan commissioned first indigenous Mine Hunter PNS MUJAHID.
25 June 98
In June 1999, Mian Nawaz Sharif being the PM of Pakistan signed an agreement with Chinese government for the designing and development of JF-17 thunder multi-role fighter aircraft. Furthermore, in April 1999 PAF got its first installment of used Mirage IIIE. It is also worth mentioning that a a batch of 50 F-7PG were ordered from China in early 1999. The batch delivery completed in April 2002.
The marvelous missile program of Pakistan was hailed by the Saudi Defense minister when, after the Pakistan's nuclear tests, he said that our missile program is a guarantee for the supremacy of Muslim world.
In the recent days a lot of discussion has taken place on social media with most of the material based on the current statements from Mohsin Pakistan Dr. Abdul Qadeer Khan. Most of the posts on social media pages portrayed that then govt of Pakistan Muslim League was not willing to conduct the nuclear tests and it was the pressure exerted by the nation that forced them to carryout nuclear explosions. Since archives of the 20th century newspapers of Pakistan are not available on internet therefore no one bothered to do research to see what actually happened during those tense days. Was it really the Nawaz Govt. that resisted the tests ? Or there were some other constraints that made a delay of 16 days to respond the Indian Threat. Was the delay necessary ? The quest of these questions forced me to spend time in public libraries and finding the archives of MAY 1998. The essence of my work is presented in this blog post. The time line of the nuclear Pakistan is given in the following paragraphs. The rebuttal of "Who wanted to conduct and who do not wanted to conduct test" will be posted soon. The timeline presented here however, clearly shows the honesty of Pakisatni leadership for conducting the tests.
11th MAY, 1998 | Timeline of Nuclear Pakistan begins
Pakistani PM was on a visit to Kazakhstan where he was attending the ECO summit. India without having any threat to its national security tested 3 Nuclear devices. Three nuclear devices that were tested includes Fission, Low yield and Thermonuclear type. To pressurize Pakistan, India conducted the tests at a site that was only 150 km far from Pakistani Border. India also tested one short range missile Tirshol the same day.
Not only Pakistan but the majority of nations from all over the world were given complete surprise. For Pakistan it was a testing time. The testing time to react like a responsible muslim state. The testing time to react like a powerful nation.
The same day Pakistani FM Gohar Ayub rapped the international community for encouraging India to achieve the nuclear aspirations. He was talking in the senate of PAKISTAN the same day. It was very clear that PAKISTAN as a nation and PMLN as a ruling party has no ambiguity to let India do whatever she likes. Following snapshot of a local Pakistani Newspaper is a proof for the first day of nuclear PAKISTAN timeline.
Day 1- Nuclear Pakistan Timeline
13 May 1998: Day 2 of Nuclear Pakistan Timeline
Pakistan was sure to conduct tests from the day one . All it needed was time to adjust with the scientific and security arrangement to ensure the safety of sensitive nuclear installations. The PM of Pakistan on the very next day made it clear that Pakistan will not accept any dictations and we will decide what is in the best interest of country.
Talking to the reporters he categorically stated that
"I want to assure the nation that we are not oblivious of the country's legitimate security concerns " The NATION May 13,1998
It was not only then PM Mian Nawaz Sharif , the symbol of federation President Rafique Tarar also assured the nation that Pakistan will react appropriately but at proper time.
14 May 1998: Day 3 of Nuclear Pakistan Timeline
Time was passing swiftly and the matters were presented to the Defense Committee of Cabinet (DCC). A lot of things were to be finalized and a debate on both aspects of the issue was started. It was also important that PAKISTAN had to plan economically for the likely sanctions from USA and its allies. The financial situation and the defense preparations must be discussed before the nuclear tests. The Nation filed a photo of the third day showing Dr. Abdul Qadeer Khan taking notes during a DCC meeting.
Day 3 - Timeline of a Nuclear Pakistan
The same day it was reported by the local newspapers that US President Bill Clinton telephoned the PM Nawaz Sharif and said that USA will enforce its laws relating to nuclear explosions and they will envisaged the sanctions in that law. However, PM Nawaz Sharif took a bold step and made it very clear to him that Pakistan has all the right to do whatever is to ensure its security and we will take appropriate steps.
15 May 1998: Day 4 of Nuclear Pakistan Timeline
Day 4 of nuclear Pakistan timeline comes up with a headline on National newspapers that Pakistan rejects pressure on national security. The cabinet was reported unanimous over the nuclear tests.
I know where you do not have archives on internet its very easy to play foul. The present social media is so keen to circulate false stories based on some news paper columns about the nuclear test just to malign Nawaz Sharif. The image below shows the news clip.
Day 4: Timeline of a Nuclear Pakistan
16 May 1998: Day 5 of Nuclear Pakistan Timeline
After the first call from US President, USA sent its deputy secretary of state Mr. Talbot to negotiate with Pakistan but PMLN govt lead by Mian Nawaz Sharif (PM) told him that Pakistan is not refraining from a tit for tat response of Indian explosions. However, as a token of world policemen they did not forget to inform Pakistan that serious consequences will be faced if we tested our nuclear devices, but it was its bad luck LIONS were ruling Pakistan.
Day 5 of Nuclear Pakistan Timeline
Bill Clinton was hopeful that Pakistan will not explode the nuclear devices and will be happy on the economic package but alas....
17 May 1998: Day 6 of Nuclear Pakistan Timeline
On day 6 the three major government office holders told the nation that Pakistan will not compromise on its security. First it was the FM Gohar Ayub who in a very clear way told the world that Nuclear tests are very close to certain, second it was PM Nawaz Sharif who once again express that Pakistan will never compromise its security. The President Rafique Tarar used the forum of 102 GDP course and 48th Engg. course at PAF academy Risalpur to verbalize that it is beyond imagination that Pakistan will compromise its sovereignty. Below given newspaper cuttings are the reference of day 6 activity.
18 May 1998: Day 7 of Nuclear Pakistan Timeline
After the policy statement by the Pakistani FM,PM and the President USA decided to threat Pakistani govt and nation to face with dire consequences.
The Pakistani PM Nawaz Sharif sensed the matter well and told USA that Pakistan will decide what is in the best interests. He while addressing a open kutchery told the world
"We are not worried over the India nuclear tests because Pakistan has the same potential. Pakistan can prove its nuclear worth within 12 to 24 hours. We have not taken any decision in haste in this regard and we are monitoring the reaction of the world towards Indian nuclear explosion"
19 May 1998: Day 8 of Nuclear Pakistan Timeline
After the stiff reply by the PM Nawaz Sharif earlier the two important persons called PM Nawaz Sharif and ask Pakistan to restraint. How come it was possible. The news paper headlines states the English word REBUFF that means a blunt or abrupt rejection. You rocked Mian sb..
20 May 1998: Day 9 of Nuclear Pakistan Timeline
The Pakistani PM again assured that taking the Indian threat seriously and he raised the question that Indian home minister is talking about occupying Azad Kahsmir and how our action of nuclear testing will be wrong under these circumstances?
One news report of the same day revealed that Pakistan may conduct nuclear test in the next 72 hours. The report show that the trips to friendly countries were successful and our friends have given us a green signal thus understanding our point of view. The report further revealed that the deadline can be extended for meeting toughest technical requirements.
21 May 1998: Day 10 of Nuclear Pakistan Timeline
The diplomatic efforts of Pakistan produced results after it was reported in the newspaper that Kuwait, Bahrain and Iran announced to support Pakistan.
22 May 1998: Day 11 of Nuclear Pakistan Timeline
The PM Nawaz Sharif hold upon a meeting with the editors of national newspapers and said that Pakistan is very much disappointed with the world's reaction on Indian tests and if the world can not support our decision at least it should not oppose it.
The same day President also assured that we will not compromise the security. I wonder how people can claim that Mian Nawaz Sharif and the PMLN govt. were not in favor of nuclear tests and it was public pressure that forced them to conduct nuclear tests.
23 May 1998: Day 12 of Nuclear Pakistan Timeline
The day arrived when PM declared that Pakistan is ready for befitting reply. That day newspaper also told us that Bill Clinton and Tony Blair again phone Nawaz Sharif. Pity for the US and UK a lion was ruling the country.
24 May 1998: Day 13 of Nuclear Pakistan Timeline
After receiving calls from US, Britain and Canadian govts. it was clear that the world economic powers will impose sanctions on Pakistan. The economic sanctions looks light when you read them on newspaper but a country striving for a better economy its hard to get through it. The PM Nawaz Sharif stated that we as a Nation are ready to face the sanctions. In other words he had told the world about our decision.
25 May 1998: Day 14 of Nuclear Pakistan Timeline
A hijacking drama of PIA plane PK-554 was plotted by the Indians that was ended after a commando operation at Hyderabad Airport. It is important to mention here that same sort of drama was played by Indian authorities during 1970's to help the Makti Bahnis of East Pakistan. The Indian drama revealed that India is looking for some misadventure.
26 May 1998: Day 15 of Nuclear Pakistan Timeline
The situation was critical and it was evident that India will try to jeopardize the security of Pakistan before it will test the nuclear devices. To counter the Indian moves the PM and COAS met in Islamabad and discussed the security issues. COAS also directed the army units deployed along LOC to prepare for the Indian moves.
27 May 1998: Day 16 of Nuclear Pakistan Timeline
In wake of the Indian threat and to strengthen the defense along LoC the govt setups the border defense bodies by distributing arms and ammunition to some 2000 villagers that constitute 160 defense bodies. The same day COAS visited the LoC and the Navel chief visited the units of Pak Navel fleet. Meanwhile, the two elders of the govt. meets and discusses the steps taken for national sovereignty. The Federal Minister of Finance Sartaj Aziz who as also the member of DCC told that defense can not be bartered for economic package.
Nation was preparing to conduct the nuclear tests within a couple of days.
28 May 1998: Day 17 of Nuclear Pakistan Timeline
Due to the increasing Indian threat Pakistan deployed a medium ranged Ghauri missile to oust any preemptive strike from India. The missile was sent from AQ Khan research laboratories to unknown place. It should be noted that Ghauri can hit every corner of India and is capable of carrying out nuclear war head. Just before Pakistan was becoming the first Islamic Nuclear state Turkish, Japanese and British PMs phoned Pakistani PM. The answer of our PM was simple
"We can thwart any aggression "
28 May 1998: Nuclear Pakistan Timeline Finished
Before carrying out the tests it was a tense night as Pakistani intelligence reported about possible attack on Kahuta atomic plant. PM Nawaz Sharif did not go to bed he remained active throughout the night ordering measures to counter the "attack". When asked to take rest he said
"The nation is sleeping and therefore i must keep awake"
On 28th of May 1998 Pakistan successfully tested 5 nuclear devices in response to India's challenge. The balance of power was made in favor of Pakistan. However, Pakistan, unlike India did not revealed the type of devices tested.
The next day was a jubilation across the country. There was a wave of happiness all over the country and the entire nation which was demoralized after the explosion of May 11 and 13 heaved the sigh of relief. Soon the people in a spontaneous reaction arranged extensive fireworks, firecrackers and resorted to aerial firing to express their happiness.
The most important aspect of the nuclear Pakistan timeline was that it immaculately restored the fragile balance of power between Pakistan and India and successfully lightened the clouds of war that had began looming over the subcontinent.
ABC news reported the Pakistan's nuclear tests that clearly showing the disappointment of USA for not restraining Pakistan. The report proved that the decision for nuclear tests was a great show of an independent Pakistan.
Later on 30th May Pakistan tested another nuclear device thus balancing a score of 6/6 with India.
The voice of PMLN is a volunteer non official blog of Pakistan Muslim League (N). The views expressed here are my own and may not reflect the party stance on various issues. The only intent of this blog is to make it the largest archival site for PMLN.
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