Terroristan - 4th Jan 2018

The Strategic Issues & International Relations Forum is a venue to discuss issues pertaining to India's security environment, her strategic outlook on global affairs and as well as the effect of international relations in the Indian Subcontinent. We request members to kindly stay within the mandate of this forum and keep their exchanges of views, on a civilised level, however vehemently any disagreement may be felt. All feedback regarding forum usage may be sent to the moderators using the Feedback Form or by clicking the Report Post Icon in any objectionable post for proper action. Please note that the views expressed by the Members and Moderators on these discussion boards are that of the individuals only and do not reflect the official policy or view of the Bharat-Rakshak.com Website. Copyright Violation is strictly prohibited and may result in revocation of your posting rights - please read the FAQ for full details. Users must also abide by the Forum Guidelines at all times.
hnair
Forum Moderator
Posts: 4633
Joined: 03 May 2006 01:31
Location: Trivandrum

Re: Terroristan - 4th Jan 2018

Post by hnair »

From that BBC article:
Each trip raised £150,000 or more. Women removed their gold bangles and earrings in response to his call.
So basically UK’s vaunted security agencies funded him by looking the other way when he talked about destroying infidels. These visits must have ended in a lot of british tax money being shoved into Prof Pigdoo’s langoti strings and LET tithes by the official britain and covered with a fig leaf fiction of “wimmens gave jewellry”. As if an average faithful will allow his wimmens to do that. Same in NY

At that time he was useful to them to keep India busy. But fatty had other plans and India said “bitch please!” :lol:
chetak
BRF Oldie
Posts: 32225
Joined: 16 May 2008 12:00

Re: Terroristan - 4th Jan 2018

Post by chetak »

hnair wrote:From that BBC article:
Each trip raised £150,000 or more. Women removed their gold bangles and earrings in response to his call.
So basically UK’s vaunted security agencies funded him by looking the other way when he talked about destroying infidels. These visits must have ended in a lot of british tax money being shoved into Prof Pigdoo’s langoti strings and LET tithes by the official britain and covered with a fig leaf fiction of “wimmens gave jewellry”. As if an average faithful will allow his wimmens to do that. Same in NY

At that time he was useful to them to keep India busy. But fatty had other plans and India said “bitch please!” :lol:
We are perplexed when we see the relationship between the brits and the muslims.

We don't seem to realize that the brits and the muslims go way, way back.

and they had a collaborative enterprise against the Hindus in the past, during the colonisation and as a matter of fact that enterprise continues with full vigour, even today.
Ashokk
BRFite
Posts: 1116
Joined: 11 Aug 2016 06:14

Re: Terroristan - 4th Jan 2018

Post by Ashokk »

Army kills 138 Pak soldiers in 2017 in tactical ops
NEW DELHI: The Indian Army killed 138 Pakistan Army personnel in 2017 in tactical operations and retaliatory cross-border firings along the Line of Control (LoC) in Jammu and Kashmir, government intelligence sources said today.
The Indian Army lost 28 soldiers during the same period along the LoC, the sources said.

The sources said the Pakistan Army usually does not acknowledge the deaths of its personnel and shows them as civilian casualties in certain cases.

The Indian Army has been adopting a "tough" approach in dealing with ceasefire violations and terrorist activities in Jammu and Kashmir in the last one year.

The Pakistan Army has suffered 138 fatal and 155 non- fatal casualties in tactical operations and retaliatory cross-border firings along the LoC in 2017, the intelligence sources told PTI.

A total of 70 Indian Army personnel were injured during cross border firings and other incidents.

Asked about the fatalities on the Pakistani side, the Army refused to comment. However, Army spokesperson Col Aman Anand said India has been effectively retaliating against all ceasefire violations by the Pakistan Army and will continue to do so.

According to official figures, 860 incidents of ceasefire violations by Pakistani troops were reported in 2017 as against 221 last year.

It seems the Pakistan Army has a policy of not acknowledging the killing of its personnel, the sources said. They also referred to the Kargil war when Pakistan had declined to accept casualties despite proof given by India.

The sources also cited an incident on December 25 when a group of five Army commandos crossed the LoC in Jammu and Kashmir and killed three Pakistani soldiers. The Pakistan Army had posted a tweet that day acknowledging the deaths but later deleted it.

The Pakistan Army's spokesperson two days later rejected reports that Indian commandos selectively targeted a post across the LoC and killed three of its soldiers.

The intelligence sources said Indian Army killed 27 Pakistani soldiers in sniper firing last year while seven of its soldiers lost their lives in Pakistani sniper firing along the LoC.

As part of its policy of "hot pursuit", the Indian Army has been carrying out tactical operations to foil Pakistan Army's support to terrorists.

In May last year, the Indian Army had said it launched "punitive fire assaults" on Pakistani positions across the LoC, inflicting "some damage", days after two Indian Army personnel were beheaded.
Vips
BRF Oldie
Posts: 4699
Joined: 14 Apr 2017 18:23

Re: Terroristan - 4th Jan 2018

Post by Vips »

Bart S wrote:
Amol.d wrote:
this is hilarious - "The report suggested that Khan met there with Bushra Maneka, known as Pinky in the area, for spiritual advice." :rotfl:
The fact that his spiritual guru is someone called Pinky is even funnier than the fact that the tharki buddha who wants to have his n'th marriage in his 60s is the main prime ministerial candidate of the country. :rotfl:
And Pinky is mother of 5 Kids, 2 sons are in college and a daughter is married and is herself a mother. :rotfl: :rotfl:
sudhan
BRFite
Posts: 1157
Joined: 01 Jul 2009 17:53
Location: Timbuktoo..

Re: Terroristan - 4th Jan 2018

Post by sudhan »

The ranger pigs involved in the murder of an unarmed civilian in 2011 have been pardoned.

For those who are not aware of this shooting, look up '2011 Sarfraz Shah murder' on the interweb.. the graphic video where the victim is shot and bleeds to death is not for the faint of heart.

Mamnoon hussain pardons 5 rangers
anupmisra
BRF Oldie
Posts: 9203
Joined: 12 Nov 2006 04:16
Location: New York

Re: Terroristan - 4th Jan 2018

Post by anupmisra »

Vips wrote:...Pinky is mother of 5 Kids, 2 sons are in college and a daughter is married and is herself a mother
Botox bhutto was also nicknamed "Pinky". This huge family of kids (pinky's 5 kids plus dimky's 3 legal kids and god knows how many more laying around), several wives, quasi-wives and husbands should make an exciting extended family get together.
anupmisra
BRF Oldie
Posts: 9203
Joined: 12 Nov 2006 04:16
Location: New York

Re: Terroristan - 4th Jan 2018

Post by anupmisra »

Ashokk wrote:Army kills 138 Pak soldiers in 2017 in tactical ops
The Pakistan Army has suffered 138 fatal and 155 non- fatal casualties in tactical operations and retaliatory cross-border firings along the LoC in 2017, the intelligence sources told PTI.
Yet the TSPA does not back off. Clearly the punitive actions have not helped. History has proven that the malsists keep trying until they succeed. The civilized forces have to keep winning forever. The malsists have to win just once.
Peregrine
BRF Oldie
Posts: 8441
Joined: 11 Aug 2016 06:14

Terroristan - 4th Jan 2018

Post by Peregrine »

X Posted on Analyzing CPEC Thread

NATO wants Afghan supplies shipment through Gwadar Port: Hasil Bizenjo

Pakistani officials say the US-led Nato military coalition in Afghanistan has offered to import vital supplies through Gwadar, calling it a much shorter and economically viable route into landlocked Afghanistan.

Federal Minister for Ports and Shipping Hasil Bizenjo, says Nato representatives proposed the idea at a recent meeting he convened with local and international business leaders.

“They [Nato] are very interested and we are working on it,” Bizenjo told VOA in an interview.

Russia supplying free fuel to Taliban in war against NATO forces, reveals report

The coalition of about 16,000 troops, known as Resolute Support, mostly consists of Americans advising and assisting Afghan forces in their battle against the Taliban and other militant groups.

The military mission is dependent on ground lines of communication and air lines of communication, known as GLOC and ALOC, through Pakistan for receiving supplies.

Currently, Nato supplies are shipped through the Karachi Port, where they then are placed on trucks and transported on a week-long journey to neighboring Afghanistan via the northwestern Torkham border crossing.

“NATO told us it would be extremely convenient for them in terms of quick transportation of supplies from Gwadar directly to Kandahar. They are very interested and we are working on it,” Bizenjo told VOA in an interview.

The Gwadar Port is in Balochistan adjoining Afghanistan’s Kandahar province, which hosts one of the five US military bases in the war-shattered country.

Gwadar port is connected to the Chaman border crossing with Kandahar through a newly constructed highway, enabling truck convoys to reach Afghanistan in fewer than 24 hours.

Bizenjo said companies dealing in Afghan transit trade also want their cargo to be shipped completely through Gwadar.

“Another meeting with Pakistani business and Nato representatives and Afghan transit trade dealers has also been scheduled to further the discussions, Bizenjo said, without saying when.

Cheers Image
Peregrine
BRF Oldie
Posts: 8441
Joined: 11 Aug 2016 06:14

Terroristan - 4th Jan 2018

Post by Peregrine »

Two Chinese ATM fraudsters held in Karachi
Two Chinese nationals were arrested by police for placing a skimming device on an automated teller machine (ATM) in Karachi’s Zainab Market on Wednesday, according to Express News.
Cheers Image
Peregrine
BRF Oldie
Posts: 8441
Joined: 11 Aug 2016 06:14

Terroristan - 4th Jan 2018

Post by Peregrine »

Two Chinese ATM fraudsters held in Karachi
Two Chinese nationals were arrested by police for placing a skimming device on an automated teller machine (ATM) in Karachi’s Zainab Market on Wednesday, according to Express News.
Cheers Image
Lisa
BRFite
Posts: 1714
Joined: 04 May 2008 11:25

Re: Terroristan - 4th Jan 2018

Post by Lisa »

hnair wrote:From that BBC article:
Each trip raised £150,000 or more. Women removed their gold bangles and earrings in response to his call.
So basically UK’s vaunted security agencies funded him by looking the other way when he talked about destroying infidels. These visits must have ended in a lot of british tax money being shoved into Prof Pigdoo’s langoti strings and LET tithes by the official britain and covered with a fig leaf fiction of “wimmens gave jewellry”. As if an average faithful will allow his wimmens to do that. Same in NY

At that time he was useful to them to keep India busy. But fatty had other plans and India said “bitch please!” :lol:
Hnairji,

You are not far off the mark,

From the 7/7 coroners inquest

"83. The same categories to “help prioritise investigative effort” appear in the 2006 ISC report as well. At paragraph 48 of that report the ISC says this:

“….The judgement was made (correctly with hindsight) that they were

peripheral to the main investigation and there was no intelligence to suggest they were interested in planning an attack against the UK. Intelligence at the time suggested that their focus was training and insurgency operations in Pakistan and schemes to defraud financial institutions. As such, there was no reason to divert resources away from higher priorities, which included investigations into attack planning against the UK”.
"

This bit, their focus was training and insurgency operations in Pakistan. They were actually heard discussing how to attack India, but because it was not actually against the UK, there were allowed to go about their business unfettered! Please also note the following at the beginning, "The judgement was made (correctly with hindsight) ". Now really!

Added later, just to clarify, when it says "they", they are referring to the bombers.
Last edited by Lisa on 11 Jan 2018 02:12, edited 1 time in total.
Lisa
BRFite
Posts: 1714
Joined: 04 May 2008 11:25

Re: Terroristan - 4th Jan 2018

Post by Lisa »

anupmisra wrote:
Ashokk wrote:Army kills 138 Pak soldiers in 2017 in tactical ops
The Pakistan Army has suffered 138 fatal and 155 non- fatal casualties in tactical operations and retaliatory cross-border firings along the LoC in 2017, the intelligence sources told PTI.
Yet the TSPA does not back off. Clearly the punitive actions have not helped. History has proven that the malsists keep trying until they succeed. The civilized forces have to keep winning forever. The malsists have to win just once.
Lets add a zero to that number and then this point can be discussed in more detail.
ricky_v
BRFite
Posts: 1134
Joined: 11 Aug 2016 06:14

Re: Terroristan - 4th Jan 2018

Post by ricky_v »

https://www.msn.com/en-in/news/crime/za ... spartanntp
Two people died and dozens more were injured at protests about the alleged rape and murder of an eight-year-old girl in Pakistan.
Angered at the lack of arrests the killing of Zainab Ansari, hundreds off people took to the streets of the city of Kasur in eastern Punjab.
Some attacked a police station and government buildings while local media captured others throwing rocks and smashing car windows with sticks.
Ansari went missing on her way to her religious studies tuition, earlier this week.
Ansari's parents, who had been at a pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia at the time of her disappearance, have returned to Pakistan.
Cleric Tahir-ul-Qadri who took part in the service called for the local government to be replaced, and blamed the Punjab chief minister, Shahbaz Sharif, for failing to “protect lives and honour of innocent girls” in the province.
Ansari's murder also sparked widespread outcry on social media, with thousands calling for the culprit to be brought to justice, and the hastag #Justice4Zainab trending on Twitter.
Facing calls from his political rivals to step down or face further street protests, chief minister Sharif also took to the social media site.
He said he was “deeply pained" to hear about the case, adding: "Those societies that cannot protect its children are eternally condemned. Not going to rest till the perpetrators of this dastardly act are apprehended & given severest possible punishment under the law."
Why is the usage of twitter and hashtag so important in a country where the majority of the population is inclined to take the country back to the seventh century? Like, how many jahils even have access to the internet, let alone hashtag on twitter to make any protest or counter protest on it amount to anything? If the people all over the world protest on the net for any injustice, let us also abandon our mob mentality; the fact that people were killed rioting, highlights this pointlessness, wonder for whom they actually do such shenanigans.
Manish_P
BRF Oldie
Posts: 5383
Joined: 25 Mar 2010 17:34

Re: Terroristan - 4th Jan 2018

Post by Manish_P »

Why is the usage of twitter and hashtag so important in a country where the majority of the population is inclined to take the country back to the seventh century
Mainly for external consumption. For a majority of them their livlihood (and future retirement) is outside terroristan.
Peregrine
BRF Oldie
Posts: 8441
Joined: 11 Aug 2016 06:14

Terroristan - 4th Jan 2018

Post by Peregrine »

US issues new travel advisory to its citizens for Pakistan, India

WASHINGTON: The US government on Wednesday issued a new travel advisory to it citizens for Pakistan and India, which is based on ready-to-understand level of advice ranging from one to four level.

Ranking Pakistan on Level 3 (reconsider travel), the State Department asked its citizens to reconsider travel to Pakistan.

Americans are advised not to travel to Balochistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KPK), and the Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA).


"These improvements will provide US citizens with clear, timely, and reliable safety and security information worldwide," the State Department said.

While India has been ranked Level 2 (exercise increased caution) . Level 1 advises travelers to exercise normal precaution, while Level 4, which has countries like Afghanistan, recommends "Do Not Travel".

Placing India on Level 2, the US State Department identified "crime and terrorism" for Americans to exercise increased caution. However, it advises US citizens not to travel to Jammu and Kashmir, except for eastern Ladakh and Leh and not to venture within 10 miles of the India-Pakistan border due to the "potential for armed conflict".

Cheers Image
Ashokk
BRFite
Posts: 1116
Joined: 11 Aug 2016 06:14

Re: Terroristan - 4th Jan 2018

Post by Ashokk »

China's new Silk Road hits political, financial hurdles
BEIJING: China's plan for a modern Silk Road of railways, ports and other facilities linking Asia with Europe hit a $14 billion pothole in Pakistan.
Pakistan's relations with Beijing are so close that officials call China their "Iron Brother." Despite that, plans for the Diamer-Bhasha Dam were thrown into turmoil in November when the chairman of Pakistan's water authority said Beijing wanted an ownership stake in the hydropower project. He rejected that as against Pakistani interests.

China issued a denial but the official withdrew the dam from among dozens of projects being jointly developed by the two countries.

From Pakistan to Tanzania to Hungary, projects under President Xi Jinping's signature "Belt and Road Initiative" are being canceled, renegotiated or delayed due to disputes about costs or complaints host countries get too little out of projects built by Chinese companies and financed by loans from Beijing that must be repaid.

In some areas, Beijing is suffering a political backlash due to fears of domination by Asia's biggest economy.

"Pakistan is one of the countries that is in China's hip pocket, and for Pakistan to stand up and say, 'I'm not going to do this with you,' shows it's not as 'win-win' as China says it is," said Robert Koepp, an analyst in Hong Kong for the Economist Corporate Network, a research firm.

"Belt and Road," announced by Xi in 2013, is a loosely defined umbrella for Chinese-built or -financed projects across 65 countries from the South Pacific through Asia to Africa and Europe.

Other governments welcomed the initiative in a region the Asian Development Bank says needs more than $26 trillion of infrastructure investment by 2030 to keep economies growing. Nations including Japan have given or lent billions of dollars for development, but China's venture is bigger and the only source of money for many projects.

Governments from Washington to Moscow to New Delhi are uneasy Beijing is trying to use its "Belt and Road" to develop a China-centered political structure that will erode their influence.

Among projects that have been derailed or disrupted, authorities in Nepal canceled plans in November for Chinese companies to build a $2.5 billion dam after they concluded contracts for the Budhi Gandaki Hydro Electric Project violated rules requiring multiple bidders.

Consulting firm BMI Research has compiled a database of $1.8 trillion of infrastructure investments across Asia, Africa and the Middle East that include Chinese money or other involvement.

"It's probably too early to say at this point how much of the overall initiative will actually be implemented," said Christian Zhang, a BMI analyst.

The US and Japanese governments express interest in building contracts or other potential opportunities. But they also are trying to develop alternative initiatives.

The stumbles for one of the world's most ambitious infrastructure ventures could help temper concerns Beijing will increase its strategic influence.

Even Pakistan, one of China's friendliest neighbors, has failed to agree on key projects.

The two governments are developing facilities with a total cost of $60 billion including power plants and railways to link China's far west with the Chinese-built port of Gwadar on the Indian Ocean.

A visit by a Chinese assistant foreign minister in November produced no agreement on railway projects in the southern city of Karachi valued at $10billion and a $260 million airport for Gwadar.

The same month, the chairman of the Pakistan Water and Power Development Authority announced the Diamer-Bhasha Dam would be withdrawn from joint development.

"Chinese conditions for financing the Diamer-Bhasha Dam were not doable and against our interests," the official, Muzammil Hussain, told legislators, according to Pakistani news reports.

The Chinese Cabinet agency overseeing "Belt and Road," the National Development and Reform Commission, denied in a written statement that it asked for an ownership stake.

"Belt and Road" is interwoven with official efforts to export Chinese rail, hydropower and other technology and steel, aluminum and other industrial goods.

In Thailand, work on a $15 billion high-speed railway was suspended in 2016 following complaints too little business went to Thai companies. A new plan announced in July gives local contractors a bigger role.
Peregrine
BRF Oldie
Posts: 8441
Joined: 11 Aug 2016 06:14

Terroristan - 4th Jan 2018

Post by Peregrine »

X Posted on the PESW Thread

Trading in the yuan

A LARGE misunderstanding is growing that Pakistan has just opened the door to settling all bilateral trade with China in yuan instead of the dollar. It all began when, in response to repeated queries on the subject, the State Bank put out a press release on Jan 2 saying that such trade has been open for years, and there is no bar to using the yuan to settle payments for trade and investment from China.

“SBP has already put in place the required regulatory framework which facilitates use of CNY in trade and investment transactions such as opening of L/Cs and availing financing facilities in CNY,” the press release said. In fact, the yuan is not the only currency that is allowed to be used for settlement of cross-border trade and investment. Besides the dollar and yuan, the euro and Japanese yen can also be used similarly.

In any case, as the press release emphasised, the bank had “already put in place” all the tools that allow the yuan to be used for trade settlement. The process actually began in December 2011 when a currency swap arrangement (CSA) was signed between China and Pakistan.

The agreement was for three years, subsequently renewed, and up to 10 billion yuan were available to Pakistan to swap against rupees through it. The State Bank governor, in a written note released a week after the signature, said that the main objective of the agreement is to “promote the use of regional currencies for trade settlement purposes”, and for China CSAs of this sort, which were being signed with many other countries as well, were part of its overall ambition to internationalise the yuan and prepare for an era when China’s currency could rival the US dollar as a global currency.

The first auction of yuan was held in June 2013. Not a single bank submitted a bid.

Today, China has such CSAs with at least 30 other countries, totalling more than $550bn. But the ambition of a globalised yuan still remains a distant dream.

In Pakistan’s case, the signing of the CSA was followed by a lengthy period of putting in place the administrative tools necessary for its operation. Central banks of both countries needed the proper channels through which to effect the swap. Then they needed a mechanism through which to make the respective currencies available to their domestic banks.

That process ended in May 2013 when the State Bank announced the operational launch of the yuan settlement system. The way it was going to work was a little complex. The State Bank would conduct competitive auctions of the yuan for banks to participate in. Depending on the demand elicited from these auctions, the State Bank would request the requisite quantity of yuan from China, and offer an equivalent quantity of rupees as a swap. The exchange rate at the time was Rs14 to the yuan.

Banks could now ask to borrow yuan from the State Bank in two tenors: three and six months. After acquiring them, they could make these yuan available to their clients for payments connected to their dealings with Chinese companies, whether trade or investment related. On the settlement date, the banks would return the yuan to the State Bank, which would return them to China and retrieve their rupees.

The first auction of yuan was held in June 2013. Not a single bank submitted a bid. There was no interest whatsoever from the market. But in the meantime, the government of Pakistan was entering a serious balance of payments crisis as the foreign exchange reserves depleted to dangerous levels. During that time, then governor of the State Bank, Yasin Anwar, managed to use the swap facility to draw a large amount of yuan (the exact number was never officially announced, but I think I once heard him say at a public event that it was equivalent to $1bn), convert them into dollars, and place the resultant funds in the reserves, thereby pushing the approaching balance-of-payments crisis down by a few months.

A second auction was held in December 2013, and once again, no bids were received. The market remained uninterested in the facility. From then onwards, the State Bank discontinued the yuan auctions and told the banks to approach the central bank whenever a demand for yuan materialised, and an auction could be organised at short notice. Not a single bank has taken up the offer since then, showing that the level of interest in using yuan to make trade-related payments remains zero to this day.


When I spoke to a group of importers about why there was such a lack of interest in the yuan for settlement of trade payments with China, I received three responses. Some said they were fine with the dollar and simply not interested in the change. Others said the yuan was less stable against the rupee compared to the dollar (the yuan was Rs14 back in 2011, it is Rs17 now), and they did not want to deal with the exchange rate risk. Another group said that the yuan facility requires the transaction to be conducted through a letter of credit issued by a bank, whereas a large amount of under-invoicing takes place in imports from China, where the balance payment is made through an exchange company for concealment.

When asked why not use the yuan for the amount paid via L/C and the dollar for the remainder, they simply replied ‘why complicate things? If I’m dealing in dollars anyway, why shift to yuan for a part of the payment?’

So there is nothing new in the Jan 2 announcement of the State Bank. It is possible that at the moment, the Chinese authorities are simply focused on creating the pathways through which yuan settlement can be effected. Once in place, they will turn their attention towards getting increased utilisation. A set of incentives will be offered for the purpose, but until then, it remains business as usual.

Cheers Image
Peregrine
BRF Oldie
Posts: 8441
Joined: 11 Aug 2016 06:14

Terroristan - 4th Jan 2018

Post by Peregrine »

Pakistan’s budget deficit could shoot due to poll-related slippages

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s efforts to consolidate its budget deficit may be derailed due to weak tax revenues and expenditure slippages ahead of upcoming general elections, the World Bank warned on Wednesday.

In its Global Economic Prospects Report, the Washington-based lender said increasing contingent liabilities related to infrastructure projects could become another reason for a higher budget deficit.

Against the parliament-approved budget deficit target of Rs1.479 trillion or 4.1% of gross domestic product (GDP), the finance ministry has already provisionally booked Rs826 billion or 2.3% as budget deficit in just five months of the ongoing fiscal year. This suggests that the annual budget deficit target is highly likely to be missed, showing weak planning.

“Increasing contingent liabilities related to infrastructure projects in Pakistan and slippages relating to upcoming elections and weak tax revenues could derail fiscal consolidation efforts,” noted the World Bank.

The Federal Board of Revenue’s (FBR) tax collection during the first half of the fiscal year stood at Rs1.722 trillion – Rs89 billion below the half-year target. This suggests that the FBR will not be able to achieve its annual target of Rs4.013 trillion despite levy of regulatory duties and depreciation of the rupee that provides a windfall gain of Rs55 billion, according to tax officials.

Similarly, the PML-N government has also doled out Rs54 billion for parliamentarians’ schemes during the first five and a half months of the current fiscal year, indicating that the World Bank’s concerns regarding election-related spending have merit.

Circular debt issue

Pakistan had closed the last fiscal year with a budget deficit of 5.8% of GDP, excluding the amount of circular debt that the government is reluctant to repay due to its implications for the budget.

After including circular debt, the budget deficit would rise close to 8% of GDP, said Senator Saleem Mandviwalla, Chairman of the Senate Standing Committee on Finance on Tuesday.

In the same meeting, Debt Management Office Director General Ehtisham Rashid stated that the inclusion of circular debt would increase the overall budget deficit by another 1.5% to 1.75% of GDP. But he hastily added that so far no such payments have been made.

In November last year, the World Bank had also said that the public debt path can be sensitive to the materialisation of contingent liabilities. These liabilities can originate from loss-making public sector enterprises (PSEs) and take the form of absorption of outstanding power sector circular debt.

The World Bank said that economic activity in the first half of this fiscal year (July-December) has continued to expand, driven by robust domestic demand supported by strong credit growth and investment projects related to the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).

But its report underlined that the government will not be able to achieve the 6% annual economic growth target. “The growth is forecast to pick up to 5.5% in fiscal year 2017-18 (FY18), and reach an average 5.9% a year over the medium-term on the back of continued robust domestic consumption, rising investment, and a recovery in exports”.

The lender has again projected a 4% current account deficit against the official target of 2.6% of GDP.

The World Bank said economic growth was below the official target in the previous fiscal year as well with growth in the industrial sector being slower than expected. Activity was strong in construction and services, and there was a recovery in agricultural production with a return of normal monsoon rains.

Fiscal consolidation in Pakistan had slowed in 2017 as a result of revenue shortfalls and increased government spending.

South Asia’s growth prospects

The World Bank report showed that real GDP growth in South Asia is expected to pick up to 6.9% in 2018 and will stabilise around 7.2%, on average, in 2019-20, due to strong consumption, recovery of exports, investment revival and infrastructure improvements. However, the main downside risks include fiscal slippages in Bangladesh, the Maldives and Pakistan and any setback in implementation of reforms to improve corporate and financial sector balance sheets by Bangladesh and India.

The report states that for the first time since the global financial crisis, all major regions of the world are experiencing an uptick in economic growth. The current, broad-based growth acceleration is a welcome trend and could be self-reinforcing.

But it noted that on the other hand, stepping outside the frame of short-term forecasting, the growth in investment and in total factor productivity (TFP) has been declining over the past five years.
Cheers Image
anupmisra
BRF Oldie
Posts: 9203
Joined: 12 Nov 2006 04:16
Location: New York

Re: Terroristan - 4th Jan 2018

Post by anupmisra »

Paki FO is running out of new things to bark.

Pakistan free of terrorist safe havens: FO
In his weekly press briefing...
Foreign Office spokesperson Dr Mohammad Faisal on Thursday reiterated that Pakistan had sacrifices the most in the war on terror and there were no safe havens of terrorists and Taliban leadership in Pakistan.
the war on terror cost Pakistan more than 120 billion dollars
He also refuted speculation regarding presence of any terrorist leadership on Pakistani soil.
He said Pakistan cooperation also helped to secure the region and reduce Al-Qaeda which had also been acknowledged by the US leadership.
The Foreign Office Spokesperson also said that Pakistan was in talks with the United States over matters of mutual interest, including security assistance, but it was too soon to reveal more at this point in time.
The FO spokesperson shared concern over India’s plan to send satellites into space, allegedly for spying purposes.
India intended to send 31 satellites into space on Saturday (January 13), with reports suggesting that the satellites had been fitted with spying devices, he said. India should refrain from military use of space technology and such measures that could disrupt the balance of power in the region :rotfl: , Faisal maintained.
The ambassadors and heads of missions were also briefed on how “Indian belligerence and unhelpful posturing was distracting Pakistan’s counter-terrorism efforts and how an active RAW-NDS nexus was verifiably working to undermine Pakistan’s internal stability.
the diplomatic corps were also shown evidence of an Indian campaign of unprecedented ceasefire violations, provocations and insinuations including terrorism in the form of IED attacks
Pakistan wanted to resolve all outstanding disputes with India through dialogue
https://dailytimes.com.pk/179244/pakist ... havens-fo/
ArjunPandit
BRF Oldie
Posts: 4053
Joined: 29 Mar 2017 06:37

Re: Terroristan - 4th Jan 2018

Post by ArjunPandit »

^^I was looking at the origin of this 120 Bn figure and came across a hell of an anal-ISIS. Savor it.
http://www.finance.gov.pk/survey/chapte ... terror.pdf
1. I think as an entry level analyst almost a decade back, I used to a better job. There are details about only last 2 years out of 15 years, no details esp for the ones that contribute most
2. For the last 2 years, Two heads contribute most: Missed FDI, & Tax Collection. (~80%: Parteo Rule, esp when there are exactly 10 entries)
3. Not to forget there is are entries for of cost of uncertainty, privatization, and others
4. Others is same or more than the compensation to affectees
5. Last but not the least, 10% of contribution is due to exports
Not to forget, there is no mention of flood, Swat Valley, Lal Masjid, Attack on SL, Op parakram(but that can be included in GWOT). Just curious if these beggars included missed revenue/tax due to not playing cricket with India?
I think now I understand what Sialkoti Stats mean? Or is it Pakistani Runge-Kutta Method
abhijitm
BRF Oldie
Posts: 3679
Joined: 08 Jun 2006 15:02
Contact:

Re: Terroristan - 4th Jan 2018

Post by abhijitm »

pak is complaining cartosat launch - saying it disturbs balance of power.

This is like a beggar complaining cctv installed by the billionaire neighbor...disturbed balance of power bc.
Bart S
BRF Oldie
Posts: 2938
Joined: 15 Aug 2016 00:03

Re: Terroristan - 4th Jan 2018

Post by Bart S »

abhijitm wrote:pak is complaining cartosat launch - saying it disturbs balance of power.

This is like a beggar complaining cctv installed by the billionaire neighbor...disturbed balance of power bc.

Beggars they are, but in this context more like a burglar/criminal, their complete lack of shame is quite unique!
SSridhar
Forum Moderator
Posts: 25085
Joined: 05 May 2001 11:31
Location: Chennai

Re: Terroristan - 4th Jan 2018

Post by SSridhar »

Look, Pakistan has been using every opportunity to justify its 'India paranoia' and therefore the existence of its oversized military, nuclear weapons & missiles, terrorism, disproportionate budgetary support for the military and demand for accumulation of modern weapons of war.

It knows that so long as there are buyers for its duplicitous theory, it can make outlandish arguments and rationalize its tactics.

This fabricated paranoia comes handy to Pakistan to scuttle all aspects of the India-Afghanistan relationship too, or with other SAARC nations etc.

Historically, the excuse trotted out by successive US administrations for supplying Pakistan with sophisticated weapons was to 'reduce the paranoia' so that Pakistan could feel secure. But, whenever that happened, an emboldened Pakistan only attacked India, either militarily or through jihadi proxies. This theory fell flat way back in 1965 itself but the US has continued to abide by this. Otherwise, why did the US supply Pakistan with TOW anti-tank missiles or AMRAAMs or torpedoes, Harpoons etc in 2008? Even about a month back, there were voices in the US parroting this Pakistani line. So, Pakistan believes that this fraudulent theory has its own set of takers too and repeated articulation of this would be beneficial eventually. Who can blame Pakistan for believing that?

China, which has hitherto been supplying imagery to Pakistani armed forces, may be even tempted to build a dedicated EO satellite for Pakistan now on justifiable grounds. Who knows, it may be that the project was already on the anvil and this 'destabilization paranoia' would be used as an excuse to stop India from complaining as and when that happens.

That guy Taseer ridiculed India’s space missions before Qadri took him out and Musharraf claimed that Pakistani aerospace engineers were far better than their Indian counterparts. So, what is Pakistan waiting or blaming India for? It should go ahead and launch an EO satellite now
Aditya_V
BRF Oldie
Posts: 14331
Joined: 05 Apr 2006 16:25

Re: Terroristan - 4th Jan 2018

Post by Aditya_V »

I think knowing Pakis, the complaint is since they wanted the CHinis to launch a satellite painted in Green from Suparco but the CHinese refused to play ball.

Remember the late 90"S and early 2000, after the Pokran and first few Agni series tests how Pakistani Media and those connected with Pakistani elite in Indian media along with Washington based think tanks used to regularly state how Paki Missile Program was more advanced than ours.

It shows beyond a point they cannot be armed and don't have the infrastructure to develop anything on their own. The more our capabilities advance the more they will fall behind before being split.
Peregrine
BRF Oldie
Posts: 8441
Joined: 11 Aug 2016 06:14

Terroristan - 4th Jan 2018

Post by Peregrine »

Pakistan objects to India’s Cartosat-2s satellite launch

NEW DELHI: A day before India was to launch its 100th satellite, Pakistan raised objections over the launch of the satellite and said that its dual nature, military as well as civilian, of the satellite can have a "negative impact on the regional strategic stability".

"According to media reports, India is set to launch 31 satellites including the earth observation spacecraft Cartosat, on 12th January 2018. All space technologies, including earth observation satellites, are inherently dual use and can be employed for both civilian and military purposes," spokesperson of Ministry of Foreign Affairs Pakistan Dr Mohammad Faisal said in a media briefing.

Responding to a question posed by a reporter, Faisal said that the dual nature of the satellite can lead to "a build-up of destabilizing military capabilities".

"All states have a legitimate right to pursue peaceful uses of space technologies. However, given the dual-use nature of such technologies, it is essential that such pursuits are not directed towards a build-up of destabilizing military capabilities, which can negatively impact the regional strategic stability," he added.

The Indian microsatellite will demonstrate a new technology which will allow capturing of images at night and will also provide high resolution scene specific spot imageries.

The imagery transmitted by the satellite will be related to areas of cartographic, urban & rural applications, coastal land use, road network & monitoring and water distribution.

Cheers Image
Peregrine
BRF Oldie
Posts: 8441
Joined: 11 Aug 2016 06:14

Terroristan - 4th Jan 2018

Post by Peregrine »

US hopes Pakistan would 'turn over' terrorists

WASHINGTON: The United States on Thursday expressed hoped that Pakistan would do the right thing and "turn over" the terrorists and honour its commitment to it, according to a Trump administration official.

"I have a feeling, I am hopeful that Pakistan will do the right thing and turn over the terrorists and honour their commitment," Steven Goldstein, the under secretary of state for public diplomacy and public affairs told reporters at a news conference here.

Responding to questions, Goldstein said the US has so far not heard from Pakistan on its reported decision to suspend its military and intelligence cooperation with it in retaliation of the Trump administration's decision to freeze all its security assistance.

"We would hope that Pakistan would come to the table and that they would turn over those terrorists that we have asked be turned over. We've indicated very clearly that we believe that can happen," Goldstein said.

The United States, he said, has only suspended the aid; and the money has not been reallocated.

"So now it is the job of Pakistan to take seriously their commitment to us, and most importantly to the people of Pakistan who would most be hurt by this, by any terrorist activity, and come forward. So, our position hasn't changed. They have not yet come forward," Goldstein said.

At a separate news conference, the Pentagon said that Pakistan has the ability to address terrorist threat inside the country,.

"We believe that Pakistan has the ability to address this threat," Pentagon chief spokesperson Dana White told reporters at a news conference.

"This is an opportunity for them to take decisive action, and we look forward to working with them to encourage them to do so," White said in response to a question on recent development on US-Pak relations front.

Meanwhile, US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson in a federal register notification formally designated Pakistan as a "special watch list" country for severe violations of religious freedom.

Tillerson had on January 4 placed Pakistan on a special watch list for the violations.

Cheers Image
nam
BRF Oldie
Posts: 4712
Joined: 05 Jan 2017 20:48

Re: Terroristan - 4th Jan 2018

Post by nam »

The United States, he said, has only suspended the aid; and the money has not been reallocated.
This is precisely the reason why all this is a drama.
Peregrine
BRF Oldie
Posts: 8441
Joined: 11 Aug 2016 06:14

Terroristan - 4th Jan 2018

Post by Peregrine »

Fully Posted on the Analyzing CPEC thread

China-driven Silk Road project hits political, financial hurdles
BEIJING: China’s plan for a modern Silk Road of railways, ports and other facilities linking Asia with Europe hit a $14 billion pothole in Pakistan.
Cheers Image
A_Gupta
BRF Oldie
Posts: 12056
Joined: 23 Oct 2001 11:31
Contact:

Re: Terroristan - 4th Jan 2018

Post by A_Gupta »

Posting for the headline:
Pakistan upset at Isro satellite launch, warns India; makes this big statement
http://www.financialexpress.com/india-n ... t/1012106/
During a press conference on Thursday evening, the Pak Foreign Ministry Spokesperson was asked that ‘India has launched a remote sensing satellite cartosat-2 series along with 31 small satellites in space, which have surveillance capabilities. How do you view the increasing Indian investment in defence and surveillance?’

To this, he replied by saying that all space technologies, including the earth observation satellites, can be used for military purposes as well. “According to media reports, India is set to launch 31 satellites including the earth observation spacecraft Cartosat, on 12th January 2018. All space technologies, including earth observation satellites, are inherently dual use and can be employed for both civilian and military purposes,” he said.

The Foreign Ministry Spokesperson warned that if this move is aimed towards a buildup of destabilizing military capabilities, it can negatively impact the regional strategic stability.

“All states have a legitimate right to pursue peaceful uses of space technologies. However, given the dual-use nature of such technologies, it is essential that such pursuits are not directed towards a buildup of destabilizing military capabilities, which can negatively impact the regional strategic stability,” he added.
rsingh
BRF Oldie
Posts: 4451
Joined: 19 Jan 2005 01:05
Location: Pindi
Contact:

Re: Terroristan - 4th Jan 2018

Post by rsingh »

Peregrine wrote:Pakistan objects to India’s Cartosat-2s satellite launch

NEW DELHI: A day before India was to launch its 100th satellite, Pakistan raised objections over the launch of the satellite and said that its dual nature, military as well as civilian, of the satellite can have a "negative impact on the regional strategic stability".

"According to media reports, India is set to launch 31 satellites including the earth observation spacecraft Cartosat, on 12th January 2018. All space technologies, including earth observation satellites, are inherently dual use and can be employed for both civilian and military purposes," spokesperson of Ministry of Foreign Affairs Pakistan Dr Mohammad Faisal said in a media briefing.

Responding to a question posed by a reporter, Faisal said that the dual nature of the satellite can lead to "a build-up of destabilizing military capabilities".

"All states have a legitimate right to pursue peaceful uses of space technologies. However, given the dual-use nature of such technologies, it is essential that such pursuits are not directed towards a build-up of destabilizing military capabilities, which can negatively impact the regional strategic stability," he added.

The Indian microsatellite will demonstrate a new technology which will allow capturing of images at night and will also provide high resolution scene specific spot imageries.

The imagery transmitted by the satellite will be related to areas of cartographic, urban & rural applications, coastal land use, road network & monitoring and water distribution.

Cheers Image
oh Thanks God that they are not complaining about pollution from toxic fumes. :rotfl:
anupmisra
BRF Oldie
Posts: 9203
Joined: 12 Nov 2006 04:16
Location: New York

Re: Terroristan - 4th Jan 2018

Post by anupmisra »

abhijitm wrote:pak is complaining cartosat launch - saying it disturbs balance of power.
Yes, it does (disturb the balance of power). Thus far, the balance of power was equitably spread but after this launch, all bets are off. After all, in the list below, all "earth" observation satellites are really "bakistan" observation satellites in disguise. All "communication" satellites are in reality "Khufia" satellites to enable thousands of KoolBhooshun YaaDaves to send secret messages to Raa.

Perpetual paranoia + lowest of low self esteem = schizophrenic bakistan

Time to "pull out that unloaded gun and point to head", again.


Image
SSridhar
Forum Moderator
Posts: 25085
Joined: 05 May 2001 11:31
Location: Chennai

Re: Terroristan - 4th Jan 2018

Post by SSridhar »

Trump administration’s attempt at humiliating Pakistan unlikely to work: ex-US envoy Olson - DAWN
The Trump administration's attempt at “humiliating and penalising” Pakistan for allegedly failing to take decisive action against militant groups hostile to the US is unlikely to work, former American ambassador to Pakistan Richard Olson has argued, warning that Islamabad has greater leverage over Washington than is usually perceived.

Giving historical background of Pakistan's policy decisions, Olson noted that Pakistan's security concerns emanating from its perception of India as an "existential threat" had led to its adoption of asymmetric military solutions, such as the alleged use of proxies.

Conceding that the US too had supported some of these proxies in the 1980s against the Soviets in Afghanistan, the diplomat said Pakistan "never had an easy option of breaking with Afghan militants".
There you go. . . the usual excuse.
anupmisra
BRF Oldie
Posts: 9203
Joined: 12 Nov 2006 04:16
Location: New York

Re: Terroristan - 4th Jan 2018

Post by anupmisra »

Pakistan whines over ISRO's 100th satellite launch but India is already watching over it
Once bitten twice shy. This is what led India to have an eye in the sky. The Kargil misadventure by Pakistan convinced India that Islamabad could no longer be left unwatched. And, now Pakistan complains that India is keeping an eye over it, this time from the heavens.
Pakistan media is worried that India is taking rapid strides in space technology with robust investment.
But, then, India is already keeping a watch on Pakistan for few years. This is believed to have prevented a recurrence of Kargil like situation along the borders.
the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) launched a series of satellites with capabilities that could be of significant use to the armed forces. CARTOSAT and RISAT came up to give India the capability to keep an eye on Pakistan's activities along the borders.
When India launched RISAT-1 in 2012, the American space technology experts said that this remote sensing satellite had radar reconnaissance imaging capability that was comparable to that of the most modern versions of the high-flying U-2 spy plane operated by the US Air Force.
With the launch of Cartosat 2E+ in June last year, India considerably enhanced its remote sensing capabilities in space. Cartosat 2E+ was dubbed by many as India's "eye in the sky".
The main payload of the PSLV C40 today was the fourth satellite of Cartosat 2 series.
With this the total number of ISRO satellites that can be used for military purposes has gone up to 14. These satellites have surveillance and mapping capabilities, and can be used to keep an eye on enemies along the land and sea borders. And, this is exactly why Pakistan feels uncomfortable with the ISRO's latest stride in space
Let the uber-whining begin.

https://www.msn.com/en-gb/news/india/pa ... ar-AAuA6yD
Peregrine
BRF Oldie
Posts: 8441
Joined: 11 Aug 2016 06:14

Terroristan - 4th Jan 2018

Post by Peregrine »

anupmisra wrote:Pakistan whines over ISRO's 100th satellite launch but India is already watching over it
anupmisra Ji :

VIDEO : 100th satellite launch: Watch PSLV-C40 lift off from Sriharikota - 10M 26S

Cheers Image
chetak
BRF Oldie
Posts: 32225
Joined: 16 May 2008 12:00

Re: Terroristan - 4th Jan 2018

Post by chetak »

look at what's tickling the beard of this islamic nut case. Thoo.

such men should never have had children.

should have been forcibly castrated at birth instead of circumcision.

Shocking. Father of murdered 7-yr-old #Zainab demands head of investigation be fired because the official is an Ahmadiya Muslim. Someone tell him please, the rapists were ‘real’ Muslims.

Image
“JIT head is a ‘Qadiani’, won’t accept an inquiry not headed by a Muslim”: Zainab’s father rejects CM Punjab’s probe team
anupmisra
BRF Oldie
Posts: 9203
Joined: 12 Nov 2006 04:16
Location: New York

Re: Terroristan - 4th Jan 2018

Post by anupmisra »

Consider malnutrition in Sindh an emergency, task force told
The provincial task force on nutrition was informed on Thursday that malnutrition in Sindh was severely affecting children and women and should be considered as an emergency situation for the province, needing urgent measures to address it.
He said the project aimed to reduce stunting in Sindh from 48 per cent currently to 30pc in the first five years (by year 2021) and 15pc by 2026.
https://www.dawn.com/news/1382324/consi ... force-told
rsingh
BRF Oldie
Posts: 4451
Joined: 19 Jan 2005 01:05
Location: Pindi
Contact:

Re: Terroristan - 4th Jan 2018

Post by rsingh »

Pakistan International Film Festival (PIFF) to be held on 1st April ( not joking). What a nice idea to do teta-a-tete with bollywood bhais over biryani.
Peregrine
BRF Oldie
Posts: 8441
Joined: 11 Aug 2016 06:14

Terroristan - 4th Jan 2018

Post by Peregrine »

Pakistan won't seek resumption of suspended military aid: Pak army chief - Promise?

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan will not seek the resumption of suspended US military aid and feels "betrayed" by the recent critical statements of the American leadership against Islamabad's fight against terrorism, army chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa has said.

US President Donald Trump has accused Pakistan of providing safe havens for terror groups like the Afghan Taliban and the Haqqani Network fighting in war-torn Afghanistan.

On January 1, Trump tweeted that the US had "foolishly" given Pakistan more than $33 billion in aid in the last 15 years and had gotten nothing in return but "lies & deceit."

Washington has confirmed that it will withhold nearly $2 billion in aid to Pakistan.

Gen Bajwa received two telephone calls from Commander US Central Command (CENTCOM) General Joseph L. Votel and one from an unidentified US Senator over the week to discuss Pak-US security cooperation post the President Trump tweet, the army spokesman said in a statement today.

He said that Gen Votel apprised Gen Bajwa about the US decision regarding Security Assistance and Coalition Support Fund and said that US values Pakistan's role towards war on terror and expected that on-going turbulence remains a "temporary phase".

"The Chief of Army Staff (COAS) reiterated that Pakistan will not seek resumption of aid but expect honourable recognition of our contributions, sacrifices and unwavering resolve in fight against terrorism for peace and stability in the region," according to the statement. H & D is Paramount!

The freezing of US military aid to Pakistan also includes $255 million due for military equipment and training under the Foreign Military Financing (FMF) fund, and $700 million under the Coalition Support Fund (CSF) - paid to the country for conducting operations against militant groups.

Gen Bajwa further said that Pakistan will keep supporting all initiatives for peace in Afghanistan despite the tendency to "scapegoat" Pakistan, as peace in Afghanistan is the only way to move towards enduring peace and stability in the region.

Gen Votel also conveyed that "US is not contemplating any unilateral action inside Pakistan but is seeking cooperation to tackle Afghan nationals who, in US view, use Pakistan's soil against Afghanistan."

"This view, he (Gen Votel) felt, was undermining in Washington, Pakistan's contributions in war against terrorism," the statement said.

The COAS said that entire Pakistani nation felt "betrayed" over US recent statements despite decades of cooperation and the unanimous national response reflected the same sentiments.

"The COAS said that Pakistan shall continue its sincere counter terrorism efforts even without US financial support in accordance with our national interest and shall remain committed to bring it to its logical conclusion along with other stake holders," the statement said.

General Bajwa said that Pakistan has suffered hugely due to great power contestation in the region.

He also said that Pakistan is fully aware of US concerns on activities of Afghan nationals in Pakistan.

"We are already undertaking multiple actions through Operation 'Radd ul Fasaad' to deny any residual capacity to terrorists of all hue and colour for which return of Afghan refugees is an essential prerequisite, he said.

Gen Votel acknowledged the effectiveness of some of the recent actions taken by Pakistan to ensure that Pakistan's hospitality to Afghan refugees is not misused in anyway and also agreed that both countries stand to gain from cooperative engagement.

The army did not share the identity or details of the call by US Senator.

However, the calls confirm what Foreign Office spokesman Mohammad Faisal said yesterday that the two sides were in touch to resolve the difference since Donald Trump's scathing new year tweet.

"The two sides continue to communicate with each on various issues of mutual interest at different levels.
Since, it is being done outside media glare, I cannot share further details with you," Faisal had said.

Cheers Image
nam
BRF Oldie
Posts: 4712
Joined: 05 Jan 2017 20:48

Re: Terroristan - 4th Jan 2018

Post by nam »

http://www.dnaindia.com/india/report-in ... 574944/amp
Speaking about India's combative action against infiltration in Jammu and Kashmir, General Rawat informed that cross-bordee firing have been increased to destroy Pakistan posts that support infiltration,
This was something I used to mention in my post. We light up the Pak post everytime there is a infiltration or attack in Kashmir/India.

Good to see at-least one part of my wishlist's is been applied.
anupmisra
BRF Oldie
Posts: 9203
Joined: 12 Nov 2006 04:16
Location: New York

Re: Terroristan - 4th Jan 2018

Post by anupmisra »


Not a promise. It's a threat.
Locked