Pakistan strategic defence policy

     Pakistan’s defence policy is one of offensive defence in that its armed forces will endeavour to antiquate and act against any perceived attack by seizing and holding tactically important ground. Operational art and tactical doctrine from the time of the 1965 war, through that of 1971 and until the Indian Army’s exercise Brass Tacks in 1987, emphasis was on static defence of the line of control (LOC) and the border. Penetration of Indian Territory would be undertaken only on an opportunity. The doctrine was flawed, mainly because of the lack of strategic depth in Pakistan, but no alternative was given serious consideration until it was realised that a ‘stand and fight’ doctrine would probably result in deep penetration by Indian forces without Pakistani forces being able to manoeuvre effectively. Pakistan considers that international pressure would result in a ceasefire after a maximum of three weeks of conflict, enough time to gain some territory to be used in subsequent bargaining. There would be acceptance of Indian penetration, which would be inevitable given the comparative lack of mobility within the infantry-heavy divisions.

    Independent armoured and mechanised brigades are intended for quick counter-attack and exploitation and would add considerable weight to advances by the strike corps. The ‘Riposte’ is practised at all
levels. Major exercises involve the crossing of water obstacles and minefields at night with emphasis on subsequent breakout and rapid advance. So far as has been seen, the concept has been adequately translated into workable plans which are continuously being refined.  However, complete mechanisation of the strike corps and other formations was slowed by the effects of US sanctions and it will take some time for them to achieve desired mobility, although US army surplus equipment is now being delivered, and local manufacture and rebuilding of US-supplied AFV/APC has received considerable impetus, thus improving the mechanisation process.

      The army took great interest in the Indian army/air force exercise Vajra Shakti (‘Thunder Power’, conducted in Punjab from 1-10 May 2005), in view of its emphasis on maintaining mobility while operating closed-down against nuclear attack. Pakistan’s own counter-nuclear preparedness is patchy, and it is doubtful that even the strike corps could fight through a nuclear battlefield. The traditional threat has been India and the Kashmir dispute has been an important item on the agenda. New confidence building measures resulting from high level dialogue have helped reduce the threat of direct hostilities between India and Pakistan, but the threat remains that local engagements could escalate into nuclear war. However talks are in progress and on the Sichian Glacier and other issues and since the major earthquake firing across the line of control has ceased and relief supplies and free passage of relatives has been allowed which is a positive development from a terrible tragedy.

   The recent nuclear agreement between the United States and India was deemed to be a dangerous regional escalation by the National Security Council (NSC) of Pakistan because it felt it will leave India with excess fissile material with which to make more nuclear devices. NSC sanctioned further purchases of 36 PRC F-10s and 44 F-16s are taking place and the Chinese fighter the JF-17 (Thunder) multi-role –aircraft will be manufactured in Kamara, Pakistan in 2007. The first operational flight is due to take place of a China-built JF-17 in mid 2006. Two major factors affect defence policy in Pakistan. One is geographical, in that Lahore, and Islamabad the seat of government, are very close to India. Islamabad is 1000 miles from the commercial capital Karachi.

      Pakistan is a long thin country which is difficult to defend and vulnerable to a possible split by an attack by Indian forces dividing the North and South of the country perhaps via Rajasthan. Secondly the ethnic diversity of the provinces which make it such an exciting place to visit also expose Pakistan to internal vulnerability due to regional tensions over resources (especially water). Balochistan, North West Frontier Province, Sindh and Punjab have significant differences in their make up but this is true of most regions on the subcontinent.

     The Pakistan Army is the single largest contributor to UN peace peacekeeping missions worldwide and has worked alongside Indian and Bangladeshi troop’s e.g. in the Congo. As of April 2006 it had over 9,000 troops on a mission (No Pakistan Air Force units are deployed on such missions. The Pakistan Navy assumed command of the Coalition Maritime Task Force TF 150, responsible for prevention of terrorist movements in the Persian Gulf, Arabian Sea and Red Sea, in May 2006 (following on from Dutch, Germans, French and British command). Task Force 150 is the maritime component from 12-15 nations of the US led maritime interdiction operations being conducted in support of Operation Enduring Freedom and comprises warships and other naval assets of 12-15 allied nations grouped together.

       The Pakistan Navy’s cooperation with the US in the North Arabian Sea contributes towards the common goal of fighting against terrorists and bringing stability to the region. Pakistan Navy ships were the first on station, and rescued 367 Western tourists from islands of Maldives following the Tsunami in December 2004. Rear Admiral M. Asif Sandila and Captain Muhammad Amjad of Pakistan Navy were decorated with the French Order of Merit with the grade of Knight for their meritorious services for saving the lives of 19 nationalities including 30 French citizens. Later two PN ships with organic helicopters provided medical supplies, mobile hospital and engineering support to Indonesia. The Army took a key role following the devastating earthquake in October 2005, which struck remote parts of Pakistan administered Kashmir and North West Frontier Province (NWFP). The army rapidly responded, despite losing many of its own soldiers among the 73,000 people who perished saved thousands more lives and though criticised by some politicians, made a sustained effort throughout the winter to get supplies to remote areas and evacuate those at risk to camps at lower altitude.

       Pakistan’s own air assets were supplemented by helicopters around the world including NATO. The neighbourhood the mountainous terrain in this region makes it one of the most difficult to police in the world. The Afghan and Pakistani tribes in the NWFP, many of whom are tied by blood, are proud, war like and well armed. Their warrior tradition stretches back centuries; many invading or colonial powers have cause to remember including the British in three Afghan wars and uncounted actions against the tribes.

     Taliban and al-Qaeda activity have caused Pakistan with US encouragement to deploy thousands of regular army troops and a similar number of Para military Frontier Corps soldiers in the Federally Administered tribal areas, mainly in Waziristan. Considerable resentment has been created in the tribal areas and in Pakistan as a whole by US strikes from Afghanistan that have killed tribals, including women and children. Balochistan has also seeing a marked increase in terrorist attacks by the Baloch Liberation Army but this is more to do with Balochistan being a gas rich area, causing feudal tribal leaders to demand more generous subsidies from the central government. In addition there is the border with Iran and the importance of maintaining good relations with a powerful neighbour, with close local ties with Balochistan and Afghanistan (particularly Herat). It is unfortunate that Iran’s relations with the US and Europe over the nuclear issue are so bad. Pakistan’s position as an ally of Americans in the war against terrorism puts it right in the front line. Indeed a question has been asked recently in the House of Commons about re-supply of British forces in Afghanistan via Pakistan.