Pakistan’s response to India’s Cold Start Strategy: Preemptive strikes

RupeeNews

Much of this so called “Cold Start Strategy” is based on the Israeli strategy which it tried to implement in Lebanon. Israel was unable to implement its objectives in Lebanon and had to withdraw even from the Litani River. Israel failed to achieve its goals in Lebanon. In Lebanon, Israel was unable to stop the barrage of missiles from Lebanon even on the last day. Many consider this Israel’s defeat.India’s Cold start war strategy and the Pakistani Nuclear response.

Gen Kapoor’s provocative doctrine: Pakistani countermeasures

• The essence of the Cold Start doctrine is reorganising the army’s offensive power that resides in the three strike corps into eight smaller division-sized integrated battle groups (IBGs) consisting of armour and mechanised infantry and artillery, closely supported by helicopter gunships, air force and airborne troops (parachute and heliborne).
• The IBGs are to be positioned close to the border so that three to five are launched into Pakistan along different axes within 72 to 96 hours from the time mobilisation is ordered.
• Cold Start thus envisages rapid thrusts even when the defensive corps’ deployment is yet to be completed, and high-speed operations conducted day and night until the designated objectives are achieved
• The probable objective areas for Cold Start could be (1) Ravi-Chenab corridor from two directions, an IBG along Jammu-Sialkot-Daska axis and another across the Ravi to link up with the first IBG, and (2) in the south against Reti-Rahim Yar Khan-Kashmore complex.
• To counter Cold Start, the Pakistan Army will have to create more armour-dominated brigade-sized reserves from the existing resources if possible, and a more flexible military system and structure.
• For Pakistan the dimensions of time and space assume paramount importance as it lacks territorial depth, is opposed by a larger adversary and lacks the resources to fight a protracted war.
• The strategy of pre-emption is thus imposed on Pakistan in the same way it was imposed on Israel prior to the 1967 war.
• The fact that the Pakistani Army can occupy their wartime locations earlier than the Indian army confers on it the ability to pre-empt Cold Start;
• failure to do so could lead to firing of low-yield tactical warheads at IBGs as they cross the start line or even earlier
• Pakistani countermeasures to Cold Start Strategy–battle-ready nuclear weapons
• India said on Monday it is monitoring the situation following media reports suggesting Pakistan is allegedly digging tunnels in Sargodha district
• “We are attempting to establish the purpose of digging up such large tunnels,” an intelligence official was quoted as saying in the reports. “These clearly cannot be meant for transport as is obvious from the images available; they don’t lead on to roads,” he added.
• Delhi’s Cold Start Strategy Frozen DOA (Dead on Arrival)

India knows that it can never win a conventional warfare because of the Nuclear Mutually Assured Destruction (MAD). However it still harbors notions of winning a sort of a mini war. India may think it has a Cold Start Strategy, but it may end as a hot nuclear war. Indian Defense planners cannot guarantee that a limited strike will not escalte into a full fledged war. A full fledged war witha nuclear armed labor may destroy both countries. Responding to the “Surgical Strikes”: Neutralizing Delhi’s Cold Start strategy:

While engaging the Kashmir question must be the priority, a much more serious problem is that in less than a decade India has twice threatened us with all-out war in less than a decade, in December 2002 and 2008, using terrorist action by non-state actors as a pretext both times. As the name suggests, the Indian “COLD START” strategy envisages moving Indian forces without any warning or mobilisation into unpredictable locations at high speeds against Pakistan (on the Israeli pattern of 1956 and 1967) seeking to defeat Pakistan by achieving total surprise at both the strategic and the operational levels (remember Pearl Harbour), striving for a decision before the US or China could intervene on Pakistan’s behalf. An unspoken assumption seems to be that “rapid operations would prevent India’s civilian leadership from halting military operations in progress, lest it have second thoughts or possess insufficient resolve”. Does this particular Indian military psyche conform to the so-called civilian control of the Indian military? Facing a foe having 3:1 superiority, and with such a history and such an offensive strategy, we may be forgiven for our “India fixation”.

The military challenges for Pakistan posed by COLD START derails any resolve for sustained peace with India, re-constituting Pakistan’s strategy to take on all five of India’s “Strike Corps” with all our three “Army Reserve” formations presently occupied in FATA, Dir and Swat. Please forgive also our suspicions as to what the many Indian consulates in Afghanistan are doing on our western borders! Ikram Sehgal. The News

On Dec 13, 2001, five gunmen attacked the Indian parliament building. An hour later, 12 people including the gunmen were dead. In the days that followed, India blamed the militant groups based in Pakistan for the attack.

On Dec 18, 2001, the Indian government ordered the commencement of Operation Parakaram (Operation Victory), the largest mobilisation of Indian forces since 1971. It appeared that war was inevitable. Yet, after a 10-month standoff, Operation Parakaram was terminated. India had lost face.

The main reason why this happened was the time taken by the three strike corps to reach their wartime locations from central India. It took them three weeks during which time Pakistan was not only able to deploy its forces but also to internationalise the crisis.

Until 2004 the Indian army’s strategic thought envisaged the deployment of seven corps in defensive role and three corps in offensive role each built around an armoured division supported by mechanised infantry and artillery. After the defensive corps had blunted Pakistani attacks, the strike corps would undertake counter-offensive operations aimed at the destruction of the Pakistan Army’s two strategic reserves also built around an armoured division.

After Operation Parakaram the Indian army concluded that this doctrine was inflexible because of the huge size of the strike corps — they have long deployment times, are difficult to manoeuvre, while their concentration in the forward areas gives away the general strategic direction they would adopt. And above all, the doctrine inhibited a quick response to challenges posed by acts like the attack on the Indian parliament (and seven years later in Mumbai).

As a consequence, in 2004 the Indian army announced the development of a new limited war doctrine called Cold Start to respond to what it calls proxy wars by Pakistan. It would seek to inflict significant damage on the Pakistan Army before the international community could intervene on Pakistan’s behalf, while at the same time ensuring that the conflict did not escalate to a level where Pakistan was tempted to use nuclear weapons.

The essence of the Cold Start doctrine is reorganising the army’s offensive power that resides in the three strike corps into eight smaller division-sized integrated battle groups (IBGs) consisting of armour and mechanised infantry and artillery, closely supported by helicopter gunships, air force and airborne troops (parachute and heliborne). The IBGs are to be positioned close to the border so that three to five are launched into Pakistan along different axes within 72 to 96 hours from the time mobilisation is ordered.

Cold Start thus envisages rapid thrusts even when the defensive corps’ deployment is yet to be completed, and high-speed operations conducted day and night until the designated objectives are achieved.

In a war limited by time, mobility is the single-most important factor which if used to its full potential will help attain the political aim in the desired time and space framework. But this requires a perfect matching of the physical means of mobility with the mobility of the mind, as the value of a highly mobile force can be reduced to zero by commanders whose minds are characterised by lack of imagination, initiative and flexibility. “Adherence to dogmas has destroyed more armies and lost more battles and lives than any other cause in war. No man of fixed opinions can make a good general.” (J.F.C. Fuller)

In the 1965 war the Indian 1 Corps, spearheaded by the 1st Armoured Division, had penetrated seven miles only into Pakistani territory in Sialkot sector in 21 days, while in the 1971 war, the same corps having about eight tank units did marginally better by penetrating eight miles in 14 days, that too when opposed by light covering troops. In both wars the Indian army was schematic in its operations. Changes in dispositions such as forming a new defensive line, reassigning of objectives, switching forces not in accordance with their original plan, took time. Above all, their commanders at all levels lacked enterprise, imagination and initiative.

Given this, while Cold Start is a sound concept, though not original, the Indian war directors need to question the ability of their commanders at all levels to execute it efficiently and sustain the advantage gained from striking first. The “law of the initial advantage of the aggressor” assumes critical importance, as it is the aggressor who generally sets the pattern which operations will take. The Germans in the Second World War and the Israelis in the 1956 and 1967 wars had translated the concept of blitzkrieg, characterised by surprise, speed and concentration, with devastating results against numerically superior forces because they had a flair for conducting high-speed operations with flexibility, rapidity and less military routine.

The probable objective areas for Cold Start could be (1) Ravi-Chenab corridor from two directions, an IBG along Jammu-Sialkot-Daska axis and another across the Ravi to link up with the first IBG, and (2) in the south against Reti-Rahim Yar Khan-Kashmore complex. To counter Cold Start, the Pakistan Army will have to create more armour-dominated brigade-sized reserves from the existing resources if possible, and a more flexible military system and structure.

For Pakistan the dimensions of time and space assume paramount importance as it lacks territorial depth, is opposed by a larger adversary and lacks the resources to fight a protracted war. The strategy of pre-emption is thus imposed on Pakistan in the same way it was imposed on Israel prior to the 1967 war. The fact that the Pakistani Army can occupy their wartime locations earlier than the Indian army confers on it the ability to pre-empt Cold Start; failure to do so could lead to firing of low-yield tactical warheads at IBGs as they cross the start line or even earlier.

Cold Start would be a portent of escalation, and inevitably a disaster for both. It is a doctrine that challenges both countries. The writer is a retired brigadier of the Pakistan Army. javedhussainpa@yahoo.com

Secretary of State Hillary Clinton during her campaign for the presidency of the United States mentioned “Pakistan’s paranoia” about India’s intentions about Pakistan. Pardon us Ms. Clinton but Bharat has threatened Pakistan will all out war, not once but twice in the past few years. Additionally, it was the Pakhtuns that liberated Azad Kashmir and it is Delhi that occupied Kashmir, Junagarh, Manvadar, Sir Creek and Siachin–not the Pakhtuns (aka Taliban).

Terrorism across the borders works for Bharat–in China, Sikkim Bhutan, Nepal, Lanka, and Pakistan. RAW is good at hiring and sending mercenaries to murder innocent civilians–as witnessed in Karachi last week.

• “No one should ever underestimate our capability and determination to foil any nefarious designs against the security of Pakistan,
• “None can dare rob us of nuclear arsenal”: General Hameed Gul
• After dramatic failure of “Cold Start Strategy” India comes up with cockamamy “96 hour Rapid Thrust” scheme
• India is behind Karachi blast: Imran Khan
• Proxy war in Afghanistan: Strategic depth vs Strategic clout.
• “This new doctrine along with the earlier restructuring of the Indian Command structure, particularly the operationalisation of South West Army Command (2005) has increased manifold threats to Pakistan. It has also enhanced Indian capacity for faster action, Prof. Khurshid Ahmad Jamat e Islami.
• Is Delhi preventing the 4th Battle of Panipat or instigating it?

Indian Home-Grown Militants Eye Common Wealth Games For Attacks

Farzana Shah | Asian Tribune

ISLAMABAD – The athletes face a risk of terrorist attacks during the October 3 to 14 Common Wealth Games in India.

According to sources the Hindu fundamentalist organizations are planning to disrupt the games to show the Congress government in a bad light as well as take revenge for attacks on Indians in Australia coupled with creating communal riots for political point scoring.

There are reports of possible attacks at the venues of different events at the game. The hotels where the players would be accommodated are said to at a greater risk.

The reports reaching here from India and Nepal suggest that hardline Hindu organisations are joining hands with former LTTE members to sabotage the games. There is already resentment in South India about defeat of LTTE in Sri Lanka and weak stance of Congress government in condemning the military action by Sri Lankans.

The plane is said to be more appealing for the Hindu fundamentalist organisations because, the blame for any terrorist attack in India mostly put on Indian Muslims, Pakistan and Bangladeshi Muslims.

The games are going to be attended by almost 7000 athletes, 30 heads of state and about 100,000 visitors, for which the security arrangements will remain to be the biggest challenge for India.

The level of possible attacks at the games runs higher specially in the wake of recent threats by one of the fundamentalist Hindu organizations, Shiv Sena against Australian players as well as Pakistani Cricket players.

Two Bollywood actresses who co-own IPL teams have claimed they were threatened into snubbing Pakistani cricketers in the IPL auction, while an explosive report has blamed the threats as coming from Indian hardline group Shiv Sena, which recently issued warnings against Australian players.

Film stars Shilpa Shetty and Preity Zinta have said that threats were made against them and any Pakistan player who participated in this season’s IPL.

Preity Zinta, co-owner of Kings XI Punjab, reportedly told an Indian-language TV channel: “We would have loved to have the T20 world champions in our teams to bring real joy to the extravaganza but what can we do if we have certain threats about not (only) our own safety but the safety of the Pakistani players too, with no official quarter assuring us of foolproof security of players during the tournament?”

When Asian Tribune contacted a member of one of the hardline Hindu organisations for comments on the reports of possible attacks during Common Wealth games, he said there were too many separatist movements going on in India and anyone can take advantage of the event.

There are said to be over two dozens insurgencies going on in India specially in its Northeast.

The Indian outgoing National Security Adviser M. K. Narayanan acknowledged that there are 800 home-grown terrorist cells active in India and are capable of carrying out terrorist attacks in the country.

The Indian prime minister is on record saying Naxals, Maoists pose greater threat to India.

Recently the Indian media quoted Indian intelligence agencies claiming that Naxals have set up IED and weapons including mortar shells and rocket launchers manufacturing factories.

The Maoists for the first time used rocket launchers during Lok Sabha polls last years in India and this aspect itself pose a greater risk of indirect attacks on the venues of the game despite strict physical checks and other security clearances of the spectators during the games.
The media reports also suggest that Indian ex-armymen and ex-policemen are helping the Maoists in preparing training modules as the separatists are said to be undergone military training similar to that of security men.

In such a scenario the possibility of beating up the security apparatus by well-trained militants can not be ruled out.

Different ethnic and linguistic groups are also creating tension in the country which has also engulfed the sports.

Recently Telangana activists (supporters of separate status for Telangana state) threaten to obstruct Indian Premier League (cricket) matches.

Earlier, the Indian Premier League governing body decided to move out the opening match from Hyderabad and shift it to Mumbai amidst unrest in Andhra Pradesh over the Telangana issue. The protesters earlier disrupted a Twenty20 tournament in Hyderabad on January 21.

The head of the Hindu organisation Shiv Sena and Rahul Gandhi are being reported to have been exchanging harsh statements about the issue of North and South Indians and linguistic issues, for the last few days. Earlier too over linguistic issues there had been violence in the country.

In August, Britain withdrew from the World Badminton Championships in Hyderabad because of a perceived threat. In April, Australia’s Davis Cup team pulled out of the Chennai event for similar reasons.

In December last year British press speculated that England may pull out on security concerns. However, the speculations were denied by British officials but it was reported that England will likely to involve Scotland Yard to protect the British contingent of 1500 athletes and officials.

This seems to be a precautionary measure but what about the safety of players from other countries?

Is every country going to bring own team of security personnel?

Though the Indian government and organizers of the games have assured security to the participating players and officials, however, security experts are cautious about the situation.

Recently the paper “The Australian” quoted Scott Stewart, vice-president of tactical intelligence with US-based security analysis agency Stratfor as saying “The problem is the sheer number of militant actors running around India today that could carry out a terrorist attack. You can lock down a stadium but you have crowds trying to get in. That crowd will be incredibly vulnerable to an attack before they get through security.”

“I will say the likelihood is very high that India will face attacks. It’s not a matter of if; it’s going to be a matter of when and where,”Scott was quoted further.

The same paper also quoted Australian security expert Clive Williams saying “India long had a poor track record in the areas of security intelligence, command and control, and counter-terrorism response” and the biggest security concern will be “India’s own willingness to accept and act on external advice”.

These statements and recent incidents of terrorism indeed indicate grave threat of attacks on foreign sportsmen in India from the Hindu fundamentalists. In the wake of such a great threat to lives of players it will by wise on the part of countries taking part in coming Common Wealth games to be very cautious. They have to either take their own security measures which indeed cant guarantee the safety of their players, or they have to withdraw, which again would be unfortunate.

A good step to save the lives of players/officials and to save the games would be to shift the Common Wealth Games to some neutral venue like UAE or any other country where security level is satisfactory.

False Flag-Inside job: Indian intelligent agent was involved in Mumbai blast

An Indian newspaper ‘The Hindustan Times’ indicates a former Maharashtra electrician, now suspected of being the Indian handler to 26/11, was a former informant for domestic police and intelligence agencies. The presence in Pakistan of Syed Zabiuddin Ansari (29) also represents domestic-intelligence gaps as India prepares to reopen talks with Pakistan after the killing of 180 people in Mumbai on November 26, 2008. The only son of six children of an insurance agent from the dusty, central Maharashtra town of Gevrai, Ansari is one of a handful of missing, radicalised Indians capable of being used by Pakistani terrorists or their state handlers in a future attack, which intelligence and police officials across India now nervously anticipate.

As a double agent, Ansari lead the Intelligence Bureau and the Maharashtra Police to the biggest arms haul outside Jammu and Kashmir in the last 10 years, security sources told HT, requesting anonymity because of the sensitivity of the case. Ansari led police to at least 43 kg of RDX (Research and Development Explosive), 16 AK-47 rifles and 4,000 rounds of ammunition concealed in computer cabinets on the outskirts of the Maharashtra city of Aurangabad on May 10, 2006. Ansari, now believed to be holed up in Karachi, fled in a blue, Tata Indica immediately after and was never seen again. “If he [Zabiuddin Ansari] had helped further, we could have unearthed the entire link,” said Sunil Deshmukh, a police inspector who was part of the raiding party. “We believe he escaped to Pakistan via Bangladesh.

He has risen in the LeT (Lashkar-e-Tayyebba) hierarchy since then.” Last week, Home Minister P. Chidambaram for the first time acknowledged one of the 26/11 handlers was Indian, though he said it wasn’t clear who “Abu Jindal” was because Pakistan refused to provide a voice print. India has no recording of Ansari’s voice, Maharashtra police chief A.N. Roy confirmed to Hindustan Times. The giveaways, says intelligence agencies, were the Hindi words “Abu” used with the Urdu-speaking terrorists who ravaged in Mumbai on 26/11. Two examples: He used “sarkar” instead of “hukumat”; referred to 26/11 being “the trailer”, an English term — subsumed into Bambaiyya Hindi — that baffled the terrorists. Indian suspected of 26/11 role once worked for India’s Intelligence Bureau: Indian intelligence officials believe Ansari is likely to be “Abu”, but because of the sensitive nature of the information, they would not reveal what led them to this conclusion.

Ansari’s story was pieced together by HT from various police and intelligence sources.
With terror groups itching to replicate 26/11, connecting these dots is increasingly important: Like Ansari, key radicalised Indians spread across Pakistan, the Middle East (and, increasingly, East Asia), can be used to aid attacks on India.
After Ansari escaped in 2006, his recruiter, Mohammed Amir Shakeel Ahmed (33), was arrested. He told interrogators that their Nepal-based Lashkar handler, had also suspected Ansari of being a double agent.
A police source said Ansari, while helping police, also recruited the first jihadi from Maharashtra, Mirza Baig, to be killed by forces in J&K;in late 2005.

Specific information is hard to come by, but Ansari likely went over to the dark side after a series of religious riots in Maharashtra led men like him to believe terror was their only hope against what they saw as injustice against Muslims.
The other men on the run, mostly from Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh and Kerala, also slipped out through Bangladesh, followed similar paths to radicalisation.
Most are educated, and some were professionals before they turned to jihad. In the 1990s, groups of radicalised

Muslim youth went to Pakistan for training. That phenomenon appears to have ebbed, but some officials are not sure.
“We haven’t come across people going to Pakistan in large numbers of late, but nothing can be inferred from that — that it is not going on,” said Roy. (Hindustan Times)

Aafia Siddiqi supporters hold anti-US rally in Islamabad

An anti-US rally was held in Islamabad on Monday protesting the US Federal Court verdict convicting Pakistani neuroscientist Aafia Siddiqui.

On February 8, a 12-member New York jury convicted Siddiqui, a mother of three and a graduate of the prestigious American university, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, of attempted murder. She had been charged with shooting at her interrogators in Afghanistan in 2008.

Siddiqui, 37, could receive a life sentence at the sentencing hearing scheduled for May 6.

Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari has ordered the government to provide legal assistance to Siddiqui. The Lahore High Court has also asked the Pakistani Foreign Ministry to make every effort to secure her release.

Many Pakistanis believe Washington fabricated the charges against the Pakistani scientist, who insisted during her trial that she was being framed and described the prosecution’s allegations against her as ‘ridiculous.’

Some human rights groups suspect that Siddiqui was imprisoned in a secret US prison well before the 2008 incident, a charge that US authorities deny.

Amid the growing public anger, scores of Pakistanis have taken to the streets of the country since her conviction last week, calling for Siddiqui’s immediate release.

Shortly after the verdict was announced, Siddiqui categorically denied all the charges against her, emphasizing that she was set up, jailed, and tortured by US agents in Pakistan and Afghanistan.

“This is a verdict from Israel, not America. The anger should be directed where it belongs,” Siddiqui declared after the court read the judgment against her.

IPI to become IPC: China joins Iran Pakistan gas pipeline

Iranian Foreign Minister Manouchehr Mottaki seems to suggest that this is in the works. This development is a win-win situation for Pakistan, Iran and China.

Linking Iran, Pakistan and China via pipeline is natural process of hooking up the ECO allies with China. Expanding trade with China is a natural consequences of the deep military and economic relations between the two countries.

Exporting Iranian gas to China will aid energy starved China and help Pakistan get access to Iranian energy resources.

Pakistan should set up LNG plants in Lahore and Karachi and sell gas in cylinders in the open market as a commodity. If Delhi wants to buy the gas cylinders, it is up to Delhi. If it doesn’t, plenty of other countries will.

China may replace India in the proposed IPI gas pipeline project as New Delhi has been dithering over the deal, a media report has said.

Iranian Foreign Minister Manouchehr Mottaki claimed that Tehran was ready to start anytime the IPI “peace pipeline” project, originally conceived to include Iran, Pakistan and India.

China might replace India in the proposed project soon as India has been dithering over the deal, Mottaki is reported to have said. All the details between Pakistan and Iran in this regard have already been finalised, according to a report in Tehran Times newspaper.
India still needed some time but “we can even start the project without India,” Mottaki was quoted as saying by the daily.

The IPI project was conceived in 1995 and after almost 13 years India finally decided to quit the project in 2008. India walked out of the 2,775 km pipeline project due mainly to the hefty transit fee demanded by Islamabad.
Mootaki blamed the US for trying to sabotage the gas pipeline project and said, “Growing relations between US and India should not affect the relations of India with other countries of the region.”

He was confident that Pakistan would not hesitate to start the gas pipeline project despite the US pressure.

“We must not allow any third country to interfere in the bilateral relations of Iran and Pakistan,” Mottaki underlined.

The proposed 2,775 km long project is dubbed the ‘Peace Pipeline’, connecting Iran, Pakistan and India. China may replace India in IPI project:

Pak foiled Indian aggression after Mumbai Attacks through affective foreign policy: Qureshi

MULTAN: Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi has said that Pakistan has foiled Indian aggression and its attempt to isolate Pakistan in the world after Mumbai attacks through its affective foreign policy.

Addressing a public gathering in Union Council Kothi Wala (Multan) here on Monday, the Foreign Minister said that people of Pakistan has seen that India was threatening Pakistan after the Mumbai Attacks but due to the successful foreign policy adopted by PPP led government the International community has forced India to held dialogues with Pakistan.

He said that Pakistan would discuss the issue of water, Kashmir and several other issues with India, adding, they have never compromised on the country’s interests while they would never let any one to do this.

The Foreign Mister assured the gathering that PPP led government would complete its five years tenure while the support of people and workers was with PPP, adding, they have no reservations about Punjab Government while PPP was allied party of PML-N in Punjab.

Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi said that the people who were demanding mid term elections were living in fool’s paradise while there was no chance of mid term elections in the country.

He said that PPP government was aware of the problems of the farmers, however the issue of agricultural water crises would be solved by building dams, while Bhasha Dam would be constructed soon.

He said that terrorism has created the economic crisis and law and order situation in the country, however PPP led government was trying to solve these issues. He said that people of Swat and Malakand were living now peacefully after the Army’s operation against militants.

How Mass Media Control You!

Pakistani PM speaks highly of bilateral relations ahead of China’s lunar new year

Daily.Pk

Pakistani Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani on Saturday wished China and the Chinese people a lucky traditional new year, hoping the bilateral relations between Pakistan and China will be further strengthened.

In an interview, the prime minister said the friendship between the two countries is time-tested and long- standing, and the cooperations are multi-dimensional.

“Our friendship is now entering into many years and I wish this new year will add more strength to our relation,” Gilani said.

The prime minister said Pakistan and China have been cooperating in economy, defense, agriculture, culture, education and many other fields, including infrastructure and energy sector as well.

He said Pakistan wants to have more exchange of culture, youth, parliamentary delegation, and more people-to-people contact between the two countries.

“The governments may come and go, but the love and affection between the two countries will remain forever,” said the prime minister.

Referring to China’s role in international summits, Gilani said China plays an extremely important role in the world economy. He said Pakistan supports China on all international forums, on climate change, on inter-parliamentary unions and on Asia-Europe cooperation.

In the global economic recession, Gilani said he appreciates what China has done to stabilize the economy and to help other troubled economies. He said Pakistan is grateful for China’s timely assistance.

“China is performing really well and we wish them good luck in the coming new year,” said Gilani, adding that he has been impressed by the tremendous development in China and the Chinese students who can speak fluent Urdu, the national language of Pakistan.

Talking about the forthcoming Shanghai World Expo, the prime minister said it is a great opportunity for China to showcase its development, culture, tradition, history and local products and a good chance for Pakistan and China to better mutual understanding.

As to the recent London summit on Afghanistan, Gilani said Pakistan wants to maintain good relations with the neighboring country and it will focus on the fight against extremism and terrorism to help bring in the stability of Afghanistan.

Expressing his passion for architecture and gardening, the prime minister said he would have become an interior designer or an architect if he is not a politician.

India stealing water causing $ 12 bln loss to Pakistan

Daily.Pk

India is stealing 15-20% of water from western rivers causing $ 12 billion loss to the agriculture of Pakistan.This was revealed in a report of Engineers Study Forum, a water experts panel, on rivers of India and Pakistan, a spokesman of the forum told APP here on Sunday.“Total water availability of the western rivers is 125.6 MAF. Out of which India steals a big chunk of water having economic cost in term of loss to agriculture in Pakistan as estimated at 12 billion dollars per year”, he said.

This is a blatant violation of the Indus Water Treaty of 1960 and UN conventions.

India is blocking water from the Chenab and Jhelum rivers by constructing dams like Baghlihar, Kishen Ganga, Wuller Barrage, Pakal Dul and taking other diversion measures.

The forum has urged Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani to lodge a claim with the United Nations, World Bank and International Court of Justice of billions of dollars in terms of loss caused to Paksitan’s agriculture per year.

Legal cases should also be instituted and vigorously pursued by a team of legal,diplomatic, and technical experts, stated the forum.

“Indus Water Treaty of 1960 provides that Pakistan shall receive all waters of the western rivers (Indus, Jhelum, Chenab) except for some specified uses from these rivers by India, which obviously does not cover diversions or pilferage”, the spokesman said.

Engineers Study Forum has criticised the alleged lack of success on the part of Pakistan experts,including Commissioner Indus Waters, against India’s ‘economic onslaught’.

People power demos continue in Kashmir

Massive demonstrations have been held in Indian-administered Kashmir for the third consecutive day over the killing of a second teenage boy in one week.

On Sunday, hundreds of people took to the streets in Kashmir’s summer capital Srinagar despite a protest ban in the region.

The demonstrators also threw stones at a motorcade of a senior minister of the Jammu and Kashmir state government who had gone to meet the bereaved family, AFP reported.

Witnesses say 16-year-old Zahid Farooq was killed on Friday when police opened fire on a group of youth without provocation.

The government has banned the assembly of more than four people in Srinagar and some other major towns in Kashmir.

Residents of downtown Srinagar have complained that medicines and food stocks are being depleted since they have been under a strict curfew for several days.

Separatist leaders say the international community should hold the Indian security forces accountable for human rights violations in Kashmir.

Despite the risks, it seems the Kashmiris are determined to continue their “people power” movement.

Political analysts say the frequent street protests of the past two years are giving new life to the Kashmir liberation struggle.

Over the past two decades, the conflict in Kashmir has left over 47,000 people dead by the official count, although other sources say the death toll could be as high as 90,000.