JE Menon wrote:but all that doesn't matter... Henry, Jose and Jane (which of Henry or Jane is black?) will save the day after hiding in a grocery store (in Pakistan? Must be a specialty one) and escaping from there to an airfield. Nukes rendered safe (for now.. Episode N may need them again)...
The US does not need anybody, just two good men and a woman. One of them hopefully black (but with the right skin tone and not too big lips).
CheersISLAMABAD: The World Bank (WB) has approved a package of assistance worth $1 billion to support Pakistan’s economic reforms.
At least 14 people, including four children, were wounded when unidentified assailants lobbed a hand grenade at a madrassa (seminary) in Pakistan's Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa province late on Sunday, it was reported on Monday.
"At least seven people were injured in the attack and police arrested one of the attackers," a local police officer told the Express News. "A mosque was the target of the grenade attack," the police officer added.
"The mosque and madrassa belong to Jamaat-ud-Dawa and several people were wounded in the attack," he said.
"After the attack, the guards and residents opened fire at a man who was trying to escape, leaving him injured. He was shifted to the nearby hospital and taken into custody. We believe he is the attacker," he added.
ISLAMABAD: A two-member staff delegation of the United States (US) House Foreign Affairs Committee assured Pakistani authorities of the US' continued provision of military equipment and assistance with approval of the US Congress on Monday.
So, a delegation is already in town that soon
In a meeting with Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Foreign Affairs Tariq Fatemi, delegation members Kristen Marquardt and Sajit Gandhi reiterated US efforts to strengthen Pakistan's counter-terrorism capacity and said the continued cooperation was a testimony to the strength of Pak-US bilateral relations.
The assurance comes just days after a BBC Urdu report, citing an unnamed senior US State Department official, said the US administration is withholding subsidy which was earmarked for Pakistan's purchase of eight F-16 fighter jets.
So, according to this report, a delegation has already reached Pakistan and "assurances" are already being given to the Pakis (behind the back of the US Congress?) that all is well and they will be taken care offThe delegation members, in their remarks, noted that US fully recognised that Pakistan has done a great deal in addressing various security challenges, primarily in its own interest.
I diplomatically reminded them of Paki economic edge over India in having millions of surplus donkey Pokulation in Pakistan and the export potential to compete with Indians but alas Tribune did not like the suggestion.Falijee wrote:Jhujar wrote:http://tribune.com.pk/story/1095287/tra ... l-sheriff/
[Jhujar-Ji:
This "cloud nine " farticle was an interesting read specially this gem :
Islamabad should support Afghan government in developing its agricultural, livestock and industrial sectors.
he US$ 46 billion package offered by China in April last year is the biggest package ever offered to Pakistan by a foreign donor or an aid agency. The package is almost half of loans contracted by Pakistan since 1947 and the package is even bigger than the total FDI received by Pakistan from all sources in the past 60 years. The package is equal to 10 percent of Pakistan’s total GDP. One can imagine the package’s importance in Pakistan’s economy.Analysts say that the huge investment could bring miracle change on the Indus River, similar to the miracle happened on the Han River in Korea, miracle happened on the Yellow River in China, miracle happened in Japan after 1945, and miracle happened to ASEAN in the 1980s. They are of the opinion that this is time for Indus River miracle.There were three concerns: (1) Terrorism and security for workers on the project, (2) national consensus, (3) and the Indian sabotage. A special security force of 9 battalions of Pakistan Army, 25,000 personnel has been raised to look after and protect workers. No Chinese worker has been kidnapped or killed related to the CPEC projects in past couple of years. The military operation Zarb-e-Azb has been in the final stage to root-out terrorists and to secure CPEC projects.
Indian RAW has established a special desk. US$ 300 million has been specially earmarked for these activities initially. Indian sabotage activities have been countered by law enforcing agencies in Pakistan. An Indian RAW agent, Kal Bhoshann Yadav, has been arrested in Balochistan along with a number of others who were sabotaging the CPEC. India has been launching maritime sabotage activities from the coastal areas to target the Gwadar Port and other projects of the CPEC. The nexus has been exposed and are under interrogation. Pakistan must ensure maritime security to the CPEC’s projects.With the leasing of 22,000 acres of land in September last year in Gwadar work has been kicked started. State of the art airport is going to be started next year along with building of industrial zones. A number of energy projects worth 10,000 mw are underway, which are going to be completed by 2018. Western route has been inaugurated already in December last. The Hawalian and Karachi-Lahore motorways are underway construction. Over 850 km of Western Route has been completed in Balochistan by the Frontier Works Organisation (FWO) on priority basis. While Eastern and Central Route will also be built. It is expected that Gwadar Port will process about one million tons of cargo next year.The CPEC is a monument of Pakistan-China deep-rooted friendship and it is the shinning flagship project of the Belt and Road initiative of the President Xi Jinping. The CPEC is a great leap forward of the 21st century. Today all eyes are turned on the CPEC. Notwithstanding doubts, confusions, and, misunderstandings, CPEC has been showing progress each passing day with firmed commitment made by both sides. With the initiation of the CPEC, the Sino-Pakistani relationship has now moved beyond “higher than Himalayas” and “sweeter than honey” phrases. A real robust relationship is in the making.
What about their expertise in Animal Husbandry hain ji?Jhujar wrote:I diplomatically reminded them of Paki economic edge over India in having millions of surplus donkey Pokulation in Pakistan and the export potential to compete with Indians but alas Tribune did not like the suggestion.Falijee wrote: Jhujar-Ji:
This "cloud nine " farticle was an interesting read specially this gem :
Islamabad should support Afghan government in developing its agricultural, livestock and industrial sectors.
U.S. tells Pakistan it will have to fund F-16s itself
Attack on Paki Enchendee will not be tolerated !ISLAMABAD (Web Desk) – Interior Minister Ch. Nisar Ali Khan says the fate of Shakeel Afridi is going to be decided by Pakistani courts, and not by any US presidential candidate.
He was reacting to the interview of US presidential candidate Donald Trump on Fox News.
The Minister said that contrary to Mr Trump’s misconception, Pakistan is not a colony of the United States. He should learn to treat sovereign countries with respect.
Contrary to all these statements, " Doctor Sahib" will be set free quietly and send to US and Pakistanis will get "something" in returnOn Saturday, Senate chairperson Mian Raza Rabbani also lashed out at Trump for his remarks, saying Pakistan is a sovereign country and will not succumb to dictations.
US is OK with TSP targeting India?partha wrote:Sajit Gandhi turned out to be RAA agent
http://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-p ... SKCN0XT1U6U.S. tells Pakistan it will have to fund F-16s itself
Corker's stance reflected deep unhappiness among both Democrats and Republicans in Congress about what they see as Islamabad’s policy of supporting militant groups that target Afghans and Americans, and Pakistan's failure to support the reconciliation process for Afghanistan.
Indeed, based on more reports today, it does appear to be another U-turn. Is this cave in, or was there some quid pro quo? I mean here are a bunch of Paki stooges who want to break India, and a reasonable red line that ModiJi placed, even that he is unable to sustain. And of course on the one side you have his detractors mocking his flop flop, and on his side, complete silence. At least it would good to know why this U-turn. What did India gain? Or what did ModiJi prevent India from losing by his about face. I doubt we will get answers to all this.arun wrote: "Since the entire state of Jammu and Kashmir is an integral part of the Union of India and these so-called Kashmiri 'leaders' are Indian citizens, there is no bar on their meetings with representatives of any country in India."
X Posted from the “Islamic Britain & The Compromised Western Civilization” thread.arun wrote:X Posted from the “Islamic Britain & The Compromised Western Civilization” thread.
Joh Bahawalpur mein gaa*du woh Bradford mein bhi Gaa*du. Mohammadden UK politician Naseem “Naz” Shah tracing descent to the Islamic Republic of Pakistan displays religion inspired hatred for fellow Abrahamic adherents of Judaism.
UK’s Labour party should hopefully realise that to play minority communal vote bank politics of pandering to Mohammaddens, is not desirable:
British Pakistani MP Resigns After Row Over Anti-Jewish Facebook Post
That shall happen. That is a given. That is the true touchstone of the transactional relationship. The US understands that and that only and is not shy at all of playing that. Pakistan is a master at that. We must realize that there is nothing called 'shame' in international relationship. After all, aren't our political 'mahaghatbandhans' a practice of the same shamelessness? Once again those Indians who thought that the US policy has 'decisively' changed will have to find excuses or spin Chanakyan theories to explain it away when that happens!Falijee wrote:Contrary to all these statements, " Doctor Sahib" will be set free quietly and send to US and Pakistanis will get "something" in return
And another excerpt on the topic of US funding the Islamic Republic of Pakistan despite the Islamic Republic’s antipathy to the US:John Kirby
Spokesperson
Daily Press Briefing
Washington, DC
May 2, 2016 …………………………….
QUESTION: I have another question on Pakistan F-16. A few months ago, Senator Bob Corker had written a letter to Secretary Kerry that he would put on hold U.S. government’s decision to sell eight F-16 to Pakistan. Has Secretary responded to the letter?
MR KIRBY: I wouldn't speak – I won’t speak to the specifics of congressional correspondence.
QUESTION: I understand there’s no change in your position about selling F-16 to Pakistan. But there’s currently – there’s a hold for last several months. How do you want to resolve this situation?
MR KIRBY: I would just say – point you back to what Ambassador Olson said in his April 27 testimony that effective engagement with Pakistan, we believe, is critical to promoting the consolidation of democratic institutions and economic stability, and supporting the government’s counter-terrorism activities and capabilities. As a matter of longstanding principle, the Department of State opposes conditions to the release of appropriated foreign assistance funds. We believe that such conditions limit the President and the Secretary’s ability to conduct foreign policy in the best interest of the United States. So while Congress has approved the sale, key members have made clear that they object to using FMF to support it. Given congressional objections, we have told the Pakistanis that they should put forward national funds for that purpose.
QUESTION: But are you looking for other options? Are there alternatives to give F-16 to Pakistan?
MR KIRBY: I think I’ve answered the question.
QUESTION: Thank you.
From here:QUESTION: And finally, Mr. Zakaria in his series or documentary is bringing or brought Mr. Imran Khan, who is now leading a major political party leader in Pakistan. And what they are saying is that what he said that Pakistan is the one of the countries really hate the most – hate the U.S. most. Why is that, even though after billions of dollars in aid to the Pakistanis for their development and also for – but still, that society or part of the society hates the U.S.?
MR KIRBY: I don’t think that we certainly don’t believe – I mean, I don’t think – I know we don’t believe that Pakistan hates the United States. Pakistan is a partner here in the effort to go after extremists there in the region. They themselves have said that they’re not going to distinguish or discriminate between terrorist groups, and the Pakistani people themselves have fallen victim to this brutal, violent extremist ideology and the terror tactics behind it.
Nobody has ever alleged that we’ve agreed with Pakistan on every issue, but that we can have candid, frank discussions with Pakistani leaders about these topics speaks, I think, to the maturity of the relationship and to the recognition that it’s an important relationship on both sides.
QUESTION: I think he must have been talking about certain groups inside Pakistan. That’s what really hates the U.S.
MR KIRBY: Well, there’s no question that extremist groups inside Pakistan hate the Pakistani Government, and you’re seeing that play out. But they – yes, do they also hate Westerners? Do they also hate what the United States stands for – some of these extremist groups? Of course, they do, which is why the relationship between the United States and Pakistan is important, and it’s why we need to continue to look for ways to work together to go after these groups where they are.
I’ve got time for just one more. Ma’am, you’ve had your hand up for a while. Go ahead.
QUESTION: Thank you very much.
Oh I don't know if "those Indians" really believed as such. It's just that they would have the rest of us unwashed abduls to believe as such.SSridhar wrote:Once again those Indians who thought that the US policy has 'decisively' changed will have to find excuses or spin Chanakyan theories to explain it away when that happens!
ISLAMABAD: China is reportedly upset over the slow progress made in awarding the $2-billion commercial contract that includes laying a gas pipeline and setting up a LNG terminal in Gwadar.A senior government official said that while a Chinese firm had submitted the commercial bid for the contract, it had not been opened yet. Even after several months, no decision has been taken on the contract, much to the dismay of the Chinese side.The LNG Gwadar pipeline project was planned as an alternative solution to the Iran-Pakistan (IP) gas pipeline project, which has not moved ahead due to sanctions against Tehran. The Gwadar project was also conceived to meet an obligation regarding the IP gas pipeline project.The official said that the Chinese side had asked Pakistan to apply for the loan, but this process has been delayed as the government wanted to have the PC-1 approved from the Planning Commission.The slow progress apparently stems from one minister in the government who is reluctant to release funds. Under the proposed structure of the project, the Chinese side is to provide 85% financing under the government-to-government deal to implement the LNG Gwadar terminal and pipeline project. The finance ministry, however, is reluctant to release the remaining amount.The official said that the neighbour was upset over the lack of progress, adding that a high level delegation comprising members of the Chinese firm and Exim Bank of China visited Pakistan, but could not meet any finance ministry official. “They had to meet junior level officials in the Economic Affairs Division (EAD),” the official added.The China Pipeline Bureau (CPB) was designated by the Chinese government to implement the project. Officials said that Chinese banks had offered financing at the rate of Libor plus 2.25%. The official said that the finance ministry was to arrange 15% financing through Gas Infrastructure Development Cess (GIDC) levy being collected from gas consumers for gas import projects. But the finance ministry had consumed all these funds, which amounted to Rs183 billion, for projects like the Metro bus.The official said that the petroleum ministry had moved a summary to the Economic Coordination Committee, requesting to expedite the project and issue directions to the EAD to arrange loans for the project. The ECC approved to give sovereign guarantee after several months had already been wasted.
From here:HARI SREENIVASAN: The raid on bin Laden’s compound was watched closely by President Obama and his national security advisers, among them, Leon Panetta, who was CIA director at the time. He watched the raid unfold in real time from the agency’s Langley headquarters. …………………………
HARI SREENIVASAN: Five years on, have we fully understood the complicity of Pakistan in all this?
LEON PANETTA: It’s — it’s been a challenging period to develop the relationship with Pakistan.
Obviously, Pakistan was helpful in being able to work with us in many areas. Certainly, in the intelligence area, we worked together. On military efforts, we worked together. But, at the same time, Pakistan was difficult because they had a close relationship to various terrorist networks, and you were never quite sure just exactly where their loyalties would lie.
And it was for that reason, very frankly, that when we were looking at the bin Laden operation, which we would have preferred, frankly, to have worked with Pakistan. But there are so many questions raised about whether or not we could trust them that the president decided that we should do it alone.
Containing India’s influence in Washington shall be a hectic task for Pakistan given its global importance {No, Pakistan must not give up. It should try to contain Indian influence all over the world. After all, what is the purpose for its creation?} . However, should the F-16 deal get jeopardized then Pakistan should seek Sukhoi Su-35 fighter jets that are far more advanced than the F-16s. The Russian-made jets can be a great asset for Pakistan Air Force, and it already has newer generations of JF-17 jets, which are being considered for induction. Pakistan, being an exporter of military hardware, should make the right choice for the future of its security needs.*
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan said on Tuesday it will acquire F-16 fighter jets from elsewhere if the US doesn't arrange funding for the sale.
The US stand practically kills the deal as Pakistan may find it difficult to buy the planes at a price that is two-and-half times more than previously agreed.
CheersPakistan had earlier reached an understanding with the US to buy eight F-16 jets. Under the deal, Pakistan was required to pay about $270 million from its national fund. The US was supposed to provide the rest from its Foreign Military Financing Fund.
So, this Chief Rep of the Islamic Brigade has obviously taken a course in Economics 101 in a non-Islamic University in his younger ( "sowing his wild oats") daysThe economic system based on paper currency is not strong enough and gold is the more acceptable medium, he added. “The paper currency is only based on the power of the state has and no standing in the shape of a solid material.”
“The gold dinar coin was used in the Islamic world from the 8th century onwards and survived in certain parts till 19th century,” Sherani said.The CII chairman said capitalism is about to fall after the collapse of communism and the world must opt for Islamic economic system to meet the challenges confronting the economy.
WASHINGTON: Senior Pakistani leadership knew that Osama bin Laden was hiding at a compound in Abbottabad but US has not been able to get any proof of it so far, said Hillary Clinton, who was the Secretary of State at the time of the operation and is presently the Democratic presidential front-runner.
CheersClinton, 68, was the top adviser to President Barack Obama on the decision to kill al-Qaida leader and world's most dreaded terrorist bin Laden on May 2, 2011.
The malware-embedded Chinese handsets & telecom equipment being manufactured and sold within our country, would come even more handy for the ISI as Pakistan & China collude.Responding to a question in Lok Sabha, Minister of State for Home Affairs, Haribhai Parathibhai Chaudhary also said Pakistan's spy agency was making efforts to trap ex-servicemen in the garb of providing job opportunities and financial aid for spying.
"There are reports that Pakistan intelligence agencies are spying on Indian security forces by sending malwares in mobile apps such as Top Gun (game app), mpjunkie (music app), vdjunkey (video app), talking frog (entertainment app," the minister said.
He said during the period 2013-16, seven ex-servicemen were arrested/detected for espionage activities for the ISI.
"The Indian security forces have been sensitised about Pakistan ISI using dubious applications on smartphones," he said.
"Besides, the government has circulated Computer Security Policy and Guidelines to all the ministries/departments on taking steps to prevent, detect and mitigate cyber attacks which includes sanitisation of staff and and officers, installations of CCTV and biometric for electronic surveillance with well defined crisis management plan for countering cyber attacks and cyber terrorism for implementation," Chaudhary said.
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan will acquire jets from elsewhere if the United States (US) does not arrange funding for a previously agreed upon F-16 fighter jet sale, Sartaj Aziz, the prime minister's adviser on foreign affairs, cautioned the US as both countries lock horns over the purchase of the jets.
"If funding is arranged, Pakistan will get the F-16s, otherwise we will opt for jets from some other place," Aziz said, without clarifying which jets he was referring to and where they would be bought from.Aziz elaborated the US administration has given its consent for the sale of F-16s, and the only hurdle is finances."The funding we received was part of normal military funding received from US, and not specifically meant for the purchase of F-16s. The US has informed us that we can use the funds for purchase of other military equipment and items, but not F-16s."And on Monday afternoon, the department confirmed that Pakistan will have to use its own funds if it wants the planes.The latest announcement practically kills the deal as Pakistan may find it difficult to buy the planes at two and a half times more than the agreed price.Aziz said Pakistan valued the F-16s for their effectiveness, but said that they could be replaced by JF-17 Thunder jets in its anti-terrorism campaign.The adviser also expressed concern over India's growing military power and said if it isn't checked, Pakistan will be "forced to increase its strategic power" too."The international community should avoid steps which may disturb the strategic balance in South Asia", Aziz warned.Aziz reiterated the government's resistance towards handing Dr Shakeel Afridi over to American authorities."We have rejected American pressure on Pakistan regarding Afridi, who helped the US trace Osama bin Laden. For the US he is a hero but for Pakistan he is a criminal," he stated.
True. Just as only the Americans could justify the F-16s to the Pakis. Made for each other.Cosmo_R wrote:"If you don't give us the F-16s, we'll buy elsewhere".
Only the pakis could come up with this equal-equal
Excerpt from US State Department Daily Press Briefing dealing with the US response to the Islamic Republic of Pakistan’s braggadocio on purchasing fighter jets elsewhere if the US continues to refuse to part gift F-16’s and also excerpt dealing with the US response to the Islamic Republic terming US Aid to them as “Peanuts”.Jhujar wrote:Pakistan will get jets from elsewhere if F-16 funding not arranged, Aziz ( Ass is, Not even 24 hrs warranty for this Old Dude) cautions US
http://www.dawn.com/news/1256000/pakist ... autions-us
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan will acquire jets from elsewhere if the United States (US) does not arrange funding for a previously agreed upon F-16 fighter jet sale, Sartaj Aziz, the prime minister's adviser on foreign affairs, cautioned the US as both countries lock horns over the purchase of the jets.
"If funding is arranged, Pakistan will get the F-16s, otherwise we will opt for jets from some other place," Aziz said, without clarifying which jets he was referring to and where they would be bought from.Aziz elaborated the US administration has given its consent for the sale of F-16s, and the only hurdle is finances."The funding we received was part of normal military funding received from US, and not specifically meant for the purchase of F-16s. The US has informed us that we can use the funds for purchase of other military equipment and items, but not F-16s."And on Monday afternoon, the department confirmed that Pakistan will have to use its own funds if it wants the planes.The latest announcement practically kills the deal as Pakistan may find it difficult to buy the planes at two and a half times more than the agreed price.Aziz said Pakistan valued the F-16s for their effectiveness, but said that they could be replaced by JF-17 Thunder jets in its anti-terrorism campaign.The adviser also expressed concern over India's growing military power and said if it isn't checked, Pakistan will be "forced to increase its strategic power" too."The international community should avoid steps which may disturb the strategic balance in South Asia", Aziz warned.Aziz reiterated the government's resistance towards handing Dr Shakeel Afridi over to American authorities."We have rejected American pressure on Pakistan regarding Afridi, who helped the US trace Osama bin Laden. For the US he is a hero but for Pakistan he is a criminal," he stated.
Weblink here:John Kirby
Spokesperson
Daily Press Briefing
Washington, DC
May 3, 2016 …………………………………………….
QUESTION: On Pakistan.
MR KIRBY: Yeah.
QUESTION: After your statement yesterday, Pakistan is saying they are disappointed, but they are also saying if they cannot get the F-16s from U.S., they will find jets from other places. They’re indicating from China. Do you fear that this will strain your relationship with Pakistan?
MR KIRBY: These are sovereign decisions that nations make with respect to their defense needs, and I wouldn’t – it’s up for – it’s up to Pakistan to speak to how they’ll fulfill their defense needs. As for the relationship, as I’ve said many, many times, it’s an important one. It’s critical; it’s vital in that – particularly in that part of the world; and it’s a relationship we have absolutely no intention of losing focus on or diminishing in any way. But these are obviously sovereign decisions that Pakistan has to make.
QUESTION: A Pakistani minister of a cabinet rank has described the U.S. aid to Pakistan as “peanuts.” Do you think this is appropriate description of U.S. aid to Pakistan?
MR KIRBY: I would just simply say that, again, it’s an important relationship. We’re going to continue to support that relationship. We are – we fully stand behind the kinds of support that we have provided Pakistan over the last many years with respect specifically to their counterterrorism capabilities and counterterrorism needs, and we’re going to continue to look for ways to improve that cooperation as best we can.
QUESTION: But you don’t have anything to say on the peanuts comment? It is peanuts, orange, apples --
MR KIRBY: I think I’ve answered the question.
KARACHI:
The Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) on Tuesday claimed senior party leader Farooq Sattar’s coordinator Aftab Ahmed died while he was under a 90-day preventive detention by paramilitary Rangers in Karachi.
According to the MQM, the 42-year-old worker was picked up by Rangers ( similar tactics employed on Balochi activists !)on May 1 from his residence in Karachi’s Federal B Area.
Now the fallout from this "torture death " :KARACHI:The MQM activist, who has five children, was detained by law enforcement personnel in plainclothes in District Central on Sunday evening during a raid near Mukka Chowk in Federal B Area.Ahmed’s death comes on the day his party has planned to hold a rally outside the Karachi Press Club in support of missing and arrested party workers.Meanwhile, Rangers spokesperson claimed Aftab complained of chest pain on Tuesday morning after which he was shifted to the hospital for medical treatment where he died of heart failure.“Aftab had been detained on May 1 over his involvement in different crimes and an anti-terrorism court had remanded him into Rangers’ custody for 90 days,” a statement issued by the Rangers read.
The equal equal list being maintained by the Paki Fauj is getting longer and longer ; at some point, the Aam Abduls will have to say enough is enough !NEW DELHI (Web Desk) – The first of six Indian-built DCNS Scorpene-class submarines has started sea trials off the coast of Mumbai.
The diesel-electric vessel was built at Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Ltd. under a technology transfer deal with DCNS of France and is named the Kalvari.
The Indian Ministry of Defense says the vessel is scheduled for commissioning at the end of this year.
The sea trial occurred Sunday and was the first. Additional trials are to take place in months to come. Among systems being tested are the vessel’s propulsion system, auxiliary equipment and systems, navigation aids, communication equipment and steering gear.