Saturday, July 30, 2011
Auction of 3G licences in October
ISLAMABAD (Reuters) - Pakistan plans to issue its first licences for third-generation (3G) mobile telecom services in October, hoping to generate nearly $1 billion through an open auction, government officials said on Thursday.
The fifth-largest cellular market in Asia -- behind China, India, Indonesia and Japan -- had more than 107 million mobile users in April, almost 65 percent of all Pakistanis.
"A committee of the cabinet has agreed in principle to launch 3G services as soon as possible without any conditions," a senior official of the Ministry of Information Technology, which is handling the project, told Reuters.
The Economic Coordination Committee is expected to green-light the auction in the first week of August. The auctions are expected to be held in mid to late October, another official said.
The officials, who spoke on condition of anonymity, as they are not authorised to speak to the media, said the number of licences to be issued would depend on the availability of 3G spectrum.
"For instance, if we have 30 Mhz, it could be three licences of 10 Mhz each. If we have 20 Mhz, then it will be two licences," one official said.
Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) will advise the ministry of the available spectrum in August.
Pakistan's existing operators include Mobilink, a unit of Egypt-based Orascom Telecom, Norway's Telenor and Warid Telecom, a joint venture between Abu Dhabi Group and SingTel Group, according to the PTA website.
Mobilink leads the market by 32.96 million subscribers, followed by Telenor at 26.06 million, according to PTA data. Other operators include Zong of China Mobile Communication Corporation and Ufone, owned by the Emirates Telecommunication Corporation Group, Etisalat.
The fifth-largest cellular market in Asia -- behind China, India, Indonesia and Japan -- had more than 107 million mobile users in April, almost 65 percent of all Pakistanis.
"A committee of the cabinet has agreed in principle to launch 3G services as soon as possible without any conditions," a senior official of the Ministry of Information Technology, which is handling the project, told Reuters.
The Economic Coordination Committee is expected to green-light the auction in the first week of August. The auctions are expected to be held in mid to late October, another official said.
The officials, who spoke on condition of anonymity, as they are not authorised to speak to the media, said the number of licences to be issued would depend on the availability of 3G spectrum.
"For instance, if we have 30 Mhz, it could be three licences of 10 Mhz each. If we have 20 Mhz, then it will be two licences," one official said.
Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) will advise the ministry of the available spectrum in August.
Pakistan's existing operators include Mobilink, a unit of Egypt-based Orascom Telecom, Norway's Telenor and Warid Telecom, a joint venture between Abu Dhabi Group and SingTel Group, according to the PTA website.
Mobilink leads the market by 32.96 million subscribers, followed by Telenor at 26.06 million, according to PTA data. Other operators include Zong of China Mobile Communication Corporation and Ufone, owned by the Emirates Telecommunication Corporation Group, Etisalat.
Monday, July 25, 2011
Beautiful Pakistan
Is this Grand Canyon or Texas?
No. It's Hingol National Park of Baluchistan, Pakistan. It got Mysterious Mud mountains, beautiful blue water Hingol river,
desert and deep blue Arabian sea. [3.5 hrs drive from Karachi on Makran coastal highway]
Cold Desert of Skardu in Pakistan.
This is one of the most beautiful tourists attraction of Northern areas of Pakistan. There are huge sand plains in Skardu
Passu Peaks, Hunza, Pakistan.
Mysterious mountains stand like a wall between Hunza river and valley.
Uli Biaho Tower, Pakistan.
It is a peak near Trango Towers and Baltoro Glacier in the Northern Areas of Pakistan. It consists of two main peaks,
Uli Biaho Tower (listed by Roskelley as 19,957 feet, and by Kopold as 6109 m (20,058 feet)); and
Uli Biaho Peak (Kopold: 6417 m), which as of 2006 was unclimbed.
Rakaposhi, Pakistan.
Rakaposhi is also known as Dumani [Mother of Mist]. It is situated in the Nagar valley.
Nanga Parbat.
It is the ninth highest mountain on Earth and among the eight-thousanders with a summit elevation of 8,126 meters (26,660 ft).
It is also an immense, dramatic peak that rises far above its surrounding terrain.
Karamber Lake.
Karambar Pass marks the boundary between the Chitral and Ishkoman Districts of Pakistan. The Karmabar Lake is almost 3 km long
approx and it is 4300 meters above sea level. The flowers of autumns are worth seeing on this lake.
Deosaid plains – Skardu
Bara Pani – Deosai
Dudiptsar Lake or Dudipat Lake is a lake encircled by snow clad peaks in Lulusar-Dudipatsar National Park.
The lake lies in the extreme north of the Kaghan Valley.
Beautiful Pakistan
Makran, Pakistan.
The present day Makran derived its name from Maka, a satrap of Achaemenid Empire. Maka was an important early eastern satrapy of Cyrus the Great, founder of the Achaemenid Empire.
K2.
It is the second-highest mountain on Earth, only after Mount Everest. It has a peak elevation of 8,611 m [28,251 feet]!!!
Concordia Base Camp, Pakistan.
This is the view from Concordia towards the valley of the Baltoro Glacier at dawn. On the left [Paiju peaks], middle ,[Trango towers] & on the right [Grand Cathedra].
The epic Lake Saiful Muluk.
It is located at the northern end of the Kaghan Valley (34°52′37.34″N 73°41′37.71″E) near Naran, Pakistan.
The clarity of the water comes from the multiple glaciers all around the high basin which feed the lake.
Village Halmet, Neelum Valley, Pakistan.
Neelum Valley is definitely another hidden pearl of Pakistan. No other valley in Kashmir can compare this valley and even
most of the Pakistanis know little about it and have little visited there.
Lansdowne Bridge of Rohri, Pakistan.
A marvel of nineteenth century engineering, the 'longest "rigid" girder bridge in the world' at that time, was begun in 1887.
Designed by Sir Alexander Meadows Rendel, the girder work weighing a massive 3,300 tons was erected by F.E. Robertson, and Hecquet.
Beautiful Pakistan
Attabad Lake also known as Hunza Lake is a lake in the Hunza Valley of northern Pakistan.
The beautiful lake was formed due to a massive landslide at Attabad village in Gilgit-Baltistan, 9 miles (14 km) upstream (east)
of Karimabad that occurred on January 4, 2010.
Is this Great Wall of China?
No. It's Wall of Sindh in Ranikot [3 hrs drive from Karachi].
It's the part of one of the Largest Fort in World, Fort of Ranikot.
Kalam Valley.
It is a valley along the upper reaches of the Swat River in Swat, Pakistan.
Kalam Valley is known for its waterfalls, lakes and lush green hills, and is a 270 km drive from Islamabad, the capital of Pakistan.
Kachura Lake.
The Kachura Lakes are two lakes in the Skardu District of Gilgit-Baltistan, Northern Pakistan. The lakes, at 2,500 metres (8,200 ft)
in elevation, are Upper Kachura Lake and Lower Kachura Lake.
This is a 'Mud Volcano'.
In Pakistan there are more than 80 active mud volcanoes, all of them in Baluchistan province; there are about 10 locations
having clusters of mud volcanoes. In this region, the heights of mud volcanoes range between 800 to 1,550 feet
(243.8 to 472.4 m). The most famous is Chandaragup.
The Great Trango Tower, 6,286 m (20,608 ft).
The east face of the Great Trango Tower features the world's greatest nearly vertical drop. [aka Tallest vertical mountain of world]
Located in Gilgit-Baltistan Region of Pakistan. This is one of the most difficult mountains to climb.
This is not Fox and Franz Josef Glacier, New Zealand.
This is Biafo Glacier - which is a 63 km long glacier in the Karakoram Mountains, Pakistan meets the 49 km long Hispar Glacier
at an altitude of 5,128 m (16,824 feet) at Hispar La (Pass) to create the world's longest glacial system outside the polar regions.
Laila Peak, Hushe, Karakoram Range, Pakistan.
It has a distinctive spear-like shape. One of the most beautiful & scenic snow covered mountain of the world.
The Laila peak has been climbed only twice.
This is not Fox and Franz Josef Glacier, New Zealand.
This is Biafo Glacier - which is a 63 km long glacier in the Karakoram Mountains, Pakistan meets the 49 km long Hispar Glacier
at an altitude of 5,128 m (16,824 feet) at Hispar La (Pass) to create the world's longest glacial system outside the polar regions.
Beautiful Pakistan
This is an amazing view of a tunnel and bridge over a river on the railway track from "Rohri to Quetta".
This track passes through 20 tunnels and over 368 bridges.
It's the longest Railway gradient of world, and most scenic Railway ride of Asia.
Beautiful Pakistan
"Arror Rock"
[near Rohri in Sindh]
The shape of rock was caused by unknown natural forces.
There is also a Shrine on the top.
Beautiful Pakistan
"Astola Island" [near Pasni Baluchistan 40 km from shore]. Astola is Pakistan's largest offshore island and the only significant offshore
island in the northern Arabian Sea.
Saturday, July 23, 2011
Tuesday, July 19, 2011
Pakistan ranked top for best regulatory regime
By Muhammad Yasir
KARACHI: Pakistan has been ranked top for best regulatory environment among the South Asian countries with penetration of Information and Communication Technologies (ICTS) despite scarce resources, the telecom think tank survey showed.
According the LIRNEasia’s 2011 Telecom Regulatory Environment (TRE) survey, Pakistan saw an increase in almost all dimensions including fixed market entry, mobile access to scarce resources and mobile interconnection.
Pakistan has maintained its top position with highest score of 3.3 percent in TRE survey followed by India having 2.9 points in 2010-11. In 2007-08, the TRE survey evaluated regulatory regime of Pakistan as best among the South Asian Growing Economies with 3 points followed by Philippine with 2.8 in the same year. Stakeholders in Pakistan particularly telecom operators and consumers have identified the telecom regulatory environments in their countries as improved since 2008.
Besides, India and Indonesia have also improved their regulatory environment in 2010.
In contrast, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, the Philippines have seen the regulatory environments decline in effectiveness, while Thailand remains more or less the same. The TRE survey asks senior level stakeholders to evaluate the effectiveness of the telecom regulatory environment in the fixed, mobile and broadband subsectors along a Lickert scale of 1 to 5 (1 being highly ineffective and 5 being highly effective, with the mid-point of 3 being considered average performance).
Seven different dimensions of regulation that include market entry, tariff regulation, interconnection, universal service, anti-competitive practices, quality of service are evaluated by the stakeholders. This year, 349 respondents participated in the 7 countries. Within a country, scores for each of the dimensions reflect specific issues.
In 2010, Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) and its chief Dr Muhammad Yaseen had been acclaimed with global awards as Most Progressive Telecom Regulator in South Asia and Best Telecom Regulatory Leader of the Year by South Asian, Middle Eastern and North African (SAMENA) Telecommunication Council in Casablanca recently.
Pakistan received these awards in recognition of its competitive regulatory environments across the region coupled with unprecedented growth of Pakistan’s telecom sector under the supervision of its chairman Dr Muhammad Yaseen.
In the same year, the cellular mobile sector achieved 100-million subscription mark.
Pakistan telecom industry was growing at an astounding pace after the deregulation of the mobile sector with extraordinary growth becoming a model for other countries across the world. A number of factors have played role in it including investor friendly government policies and healthy competition introduced by the government, which has encouraged operators to go an extra mile, making a strong subscriber base. However, Pakistan has failed to maintain its status with highest tele-density among SAARC nations as India has superseded a top position in the region with overwhelming adoption of technology and telephony services by its masses.
Pakistan tele-density remained highest among the countries of South Asia till January 2011 with the modest annual growth continued in the last couple of years despite strict corrective measures and cutting-throat competition has slowed the industry telecommunication expansion.
Pakistan total tele-density has reached 66.8 percent by February 2011 with overall 110.3 million users including mobile phone, landline, and wireless whereas Indian tele-density reached 68.4 percent with total number of users standing at 826.25 million in February 2011.
KARACHI: Pakistan has been ranked top for best regulatory environment among the South Asian countries with penetration of Information and Communication Technologies (ICTS) despite scarce resources, the telecom think tank survey showed.
According the LIRNEasia’s 2011 Telecom Regulatory Environment (TRE) survey, Pakistan saw an increase in almost all dimensions including fixed market entry, mobile access to scarce resources and mobile interconnection.
Pakistan has maintained its top position with highest score of 3.3 percent in TRE survey followed by India having 2.9 points in 2010-11. In 2007-08, the TRE survey evaluated regulatory regime of Pakistan as best among the South Asian Growing Economies with 3 points followed by Philippine with 2.8 in the same year. Stakeholders in Pakistan particularly telecom operators and consumers have identified the telecom regulatory environments in their countries as improved since 2008.
Besides, India and Indonesia have also improved their regulatory environment in 2010.
In contrast, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, the Philippines have seen the regulatory environments decline in effectiveness, while Thailand remains more or less the same. The TRE survey asks senior level stakeholders to evaluate the effectiveness of the telecom regulatory environment in the fixed, mobile and broadband subsectors along a Lickert scale of 1 to 5 (1 being highly ineffective and 5 being highly effective, with the mid-point of 3 being considered average performance).
Seven different dimensions of regulation that include market entry, tariff regulation, interconnection, universal service, anti-competitive practices, quality of service are evaluated by the stakeholders. This year, 349 respondents participated in the 7 countries. Within a country, scores for each of the dimensions reflect specific issues.
In 2010, Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) and its chief Dr Muhammad Yaseen had been acclaimed with global awards as Most Progressive Telecom Regulator in South Asia and Best Telecom Regulatory Leader of the Year by South Asian, Middle Eastern and North African (SAMENA) Telecommunication Council in Casablanca recently.
Pakistan received these awards in recognition of its competitive regulatory environments across the region coupled with unprecedented growth of Pakistan’s telecom sector under the supervision of its chairman Dr Muhammad Yaseen.
In the same year, the cellular mobile sector achieved 100-million subscription mark.
Pakistan telecom industry was growing at an astounding pace after the deregulation of the mobile sector with extraordinary growth becoming a model for other countries across the world. A number of factors have played role in it including investor friendly government policies and healthy competition introduced by the government, which has encouraged operators to go an extra mile, making a strong subscriber base. However, Pakistan has failed to maintain its status with highest tele-density among SAARC nations as India has superseded a top position in the region with overwhelming adoption of technology and telephony services by its masses.
Pakistan tele-density remained highest among the countries of South Asia till January 2011 with the modest annual growth continued in the last couple of years despite strict corrective measures and cutting-throat competition has slowed the industry telecommunication expansion.
Pakistan total tele-density has reached 66.8 percent by February 2011 with overall 110.3 million users including mobile phone, landline, and wireless whereas Indian tele-density reached 68.4 percent with total number of users standing at 826.25 million in February 2011.
KU female scientist gets regional prize
Karachi—Third World Academy of Sciences (TWAS) has awarded its Regional Prize for Young Scientist to a female scientist of Karachi University- Dr Sammer Yousuf.
An official of Karachi University said here on Monday that the award was conferred during the Afro-Asia Workshop on Advanced Topics in Chemistry held recently at the TWAS Regional Office for Central and South Asia at Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research, Bangalore, lndia.
Dr. Yousuf was selected for this honour from over 30 oral presentations of scientists of 10 regional countries.
She is an Assistant Professor at the HEJ Research Institute of Chemistry, International Center for Chemical and Biological Sciences, Karachi University.
The spokesman said that Dr. Yousuf is among very few chemists of Pakistan working on Single-Crystal X-Ray Diffraction technique.
The Vice Chancellor of Karachi University, Prof Dr Pirzada Qasim Raza Siddqui, former Chairman of Higher Education Commission, Prof Dr Atta-ur-Rehman and Director ICCBS, Prof Dr M Iqbal Chaudhary have congratulated Dr Yousuf on her achievement.
An official of Karachi University said here on Monday that the award was conferred during the Afro-Asia Workshop on Advanced Topics in Chemistry held recently at the TWAS Regional Office for Central and South Asia at Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research, Bangalore, lndia.
Dr. Yousuf was selected for this honour from over 30 oral presentations of scientists of 10 regional countries.
She is an Assistant Professor at the HEJ Research Institute of Chemistry, International Center for Chemical and Biological Sciences, Karachi University.
The spokesman said that Dr. Yousuf is among very few chemists of Pakistan working on Single-Crystal X-Ray Diffraction technique.
The Vice Chancellor of Karachi University, Prof Dr Pirzada Qasim Raza Siddqui, former Chairman of Higher Education Commission, Prof Dr Atta-ur-Rehman and Director ICCBS, Prof Dr M Iqbal Chaudhary have congratulated Dr Yousuf on her achievement.
Monday, July 18, 2011
Khewra Salt Mines
Khewra Salt Mines is a salt mine located in Khewra, Jhelum District, Punjab in Pakistan, about 160 kilometres (99 mi) from Islamabad and 260 kilometres (160 mi) from Lahore. It attracts up to 40,000 visitors per year and is the second largest salt mine in the world. Situated in the foothills of the Salt Range, the Khewra Salt Mines are the oldest in the South Asia.
Salt has been mined at Khewra since 320 BC following discovery by Alexander's troops, in an underground area of about 110 square kilometres (42 sq mi). The main tunnel at ground level was developed by Dr. Warth in 1872 but has since been converted into a tourist resort. Khewra salt mine has estimated total of 220 million tonnes of rock salt deposits. The current production from the mine is 465,000 tons salt per annum.
The mine-head buildings have 19 stories, with 11 below ground. Only 50% salt is extracted and 50% is left as pillars to support the mountain. The salt-mine is 288 metres (945 ft) above sea level and extends around 730 metres (2,400 ft) inside the mountains from the mine-mouth. The cumulative length of all tunnels is more than 40 kilometres (25 mi).
Salt occurs in a Precambrian deposit in the form of an irregular dome-like structure. There are seven thick salt seams with a cumulative thickness of about 150 meters. At places the rock salt is 99% pure. Salt is transparent, white, pink, reddish to beef-color red. There are beautiful alternate bands of red and white color salt.
Saturday, July 16, 2011
Chinese mega projects in Pakistan Malik M Ashraf
China has played a significant role in the economic progress of Pakistan ever since the establishment of diplomatic ties between them. The first major initiative in this regard was the setting up of Heavy Mechanical Complex at Taxila; a project of immense importance that nudged the process of industrial development in Pakistan and continues to contribute to the overall progress of the country in a big way. The construction of KKH Highway, termed as the eighth wonder of the world not only laid the foundation for an infallible and eternal friendship between the two neighbours but also generated tremendous economic activity in Gilgit-Baltistan besides boosting trade between the two countries.
Currently China is working on a plan for the up-gradation of KKH at an approximate cost of $500 million and in building 165 Km Jaglot-Skardu and 135 KM Thakot-Sazin roads in Gilgit-Baltistan at a cost of Rs.45 billion. China would pay 85% of the cost while Pakistan will contribute 15%. A rail link between the two countries is also envisaged to be built. Besides these monumental projects, China is also helping Pakistan to tide over the energy crisis. Currently the Chinese are working on 15 mega projects in the energy sector in Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Kashmir. A very significant project in hand is the upraising of the Mangla Dam reservoir by sixty feet. As part of resettlement of the dam affectees, the Chinese firm, International Water and Electric Corporation ( CIW&EC) is also working on the construction of a bridge over Jhelum river in the same area. Another very vital project is Neelum-Jhelum Hydroelectric Power Project which aims at diversion of the water of Neelum river through a tunnel into Jhelum river, at a cost of US$12.6 billion.
The Chinese are also entrusted with the responsibility to commission Kohala Power Project at a cost of US$ 2.155 billion with a capacity to generate 1050 MW of electricity. China’s Three Gorges Project Corporation is constructing Diamir-Bhasha Dam on the Indus river with a total investment of US$ 12.6 billion. In addition to these undertakings the Chinese firms are also working on six other mega power projects in Gilgit-Baltistan that include : US$7.8 billion Dasu Hydropower Project, US$ 70 million Phandar Project, US$ 40.01 million Bashu Hydropower Project, US$ 44.608 million Harpo Hydropower Project and US$ 6 billion Yulbo Hydropower Project. China is also investing an amount of US$ 300 million in housing, communication sectors. The Indians are very wary of Chinese involvement in development projects in Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Kashmir and view it as a calculated move to build Chinese influence in these areas, a charge vehemently dismissed by China. China is also helping Pakistan in the nuclear power sector. A nuclear power plant at Chashma with a power generating capacity of 330 MW of electricity has already been completed and integrated with the National Grid recently and two more similar plants are scheduled to be completed by 2016-17. The agreement for these projects was signed on June 8, 2010 during President Zardari’s visit to China, notwithstanding the fact that US raised objections on the nuclear cooperation between the two countries. The Chinese brushed aside the apprehensions on this account by informing the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG) during its meeting at Christchurch, of its decision to build Chashma IV and V in Pakistan. In the backdrop of US-India agreement for cooperation in the field of civilian nuclear technology, which Pakistan views as a discriminatory act, the Chinese help assumes a great significance and reflects the strength of friendship between the two countries. These two plants are part of the PAEC programme to generate 8800 MW of nuclear power for the country to supplement other sources of power generation. An arrangement for soft Chinese loan to fund the construction has also been inked. The participation of China in exploiting copper reserves at Sandak and the development of Gawadar Port in Balochistan, though not liked by some regional and international powers, are undertakings of immense economic benefit to the people of the province and the overall development of Pakistan.
The trade between the two countries has also been expanding. China is the fifth largest source for Pakistani imports. The bilateral trade between the two countries touched US $7 billion mark in 2008.Under a five year programme lunched in 2006 this volume is proposed to be enhanced to $ 15 billion by 2012. In the past few years, the Chinese have made an investment of US$ 1.3 billion in Pakistan. A number of Chinese companies are working in the oil and gas, IT, Telecom, Engineering, and mining sectors.
As is evident, China has made an unfathomable contribution to the economic progress of Pakistan and with the completion of the new ventures, especially in the energy sector, Pakistan can rightly aspire for an era of sustainable economic growth in the country. It is an irrefutable reality that relations between Pakistan and China have been growing from strength to strength irrespective of who was in power in Pakistan. However the exponential expansion in these relations during the present regime reflects a marked departure from our perennial propensity to look up to the West, particularly US for our security and economic progress.
The enhanced economic, political and strategic cooperation between China and Pakistan will contribute immensely to warding off the lurking dangers and consolidating the gains of the efforts made for changing the economic situations of the people of both the countries. This renewed and vigorous engagement between the two countries is an encouraging development as it will greatly benefit Pakistan by re-invigorating commercial and industrial activities and creating new jobs. This might also restore the confidence of the international community in Pakistan as a safe place to invest.
Currently China is working on a plan for the up-gradation of KKH at an approximate cost of $500 million and in building 165 Km Jaglot-Skardu and 135 KM Thakot-Sazin roads in Gilgit-Baltistan at a cost of Rs.45 billion. China would pay 85% of the cost while Pakistan will contribute 15%. A rail link between the two countries is also envisaged to be built. Besides these monumental projects, China is also helping Pakistan to tide over the energy crisis. Currently the Chinese are working on 15 mega projects in the energy sector in Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Kashmir. A very significant project in hand is the upraising of the Mangla Dam reservoir by sixty feet. As part of resettlement of the dam affectees, the Chinese firm, International Water and Electric Corporation ( CIW&EC) is also working on the construction of a bridge over Jhelum river in the same area. Another very vital project is Neelum-Jhelum Hydroelectric Power Project which aims at diversion of the water of Neelum river through a tunnel into Jhelum river, at a cost of US$12.6 billion.
The Chinese are also entrusted with the responsibility to commission Kohala Power Project at a cost of US$ 2.155 billion with a capacity to generate 1050 MW of electricity. China’s Three Gorges Project Corporation is constructing Diamir-Bhasha Dam on the Indus river with a total investment of US$ 12.6 billion. In addition to these undertakings the Chinese firms are also working on six other mega power projects in Gilgit-Baltistan that include : US$7.8 billion Dasu Hydropower Project, US$ 70 million Phandar Project, US$ 40.01 million Bashu Hydropower Project, US$ 44.608 million Harpo Hydropower Project and US$ 6 billion Yulbo Hydropower Project. China is also investing an amount of US$ 300 million in housing, communication sectors. The Indians are very wary of Chinese involvement in development projects in Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Kashmir and view it as a calculated move to build Chinese influence in these areas, a charge vehemently dismissed by China. China is also helping Pakistan in the nuclear power sector. A nuclear power plant at Chashma with a power generating capacity of 330 MW of electricity has already been completed and integrated with the National Grid recently and two more similar plants are scheduled to be completed by 2016-17. The agreement for these projects was signed on June 8, 2010 during President Zardari’s visit to China, notwithstanding the fact that US raised objections on the nuclear cooperation between the two countries. The Chinese brushed aside the apprehensions on this account by informing the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG) during its meeting at Christchurch, of its decision to build Chashma IV and V in Pakistan. In the backdrop of US-India agreement for cooperation in the field of civilian nuclear technology, which Pakistan views as a discriminatory act, the Chinese help assumes a great significance and reflects the strength of friendship between the two countries. These two plants are part of the PAEC programme to generate 8800 MW of nuclear power for the country to supplement other sources of power generation. An arrangement for soft Chinese loan to fund the construction has also been inked. The participation of China in exploiting copper reserves at Sandak and the development of Gawadar Port in Balochistan, though not liked by some regional and international powers, are undertakings of immense economic benefit to the people of the province and the overall development of Pakistan.
The trade between the two countries has also been expanding. China is the fifth largest source for Pakistani imports. The bilateral trade between the two countries touched US $7 billion mark in 2008.Under a five year programme lunched in 2006 this volume is proposed to be enhanced to $ 15 billion by 2012. In the past few years, the Chinese have made an investment of US$ 1.3 billion in Pakistan. A number of Chinese companies are working in the oil and gas, IT, Telecom, Engineering, and mining sectors.
As is evident, China has made an unfathomable contribution to the economic progress of Pakistan and with the completion of the new ventures, especially in the energy sector, Pakistan can rightly aspire for an era of sustainable economic growth in the country. It is an irrefutable reality that relations between Pakistan and China have been growing from strength to strength irrespective of who was in power in Pakistan. However the exponential expansion in these relations during the present regime reflects a marked departure from our perennial propensity to look up to the West, particularly US for our security and economic progress.
The enhanced economic, political and strategic cooperation between China and Pakistan will contribute immensely to warding off the lurking dangers and consolidating the gains of the efforts made for changing the economic situations of the people of both the countries. This renewed and vigorous engagement between the two countries is an encouraging development as it will greatly benefit Pakistan by re-invigorating commercial and industrial activities and creating new jobs. This might also restore the confidence of the international community in Pakistan as a safe place to invest.
Wednesday, July 13, 2011
India Accepts Pakistan Air Force is a Leading Force
“The Pakistan Air Force is stronger than ever. Since the last Indo-Pak air war of 1971, the Pakistan Air Force has with steely determination built up numbers, lethal capabilities and a combat force now counted as one of the most disciplined and well-trained air forces in the world. Headlines Today has a disturbing proof that all this has made India worried.” India Today 20th April 2011
Over the years since 1971 the leadership and planners of Pakistan Air Force (PAF) have not slept, they did not believe in status quo. 1971 was the watershed period of PAF when the country had fallen from grace and truncated through internal and external conspiracies. To rise from ground zero is no mean job. But PAF has been lucky that by and large it remained in the hands of committed, dedicated professionals who took the challenge from the horn.
The US, true to its traditions dried all sources of military hardware and economic resources. But those sanctions proved blessing in disguise. Pakistan looked inwards and laid the foundations for self reliance with technical assistance from dependable friendly countries like China, Ukraine, Sweden etc. France was also willing to provide but its costs were prohibitive that kept the cooperation to a minimum level.
The bulk work was done with the cooperation of China that helped Pakistan in almost all the defence production, overhauling and rebuilding. The foundation of Pakistan Aeronautical Complex, Kamra was laid. Here a very modest beginning was made when the light Swedish aircraft (Mashak) was launched as a basic trainer to meet the needs of PAF and Pakistan Army. From assembly to manufacture and enhancement this aircraft became the training bed for a full fledged fighter aircraft production.
F-6 Rebuild Factory that rebuilt the Chinese MIG 19s re-designated by PAF as F-6. When all other sources had dried and Pakistan did not have the finances to go for highly expensive Mirage aircraft F-6 became the mainstay of PAF. It was modernized with latest avionics, ejection seats, armament, breaking system and taxing capability that added much more lethal power to an old vintage technology.
On the drawing boards of F 6 Rebuild Factory, newer aircraft designs were developed that were given computer simulation for design tests. First a Super Saber that was to be developed on the frame of MIG 21 or F-7 fighter bomber but due to some technical snags, it was called off. Then with a little gap and new thought process, a brand new design was developed with active participation of China the end product was JF 17 that exceeded all the performance parameter envelop by significant margins. This aircraft was designed, built, tested and inducted in the PAF in a record time.
JF 17 is a close match to F 16 with a huge price difference. It has been displayed at International Air Shows of China and Farnborough in the UK where it was admired by all. It soon became the most fancied aircraft of the developing world for its performance and low price tags and complete absence of any strings. China has also emerged as a major buyer with 300 copies of JF 17 and about the same number would be acquired by PAF.
Its not just the Chinese origin induction but PAF has also received latest F 16s that has a total strength of 60 aircraft half of which are block 52, the latest upgrade. The F-16 As already on the inventory of PAF are also undergoing major upgrade and soon will become equivalent to Block 52 version, in capabilities.
Not stopping here, as reported by India Today in its latest issue, “There’s a deeper threat at play than just fighter numbers. Consider these newly inducted force multipliers that all but kill the Indian air advantage. Pakistan is inducting four Swedish Saab Erieye and four Chinese Y-8 airborne early warning aircraft, while India, currently, has three. India no longer has the mid-air refueller advantage. Pakistan is inducting four identical IL-78M aircraft.”
After the acquisition of four mid-air refuelers (IL-78) from Ukraine and early warning systems like Saab 2000 from Sweden and ZDK-03 from China, PAF has had a quantum jump in reducing the gap with India over technology and firepower.
Whereas Pakistan is fast phasing out its old vintage, India is still stuck with old Russian equipment that is fast losing its edge over Pakistan. India Today states, “Finally, with an ageing Soviet fleet of aircraft (MIGs)that are troublesome and facing retirement, the Air Force looks at an even greater dip in the numbers advantage. The message to the Defence Ministry and the government is simple. Cut your losses and plan hard for the future. If you don’t, the Indian Air Force will lose the one thing you’ve always counted on: its combat edge.”
PAF has not stopped here. According to official sources, PAF is in the process of acquiring J10 the latest machine from China. The exact number or its assembly or production in Pakistan has not yet been finalized. This aircraft would surpass most of the advance jet fighters and compete with any aircraft in its class.
Now most PAF aircraft are nuclear capable and all can be refueled in mid-air. This is a punch that’s hard to match in any given theatre. What PAF lacked in deep penetration aircraft has more than made up with mid air refueling and latest F-16 Block 52 aircraft, which has a long range.
In last decade, the induction of latest aircraft by PAF has completed the requirements of fighting a modern concept of net centric war, in future. All these modern aircraft and allied air defence systems acquired by PAF are now fully integrated in a net centric environment, ready to deliver a decisive blow to the enemy in any future encounter.
Over the years since 1971 the leadership and planners of Pakistan Air Force (PAF) have not slept, they did not believe in status quo. 1971 was the watershed period of PAF when the country had fallen from grace and truncated through internal and external conspiracies. To rise from ground zero is no mean job. But PAF has been lucky that by and large it remained in the hands of committed, dedicated professionals who took the challenge from the horn.
The US, true to its traditions dried all sources of military hardware and economic resources. But those sanctions proved blessing in disguise. Pakistan looked inwards and laid the foundations for self reliance with technical assistance from dependable friendly countries like China, Ukraine, Sweden etc. France was also willing to provide but its costs were prohibitive that kept the cooperation to a minimum level.
The bulk work was done with the cooperation of China that helped Pakistan in almost all the defence production, overhauling and rebuilding. The foundation of Pakistan Aeronautical Complex, Kamra was laid. Here a very modest beginning was made when the light Swedish aircraft (Mashak) was launched as a basic trainer to meet the needs of PAF and Pakistan Army. From assembly to manufacture and enhancement this aircraft became the training bed for a full fledged fighter aircraft production.
F-6 Rebuild Factory that rebuilt the Chinese MIG 19s re-designated by PAF as F-6. When all other sources had dried and Pakistan did not have the finances to go for highly expensive Mirage aircraft F-6 became the mainstay of PAF. It was modernized with latest avionics, ejection seats, armament, breaking system and taxing capability that added much more lethal power to an old vintage technology.
On the drawing boards of F 6 Rebuild Factory, newer aircraft designs were developed that were given computer simulation for design tests. First a Super Saber that was to be developed on the frame of MIG 21 or F-7 fighter bomber but due to some technical snags, it was called off. Then with a little gap and new thought process, a brand new design was developed with active participation of China the end product was JF 17 that exceeded all the performance parameter envelop by significant margins. This aircraft was designed, built, tested and inducted in the PAF in a record time.
JF 17 is a close match to F 16 with a huge price difference. It has been displayed at International Air Shows of China and Farnborough in the UK where it was admired by all. It soon became the most fancied aircraft of the developing world for its performance and low price tags and complete absence of any strings. China has also emerged as a major buyer with 300 copies of JF 17 and about the same number would be acquired by PAF.
Its not just the Chinese origin induction but PAF has also received latest F 16s that has a total strength of 60 aircraft half of which are block 52, the latest upgrade. The F-16 As already on the inventory of PAF are also undergoing major upgrade and soon will become equivalent to Block 52 version, in capabilities.
Not stopping here, as reported by India Today in its latest issue, “There’s a deeper threat at play than just fighter numbers. Consider these newly inducted force multipliers that all but kill the Indian air advantage. Pakistan is inducting four Swedish Saab Erieye and four Chinese Y-8 airborne early warning aircraft, while India, currently, has three. India no longer has the mid-air refueller advantage. Pakistan is inducting four identical IL-78M aircraft.”
After the acquisition of four mid-air refuelers (IL-78) from Ukraine and early warning systems like Saab 2000 from Sweden and ZDK-03 from China, PAF has had a quantum jump in reducing the gap with India over technology and firepower.
Whereas Pakistan is fast phasing out its old vintage, India is still stuck with old Russian equipment that is fast losing its edge over Pakistan. India Today states, “Finally, with an ageing Soviet fleet of aircraft (MIGs)that are troublesome and facing retirement, the Air Force looks at an even greater dip in the numbers advantage. The message to the Defence Ministry and the government is simple. Cut your losses and plan hard for the future. If you don’t, the Indian Air Force will lose the one thing you’ve always counted on: its combat edge.”
PAF has not stopped here. According to official sources, PAF is in the process of acquiring J10 the latest machine from China. The exact number or its assembly or production in Pakistan has not yet been finalized. This aircraft would surpass most of the advance jet fighters and compete with any aircraft in its class.
Now most PAF aircraft are nuclear capable and all can be refueled in mid-air. This is a punch that’s hard to match in any given theatre. What PAF lacked in deep penetration aircraft has more than made up with mid air refueling and latest F-16 Block 52 aircraft, which has a long range.
In last decade, the induction of latest aircraft by PAF has completed the requirements of fighting a modern concept of net centric war, in future. All these modern aircraft and allied air defence systems acquired by PAF are now fully integrated in a net centric environment, ready to deliver a decisive blow to the enemy in any future encounter.
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