Sunni Terrorist Fragments of Unstable Pakistan-Sept 05, 2015

[Prem]

Obama to discuss Afghan reconciliation with Nawaz
Link Hai Haram

WASHINGTON: US President Barack Obama on Thursday, in an address to his nation from the White House, said he would meet Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif on October 22 to discuss his plan for peace in the Pak-Afghan region.Obama also announced a plan to keep 5,500 American troops in Afghanistan into 2017, cancelling his earlier plan to bring home most of the troops before he leaves office.The US president said he held extensive consultations with his commanders in Afghanistan, the US national security team, international partners and Afghan leaders before making the announcement.Obama also spoke with Afghan President Ashraf Ghani on Wednesday to discuss this plan and also discussed with him the Afghan-led reconciliation process.The US troops will operate from three bases in Bagram, Jalalabad and Qandahar and will be able to operate quickly when needed.He also slowed the pace of the reduction of American forces and plans to maintain the current US force of 9,800 through most of 2016.It will be up to Obama's successor — the third US commander in chief to oversee the war — to decide how to proceed from there.“I suspect that we will continue to evaluate this going forward, as will the next president,” Obama said, standing alongside Vice President Joe Biden, Defense Secretary Ash Carter and Joint Chiefs Chairman Joseph Dunford as he announced the plan.

[SSridhar]

Obama to discuss Afghan reconciliation with Nawaz
Link Hai Haram

WASHINGTON: US President Barack Obama on Thursday, in an address to his nation from the White House, said he would meet Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif on October 22 to discuss his plan for peace in the Pak-Afghan region.Obama also announced a plan to keep 5,500 American troops in Afghanistan into 2017, cancelling his earlier plan to bring home most of the troops before he leaves office.[/b]

The Nuclear Deal is done.

[pravula]

The Nuclear Deal is done.

Done as in complete or derailed?

[Prem]

Pak politician: ‘Time has gone when Taliban was imposed on Afghan people’
Acche Din Nahi Door Ast

A prominent Pakistani politician Asfandyar Wali Khan has said time has gone has gone when Taliban was imposed on Afghan people, insisting that peace in Afghanistan was inevitable for peace and prosperity in Pakistan. The President of Pakistan’s Awami National Party criticized the failure to maintain a spirit created by President Mohammad Ashraf Ghani following his visit to Pakistan, saying Kabul and Islamabad were on the path of reconciliation.Addressing the Awami National Party provincial executive council on Wednesday, Asfandyar said “It seems that some quarters have re-adopted their previous policies regarding Afghanistan,” according to the local media reports.
Insisting on elimination of terrorism and extremism from Pakistan, Afghanistan and the entire region through the implementation of National Action Plan, Asfandyar said the Taliban or any other force could not be imposed on the Afghan people as Afghanistan has changed.The remarks by Asfandyar comes as President Mohammad Ashraf Ghani said earlier in May this year that Pakistan is engaged in an undeclared war with Afghanistan and insisted that Afghanistan is in need of reconciliation process in two different phases.
In the meantime, the newly appointed Taliban chief Mullah Akhtar Mansoor has given mixed signals about the peace process, while vowing to continue jihad to implement Shariah in Afghanistan as the unleashed a wave of violence across the country since peace talks were abandoned.The rampant insurgency activities by the Taliban resulted into the fall of the strategic Kunduz city lately which was considered as the most spectacular victory of the group after they were toppled from power in 2001.

[SSridhar]

The Nuclear Deal is done.

Done as in complete or derailed?

Done in a way that Pakistan is favoured. "Complete', 'Partial' etc are relative terms.

There is a long history of situations favouring Pakistan and sometimes Pakistan also creating situation to that effect, when it comes to deals with the US. This will be no exception.

[Kashi]

Done in a way that Pakistan is favoured. "Complete', 'Partial' etc are relative terms.

There is a long history of situations favouring Pakistan and sometimes Pakistan also creating situation to that effect, when it comes to deals with the US. This will be no exception.

I wonder if we'll see this "deal" go through the same hoops as the Indian deal i.e. ratified by the Congress/Senate (Paki parliament doesn't matter) and then if other NSG members will come forth with offers to build nuclear plants in Pakistan.

Obama is doing this both with Iran and Pakistan. The republicans have opposed the Iran deal tooth and nail, will they go along with the Paki deal?

[A_Gupta]

Does the US keeping some additional troops in Afghanistan mean that the US is not yet willing to surrender Afghanistan to Pakistan?

[Kashi]

Does the US keeping some additional troops in Afghanistan mean that the US is not yet willing to surrender Afghanistan to Pakistan?

It also means that they'll continue to find excuses to accommodate Pakis as a "major non-NATO frontline ally in the war on terror"

Unkil never learns and unfortunately neither do we.

[hanumadu]

SHQ found a blog on Pakistan.

http://www.wehatepakitstan.blogspot.com

Has lots of data.

Taken down.

Looks like a type. Try this.

http://www.wehatepakistan.blogspot.com/

[ramana]

thats the one!!!

[partha]

There is a long history of situations favouring Pakistan and sometimes Pakistan also creating situation to that effect, when it comes to deals with the US. This will be no exception.

All those reports about number of Paki nuclear weapons increasing rapidly overtaking India's now make sense. It was all a build up to this nuclear deal.

[Prem]

PM’s US trip to be marked by tense diplomacy
Ganja Naama

ISLAMABAD: Confronted with the hard choice of accepting or rejecting the United States bargain on nuclear mainstreaming, Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif’s upcoming visit to the White House will be marked by tense diplomacy.“The prime minister will be paying an official visit to the United States on 20-23 October,” Foreign Office spokesman Qazi Khalilullah said at the weekly media briefing. He pointed out that a comprehensive agenda would be discussed during the visit, including bilateral cooperation in the fields of economy, trade, education, defence, counter-terrorism, health and climate change.Pakistani officials wouldn’t say anything about the nuclear deal being offered by the Obama administration, which in an undiplomatic description entails curbs on its nuclear programme in return for being allowed entry into nuclear cartels like ‘Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG)’ that regulate the global nuclear trade and a nod to civil nuclear cooperation.US officials are relatively more forthcoming on this as they officially admit that topics to be discussed at the White House meeting include non-proliferation.It will be after a very long time that the nuclear issue will take the centre stage in a meeting at this level.The issue came into limelight following recent leaks in US media about the deal being discussed by the two countries. But the discussion has been taking place for some time now.
At the last round of the US-Pakistan Security, Strategic Stability and Non-proliferation Working Group in June in Washington, the two sides had agreed on “the desirability of continued outreach to integrate Pakistan into the international non-proliferation regime”.Pakistan has been asking the United States for a civilian nuclear deal since 2008 and has also been building its case for admission into the NSG. In this regard, Pakistan lately updated its export control list for sensitive technologies and goods to make it compatible with international regimes. The move was praised by the US. But the strings attached to President Obama’s offer are unlikely to be acceptable to Pakistan.“Yes we want a nuclear deal and are candidates for NSG membership, but there is no desperation for this. The Americans probably misread us,” a senior Pakistani official said in a background briefing on the issue.“It would be difficult for us to compromise on the core interests. We did not build the nuclear programme as a status symbol, it’s there because of the unfriendly neighbourhood in which we live,” he added.The official response is, however, available in the form of the statement of the National Command Authority (NCA) that met last month soon after the receipt of the invitation from President Obama for the meeting.The NCA, an apex policymaking body of the country’s strategic programme, had then said that Pakistan was being compelled to maintain ‘Full Spectrum Deterrence’ because of India’s rapidly growing nuclear programme and absence of a conflict resolution mechanism. The situation, it had warned, was upsetting the strategic stability in the region.Therefore, the thinking in Islamabad is that the deal being offered by the US should be on the same terms as granted to India, and not on new conditions.Prime Minister Sharif would in this context also flag the issue of continuing tensions with India and the stalled peace dialogue.President Obama would definitely try his best to strike a deal with Mr Sharif more for personal reasons. He would certainly like to add another feather to his cap after the Iran deal by getting Mr Sharif to agree on restricting his country’s nuclear programme, which is often described as the fastest growing in the world.

[SSridhar]

There is a long history of situations favouring Pakistan and sometimes Pakistan also creating situation to that effect, when it comes to deals with the US. This will be no exception.

All those reports about number of Paki nuclear weapons increasing rapidly overtaking India's now make sense. It was all a build up to this nuclear deal.

The usual excuse will be offered, namely that STFU-TSP has a fear of insecurity with a much larger India and this can be addressed only by removing that paranoia through a similar deal. Just wait.

In the meanwhile, the leftist The Hindu which also supports the US stance most of the times (the newspaper's behaviour is exactly like Pakistan of the 60s when it went to bed with both the US and China) has this article suggesting that India must welcome the deal.

Mainstreaming a Nuclear Pakistan - Happymon Jacob (a JNU teacher, do we need to add anything more?)

He gives many reasons as to why such a deal should be welcomed. They are all either baseless or based on completely wrong assumptions.

[Prem]

http://nation.com.pk/columns/16-Oct-201 ... th-concept
The strategic depth concept

Unfortunately, given the aggressive designs of its hostile neighbour, Pakistan, being a geographically narrow country is at a great disadvantage as compared to India. The physically constricted breadth of Pakistan from east to west astride the river Indus, and a 3000 km Eastern border (including LOC) with India, makes it very vulnerable against a potential sweeping offensive by Indian military. India has about three times more depth than Pakistan and the proportional average depth of Pakistan as compared to India is meagre. Thus, in the opinion of some military strategists, the Afghan territory could provide a strategic depth to Pakistan in case of an Indian onslaught, where, at the time of need Pakistan Army can withdraw, reorganise, and after gaining their balance, can carry out counter attacks in order to evict the enemy form the captured areas. The factors of terrain, demography and sustainability in this regard are best suited for Pakistan, provided the political government in Afghanistan is friendly and supportive.
Notwithstanding the military factor, there is another dimension to the strategic depth; a political one, which deals with the treaties and alliances with different friendly countries based on trade, economic, social, cultural, demographic, political and military factors. These could be at the regional or global level which can be in the shape of combination of strategies; political, economic and military co-operations between those countries having similar threats and national interests. In this regard, Pak-China strategic and economic collaboration is a landmark of cooperation between two countries, which has placed Pakistan’s political strategic depth in China.
Indian active involvement in Afghanistan despite non-existence of any Indo-Afghan border has also to be attributed to a preemptive strategy aimed at denying the strategic depth to Pakistan.Although the concept of strategic depth has historically been factored into the strategies of several nations of which a few examples have been quoted above, and still continues, the concept / strategy is invariably restricted to the military strategic plans of these nations and guarded as top secret information. Due to the fact that it may involve hegemonic attributes, this concept is not usually discussed openly.The recent book published by the foreign minister of Turkey, Ahmet Devatoglu, is a milestone in geopolitical studies which deals with the strategic depth doctrine of Turkey.he strategic depth concept of Pakistan has been criticized by a number of strategic analysts from within the country as well as abroad. The main reason for this criticism has to be attributed to their belief that it manifests a hegemonic posture. Alarmingly however, another factor for its criticism from a particular section of press/electronic media could be ascribed to vested interests related to the outcome of Indian interests to deny strategic depth to Pakistan as mentioned above… a common practice of yellow journalism in Pakistan.
Strategic depth is a sound concept. Every country, in order to secure its sovereignty strives to gain and retain it. Pakistan’s strategic depth doctrine is purely political in nature and is based on having congenial relationships with her neighbours. The statement of the ex COAS of Pakistan Army that they don’t want to control Afghanistan, rather want to have good relations with them, clearly manifest this policy.Pakistan has historical, cultural and demographic ties with Afghanistan and the geopolitical locations of both countries demand common national interests for both the countries. This lays emphasis on intimate mutual cooperation between two countries to face the challenges of the menace of Taliban together. Afghanistan has to realize that due to its geographical location and historical ties, finally it is Pakistan who would be a natural ally to them in the future rather than India which does not even share any border with them. They have to co-exist with Pakistan and not India. Thus, given the interest of all the great nations in central Asia, Afghanistan has to be mindful of the fact that where Afghanistan provides strategic depth to Pakistan, the later also provides strategic depth to Afghanistan from the south against two emerging powers of Asia, China and India.

[sum]

Thus, given the interest of all the great nations in central Asia, Afghanistan has to be mindful of the fact that where Afghanistan provides strategic depth to Pakistan, the later also provides strategic depth to Afghanistan from the south against two emerging powers of Asia, China and India.

Do 5 year old kids write this stuff?
Can never know what is a comic book and what is a national newspaper editorial in TSP!

[member_29089]

<chop>

WASHINGTON: US President Barack Obama on Thursday, in an address to his nation from the White House, said he would meet Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif on October 22 to discuss his plan for peace in the Pak-Afghan region.Obama also announced a plan to keep 5,500 American troops in Afghanistan into 2017, cancelling his earlier plan to bring home most of the troops before he leaves office.

The Nuclear Deal is done.

What will Shitistan gain by signing this piece of document except wave it to India and say "look we signed the same crap you signed, we still exist" (As Dr. CCF had said; bakis see victory at simply being alive after a heavy defeat)

Both the rabid christian and rabid muslim countries hate the idol worshiping vegetarians and it will never change.

Let them sign. The USA is in decline. Pakistan is in even faster decline. India in the meanwhile should continue it's economic progress and eventually contribute to the world peace by destroying pakistan and their entire pakistani vaunsaj.

I hope the agreement is signed sooner rather than later. Then the predictable sequence of events will occur.

International team of inspectors will arrive in pakistan.
A suicide bomb will kill some inspectors.
Pakistan will blame RAA
Pakistan will claim that this is proof that it is a victim of terrorism.
Pakistan economy will sink even further,
USA will send a few hundred million dollars under the "Nuclear Inspection Cooperation Agreement Fund"
Modi will keep traveling around and will keep naming and shaming the pakis
USA will donate some more F16-block420, some AWACs, some Hellfire etc
Pakistan economy will sink even further
Cycle will keep repeating

[Avinash R]

White House virtually rules out possibility of civil nuclear deal with Pakistan
http://www.dnaindia.com/world/report-wh ... an-2135392

The prospect of a civil nuclear deal with Pakistan being talked about in the public domain is quite unlikely, the White House said on Thursday, but acknowledged that the US is in talks with Islamabad on issues related to nuclear safety and security.

"I know there's been a lot of public speculation about this (a civilian nuclear deal with Pakistan). In asking the same question to a lot of our folks here who are working on this issue, I would not be overly excited about the prospects of reaching the kind of agreement that is being speculated about publicly," White House Press Secretary Josh Earnest told reporters at his daily news conference. "Pakistan's Prime Minister will be here next week to meet with the President, and I'm wondering if you can confirm for us that the US is, in fact, serious about trying to work out a civilian nuclear deal with Pakistan and whether this is something that will come up in the meeting," he was asked by a White House reporter.

At this point, the US has been engaged with Pakistan as well as the rest of the international community, on issues related to nuclear safety and security, Earnest said. "We continue to have confidence that the government of Pakistan is well aware of the range of potential threats to its nuclear arsenal, and we continue to be confident that Pakistan has a professional and dedicated security force that understands the importance and the high priority that the world places on nuclear security," he said in response to a question.

"The expectation that we have is that a deal like the one that's been discussed publicly is not something that's likely to come to fruition next week. But the United States and Pakistan are regularly engaged in a dialogue about the importance of nuclear security," Earnest said. "I would anticipate that that dialogue would include conversations between the leaders of our two countries," he said in response to another question.

[SSridhar]

Pakistan, Russia ink $2 bln deal on North-South Gas Pipeline project - DT

Pakistan and Russia on Friday signed an Agreement on laying a 1100-kilometre-long pipeline from Karachi to Lahore with a Russian investment of $2 billion.

The Agreement on “Cooperation for the development of North-South Gas Pipeline” was inked by Federal Minister for Petroleum and Natural Resources Shahid Khaqan Abbasi and Russia’s Minister for Energy Alexander Novak here at the PM House. Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif witnessed the signing ceremony.

Under the inter-governmental agreement, the Russian Federation through its state corporation RT-Global Resource will collaborate with Pakistan’s Inter-State Gas System (Pvt) Ltd for the laying of pipeline. Abbasi told APP that the project was of great significance for Pakistan as it will help carry the additional volume of imported gas from the country’s South to rest of the country.

He said that the pipeline would develop a proper mechanism for the transportation of gas from South to other parts of country, for which no system existed at present. He said that the North-South pipeline project was part of the government’s vision to fulfill the country’s energy needs on priority basis. He said that China was also expected to collaborate in execution of the gas pipeline project, which will be completed in 30 months.

The project would be capable of transporting 1.2 billion cubic feet of gas from Karachi to Lahore by laying 42 inch diameter pipeline. The first phase is expected to be completed by December 2017. The Economic Coordination Committee (ECC) had approved the North-South Gas Pipeline Project under the government-to-government agreement in January 2015. The draft of inter-government agreement was approved by Prime Minister Nawaz in July 2015.

The ECC had designated Inter-State Gas System (Pvt) Ltd as the executing agency to implement the project in liaison with Sui Northern Gas Pipeline Limited (SNGPL) and Sui Southern Gas Company Limited (SSGCL).

[RajeshA]

What will Shitistan gain by signing this piece of document except wave it to India and say "look we signed the same crap you signed, we still exist" (As Dr. CCF had said; bakis see victory at simply being alive after a heavy defeat)

To be honest, I too see that as a victory! If some cannon-fodder gets killed or some little infrastructure destroyed, that means nothing. The only losses are when part of the population gets converted or when they lose land or one rubs into their noses by stealing all their women. Else survival is victory, because it means one gets to fight another day.

[RajeshA]

http://nation.com.pk/columns/16-Oct-201 ... th-concept
The strategic depth concept

Thus, given the interest of all the great nations in central Asia, Afghanistan has to be mindful of the fact that where Afghanistan provides strategic depth to Pakistan, the later also provides strategic depth to Afghanistan from the south against two emerging powers of Asia, China and India.

That is so Paki, reality be damned, we will take out some argument out of our musharrafs and present it without the shame of an idiot.

[K Mehta]

Humble request to folks to kindly x post economic news in economic stress thread, lot of data is lost due to the quick 72 of each version of this thread.

[Peregrine]

Pakistan, Russia ink $2 bln deal on North-South Gas Pipeline project - DT

Pakistan and Russia on Friday signed an Agreement on laying a 1100-kilometre-long pipeline from Karachi to Lahore with a Russian investment of $2 billion.

SSridhar Ji :

The Chinese have charged the Usurious amount of 17% Profit. What do you think the Russians will charge?

Remember : Just like the Bhilai Steel Plant the Pak Steel Plant in Karachi is also a "Mothballed" Plant from one of the USSR "Stans". The Indians through hard use of Elbow Grease slowly updated the Plant - just like refurbishing an Aircraft - but, the Cwapistani Steel Authority ran it to the ground. So let us see what type of "Pipeline" they provide Cwapistan.

Cheers

[SSridhar]

Pilgrims flock to crocodile shrine as Taliban threat recedes - DT

Where ? In Karachi . . .
After how many years ? 4 years . . .

The lean days appear to be over for Mor Sahib, an 87-year-old crocodile venerated by Pakistan’s tiny Sheedi community, as pilgrims once again flock to a shrine in Karachi that has been shunned for years amid fears of Taliban attacks.

The pilgrims are Pakistani Sheedis, whose ancestors came from Africa and are drawn from different Muslim sects, making them a potential target for militants.

“Three, four years back, armed Taliban had become so influential that police were afraid of them ... at the nearby police station they killed 18 policemen,” said shrine caretaker Mohammed Yaseen, light glinting off tiny mirrors stitched into his traditional cap.

“Yaseen recalls when displaced ethnic Pashtuns fleeing fighting in northern Pakistan began flooding into Karachi after 2008.

Among them were Taliban sympathizers whose interpretation of Islam had no place for crocodiles, around 100 of which inhabit the shrine’s pond. The site closed for 10 months in 2010 and a charity fed the crocodiles in secret. The shrine quietly reopened in 2011, but only a handful of worshippers dared come. Gradually, improving security meant 100 people might turn up on a busy day last year. Now crowds of more than 1,000 flock to the shrine several days each week.Three, four years back, armed Taliban had become so influential that police were afraid of them ... at the nearby police station they killed 18 policemen,” said shrine caretaker Mohammed Yaseen, light glinting off tiny mirrors stitched into his traditional cap.

The drop in violence has also raised Sheedi hopes that they might hold their annual four-day festival before the end of the year. It has been canceled for the last five years for fear of attack.

[Avinash R]

Nawaz Sharif inaugurates hydropower project in Pakistan occupied Kashmir

http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/new ... 384728.cms

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif today inaugurated the $320 million Gulpur hydropower project in PoK which can produce 102 MW of electricity.

The project is located on Poonch river in Kotli district of Pakistan occupied Kashmir (PoK).

Sharif said on the occasion that the project is expected to be completed in four years at a cost of $320 million.

"There is potential of generating 500 MW power on Poonch river which will be fully exploited," he said.

He said the government plans to build a host of small and big hydropower projects to address the issue of electricity shortage in energy-starved Pakistan.

The prime minister asked foreign investors to invest in mega hydroelectric power projects which can produce 9,000 MW of power.

Sharif also said the 969 MW Neelum Jhelum project being set up in PoK with Chinese assistance is nearing completion.

He said government was actively working to end energy shortages despite politics of protests by the opposition. He announced that the power shortage would be under control by the end of 2017.

[Avinash R]

Almost had Kashmir deal with Pakistan: Ex-PM’s envoy Lambah
Harinder Baweja, Hindustan Times, New Delhi | Updated: Oct 16, 2015 07:39 IST

http://www.hindustantimes.com/india/alm ... ngoLJ.html

Pakistan agreed to ditch its long-held position seeking a Kashmir solution through the implementation of a UN resolution for a referendum and agreed not to redraw borders during secret negotiations with India in 2007, former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh’s special envoy revealed.

Satinder Lambah, India’s backchannel man on the secret talks between India and Pakistan, told HT in an exclusive interview, the leadership on both sides had firmed up an agreement but it was not finally signed because of domestic turmoil that led to Pervez Musharraf’s removal.

“What we were working on, agreed there would be no reference to the United Nations resolution or a plebiscite in Kashmir. Both sides had agreed that borders cannot be redrawn,” said Lambah.

Without going into the detailed specifics of the framework agreement between the two countries, Lambah revealed the military establishment in Pakistan -– the army and the ISI -- was on board and the agreement required discussions within the ruling party and with opposition leaders in India. The former special envoy has not shared his views on the negotiations apart from a speech he gave at Srinagar’s Kashmir University in May 2014.

“We had an assurance from the military government of that time (under President Musharraf). The negotiators from Pakistan could not have been finalised it if the establishment had not been on board,” he said.

Several leaders in Pakistan, who may have been privy to the agreement, said that India had agreed to the demilitarisation of Kashmir. But Lambah said, “We had agreed to the reduction of military troops, not paramilitary and that was subject to Pakistan ensuring an end to hostilities, violence and terrorism. That was a major prerequisite. There was no timeline by which the agreement was to be signed. The only time limit was that terrorism must end.”

Barely a year after the broad contours of the agreement had been painstakingly worked on by both sides, Mumbai saw a major attack in November 2008, despite the categorical assurance from Pakistan that it would not allow non-state actors to use its soil to export terror.

“Mumbai was a very unfortunate incident and that did stop the dialogue. There was a break but we had already finished most of the work by then. After the Mumbai attacks, there were limited (back channel) contacts but what was agreed on by the Musharraf government was not disowned by the successive governments (headed first by the PPP under Yousaf Raza Gillani and currently by Nawaz Sharif).”

The core agreements centered around the cessation of all hostilities and terrorism, a joint mechanism for socio-economic subjects only and an understanding that like all states, Jammu and Kashmir too would have autonomy in respect to revenue, finance and law and order.

Lambah maintains the agreement is a “win-win for Pakistan, India and the people of Jammu and Kashmir” and can be the basis for all governments, including the present one led by Narendra Modi.

“It was not negotiated keeping an individual or party in mind. Everyone has their own style. Pursuit of peace with Pakistan and a discussion on Kashmir has been undertaken by different prime ministers and I have no doubt that future governments will follow the same path.”

On the issue of Kashmiri separatists meeting Pakistani leaders, which has become a stumbling block in talks between India and Pakistan, Lambah said, “In the past, Vajpayee, Advani and Manmohan Singh have met Hurriyat leaders and also given them visas to visit Pakistan. As regarding Pakistan, I fail to understand why they want to talk only to the Hurriyat and not also to the elected mainstream leaders from Jammu and Kashmir.”

[Avinash R]

24 Pakistani golfers teeoff in Kashmir’s fairways
http://www.thehindu.com/sport/other-spo ... 766635.ece

Even as the Shiv Sena has been trying to wreck visits by prominent personalities from Pakistan, 24 top-notch golfers from the neighbouring country teed off in style in various golf courses in the Valley.

Pash India, a member of the International Association of Golf Tour Operators, London, and a partner in organising the SAARC golf championship, organised a tournament in which the Pakistani players participated.

The SAARC tournament failed to take off as the Pakistani golfers had their visas delayed. However, in a last-minute decision, 13 male and 11 female players landed here on October 7 and stayed till October 13, playing the various places. Brigadier (Retd) Zulfikar Rana headed the team.

Members of top golf clubs from Lahore got an opportunity to play in the tourist destinations of Pahalgam and Gulmarg, besides teeing off at the picturesque Royal Springs Golf Course in Srinagar, nestled between the Zabarwan Hills on the one side and the Dal Lake on the other.

“Golfing in Kashmir was a lifetime experience,” said Sardar Murad Khan, a Pakistani golfer.

In the Valley, the visiting golfers avoided any discussion on politics during their stay and the local administration kept the visit as hush-hush as possible in the wake of the protests in Mumbai.

Rekindles hope
The visit, however, has rekindled hope among tour operators in the Valley, who are now planning to tap the golfing market across the border.

“If relations between India and Pakistan improve, we expect to host more than 10,000 golfers from Pakistan. In the process, Muslim pilgrimage tourism would also get a fillip as many revered shrines lie in Jammu and Kashmir,” said Nasir Shah, director of the Culture and Nature Expeditions, which hosted the golfers in the Valley.

Director-General, Tourism, Farooq Shah apprised the golfers of more upcoming golf destinations across the State. “Our golf course in Ladakh at 15,000 feet (above sea level) will be the highest in the world,” said Mr. Shah.

[Avinash R]

Shashank Manohar invites PCB for bilateral series talks
http://www.cricbuzz.com/cricket-news/75 ... ries-talks

[SSridhar]

Avinash R, you have a PM.

[Avinash R]

^done

[Dilbu]

Pakistan becoming a mini superpower: Ahsan Iqbal

ISLAMABAD: With the help of the government’s ambitious technology plans, the country is on its way to becoming a mini superpower by 2025, said Minister for Planning, Development and Reforms Ahsan Iqbal on Thursday, as he expressed confidence in the country’s future.

Iqbal said that the country’s work in initiating cluster-based technology in agriculture and mining was paving way for more development; he stated while chairing a meeting on “Technology as Industry”.

He added that the government was committed to put the country on the path of technology because it was one of the strong drivers of growth. “Growth cannot be achieved through crawling in exports and by relying on commodities.”

He said the government needed to enhance exports in order to achieve growth, which would be possible only with the advancement in technology and value addition. Meanwhile, Iqbal called upon the youth in the country to contribute to national development along with their personal and professional pursuits. “The government recognises the potential of youth for national development and it has engaged them in the development process through various initiatives.”

[Dilbu]

US Ambassador Richard Olson appointed Pak-Afghan Special Representative

Islamabad: United States (US) Ambassador to Pakistan Richard G. Olson was appointed as a Special Representative for Pakistan and Afghanistan today. Olson’s appointment was announced in a statement by Spokesperson for US State Department. The Spokesperson stated that Olson will take charge of his new designation on 17th of November, the time when his term as Ambassador to Pakistan ends.

Ambassador Olson served as the Coordinating Director for Development and Economic Affairs at U.S. Embassy Kabul, Afghanistan, from 2011 to 2012, during which time he oversaw all U.S. non-military assistance programs and support for the Afghan government. He also served as U.S. Ambassador to the United Arab Emirates from 2008 to 2011. He is a member of the Senior Foreign Service, and has served at the U.S. Department of State since 1982.

[A_Gupta]

TFT:
http://www.thefridaytimes.com/tft/destination-usa/

The two major items on the agenda are Pakistan’s nuclear program and Afghanistan, diplomats from both sides confirmed in background discussions.

The United States desires assurances from Pakistan on restricting its nuclear program, which Western think tanks say is the fastest growing in the world.

The argument being discussed widely is that Pakistan should be stopped from going for “full spectrum deterrence” – an intention expressed by the country’s leadership on multiple occasions. Pursuit for full spectrum deterrence, it is feared, would enable Pakistan to achieve capability of hitting targets both in its neighbourhood as well as beyond.

Therefore, it is being suggested that Pakistan could be offered to join the nuclear mainstream in return for limiting its program to “strategic deterrence against India”. A major concern is the development of missiles.

Pakistan could in this way gain an entry into nuclear cartels like NSG and other multilateral export control regimes – something for which Islamabad has long been building a case.

But Pakistan’s reply to this bargain, for now, is a categorical no.

[Dilbu]

RAW funding MQM: Scotland Yard

Islamabad: Scotland Yard has handed over to Pakistan the evidence of Indian intelligence agency RAW funding Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) party.

According to a TV report, Scotland Yard has handed over a list of over 10 names who were involved in the process. Reportedly, these people used to take direct funding from the Indian agency and provide it the MQM.

The Scotland Yard has reportedly prepared the list after interrogation from Altaf Hussain and Muhammad Anwar.

Adviser to Prime Minister, Ishtar Ausaf held meetings with the Scotland Yard regarding the case. The government has begun investigation over the issues of RAW funding and money laundering.

[A_Gupta]

Regarding the Russian-built gas pipeline in Pakistan, Pakistan says it will be operational by end-2017.
This is what the Russians say:
https://www.rt.com/business/318840-russ ... -pipeline/

The pipeline is scheduled to be completed by 2018 and will be commissioned by 2020.

Or better, use Google translate on this page:
http://minenergo.gov.ru/press/min_news/3553.html

Timing of construction of the pipeline - 42 months. The project will be implemented in three stages. In the first stage, for the second quarter of 2018, the pipeline will be built himself. In the second stage, to the second quarter of 2019 - part of the compressor stations. In the third stage, to the second quarter of 2020, will be commissioned in all compressor stations, and as a result the gas pipeline will reach its full capacity - 12.4 billion cubic meters per year. Partner-customer on the Pakistani side is the State company Pakistan - ISGSL, which is engaged in gas supply, and will pay for gas transportation services. The Government of Pakistan, in turn, will issue a sovereign guarantee to pay the fare and project financing.

The Russian side is considering the possibility of borrowing from the Russian and Chinese banks, with the support of export credit agencies. "RT - Global Resources" will create a consortium, which will include Russian and foreign investors, including Chinese, Pakistani, as well as potential construction (EPC) -podryadchiki.

Based on Bloomberg reports, and the above, it seems like the project is contingent on Chinese financing.

[SSridhar]

Based on Bloomberg reports, and the above, it seems like the project is contingent on Chinese financing.

So, the Russians are making a quick buck or two on Chinese 17%-profit-investments ? Good for them.

[Peregrine]

24 Pakistani golfers teeoff in Kashmir’s fairways
http://www.thehindu.com/sport/other-spo ... 766635.ece

Avinash Ji : I would comment as follows :

Even as the Shiv Sena has been trying to wreck visits by prominent personalities from Pakistan, 24 top-notch golfers from the neighbouring country teed off in style in various golf courses in the Valley.

The SAARC tournament failed to take off as the Pakistani golfers had their visas delayed. However, in a last-minute decision, 13 male and 11 female players landed here on October 7 and stayed till October 13, playing the various places. Brigadier (Retd) Zulfikar Rana headed the team.

The Brig(R) specializes in Terrorism.

“Golfing in Kashmir was a lifetime experience,” said Sardar Murad Khan, a Pakistani golfer.

and specializing in Acts of Terrorism esp. in India

In the Valley, the visiting golfers avoided any discussion on politics during their stay and the local administration kept the visit as hush-hush as possible in the wake of the protests in Mumbai.

Rekindles hope :The visit, however, has rekindled hope among tour operators in the Valley, who are now planning to tap the golfing market across the border.

The ISI - Terrorism in India Cell - is licking its Chops in Anticipation.

“If relations between India and Pakistan improve, we expect to host more than 10,000 golfers from Pakistan. In the process, Muslim pilgrimage tourism would also get a fillip as many revered shrines lie in Jammu and Kashmir,” said Nasir Shah, director of the Culture and Nature Expeditions, which hosted the golfers in the Valley.

This will enable the ISI to Infiltrate India with at least 1,000 Terrorists possibly a couple of times more.

Director-General, Tourism, Farooq Shah apprised the golfers of more upcoming golf destinations across the State. “Our golf course in Ladakh at 15,000 feet (above sea level) will be the highest in the world,” said Mr. Shah.

Is it a practice for Cwapistani invasion of Indian Siachin?
Cheers

[Peregrine]

Shashank Manohar invites PCB for bilateral series talks
http://www.cricbuzz.com/cricket-news/75 ... ries-talks

Upon my Life Folks, with Friends like Shashank Manohar and his Ilk, India doesn't need Enemies.
Cheers

[A_Gupta]

Shashank Manohar invites PCB for bilateral series talks
http://www.cricbuzz.com/cricket-news/75 ... ries-talks

Upon my Life Folks, with Friends like Shashank Manohar and his Ilk, India doesn't need Enemies.
Cheers

All of the news reports I have found have Pakistan Cricket Board chairman Shahryar Khan saying that PCB was invited by Shashank Manohar. While it is likely true, it is not outside the realm of possibility that Shahryar Khan is trying a trick.

PS: this was not quoted in the cricbuzz.com report:
http://www.thenewsteller.com/sport/cric ... dia/26092/

Shahryar quoted Shashank say saying: “I believe that relations between Pakistan and India should be good. We are ready to bring to the table all the issues and solve them.”

IMO, the above is a generic polite reply.

“I am hopeful after the ICC meetings that India will soon send their answers about the series in December. It will come in by the end of October. If it is a yes, then there cannot be anything better but if it is a no then we will have to consider further options.”

Suggests there is no commitment by India to anything yet.

[Peregrine]

Deleted.

[Peregrine]

Pakistani operative was using MSF hospital in Afghanistan as Taliban command post: report

US special operations analysts believed the MSF hospital in Kunduz which was destroyed by a US military attack was being used by a Pakistani operative to coordinate Taliban activity, according to the Associated Press.

Cheers