One is proud of the will, courage, commitment and sacrifice of our 34th PMA Sri Lankan course-mates, they fought terrorism for over 25 years through Sri Lanka’s darkest period. My good friend Maj Gen (Lucky) Wijayaratne, who when commanding 1st Sri Lanka Light Infantry (SLI) at Panagoda “inducted” me into his battalion, was killed in…
Waging guerilla warfare against the Mughals in the 18th century, the Khalsa Sikhs would cross the canals in the Punjab over temporary wooden bridges to launch surprise attacks, while retreating they would quickly dismantle these bridges by uprooting (Chak De) the wooden planks (Phatte) to prevent being chased. The phrase “Chak De Phatte” is commonly…
Dear Readers, One of the greatest misfortunes for a nation that prides itself on being on Islamic Republic is the pervasive corruption that eats away at its vitals like cancer. Despite the promises and vows of successive government functionaries to stop the rot, corruption hos thrived. Many institutions like NAB, FIA and Ehtesab Bureau were…
As Operation Zarb-e-Azb gets under way it is time to briefly reflect on why the operation may be the best option, albeit about 3 months late. But with all its negative, tragic and often horrific consequences of an urban nationwide devastation, and the many innocent loss of life and property in the “operational zones who…
As the heat of the Middle East turmoil radiates chilling waves down the spine due to fear of its replication in South Asia, Pakistan and Afghanistan make desperate efforts for strengthening their hedge against a globally floating-cum-roving system of insurgent-terrorist outfits. The first round of high profile cross visits by the two countries has done…
On the directions of the government the Armed Forces of Pakistan launched a comprehensive operation against foreign and local terrorists hiding in sanctuaries in North Waziristan (NW). The operation has been named Zarb-e-Azb”. Azb was the name of the sword of the Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him). ISPRAccording to Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR)…
The social movement called Hizmet or Gülen Movement is based on philosophy and values preached by Fethullah Gülen, his thought and practice including his insights on Renaissance and a Globalizing Civilization of love, tolerance and Empathy presently in the making. Gülen philosophy is most importantly rooted in the prophetic and civic Islam, it embraces educating…
Pakistan is beset by a perverted and sham form of democracy, this version is actually an existential threat and allows the same old decrepit, discredited, deviants and corrupt jokers wearing different party colors to come back into power. If it’s not Nawaz Sharif then its Zardari! Or, if not Rehman Malik then that other masterpiece,…
Military ties between the two strategic partners, Pakistan and China are on the rise. Both countries are extending military cooperation in many diversified fields of human resource management, training, joint military and air force exercise, infrastructure, joint ventures and Transfer of Technology. On the invitation of Chinese defence authorities, Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General…
Defence from external aggression and internal threat is the prime responsibility of any government in a state. Soon after becoming a federation of all colonies in 1901, the Australian Defence Forces were created after merger of all colonial forces.1 The structure of the forces has seen many changes based on national and international influences and…
