Defence Policies of Pakistan and India

PART 1
Military action or resources protecting of a
country against potential enemies
Defense  is the opposite of offense. It has to do with defending against all
sorts of things: In the military, defense is about protecting a country from
attack.

In sports, defense is supposed to stop the other team from scoring.

The Department of Defense’s enduring mission to provide combat-credible

military forces needed to deter war and protect the security of our nation.
Types of Defense Policies

Offensive
Offensive-offensive
Defensive
“Offensive-defense” called “security dilemma theory”, given by

Stephen William Van Evera, argues that international conflict and war

are more likely when offense has the advantage over defense, while

peace and cooperation are more probable when defense has the

'
advantage over offense.
With an overall defensive purpose, the offensive is to
force the larger opponent on the back-foot at the
outset by snatching the plan.
Defensive can mean anxiously challenging of all criticism. Bear and remain
silent for some reasons defensive strategies are used to discourage or turn
back an offensive strategy on the part of the competitor.
defense objectives National security is regarded as a duty of government,
and refers to the security of a nation state. It includes protection of a
country’s economy, citizens, and institutions. Initially considered as protection
against military attacks, national security is now extensively understood to
include non-military dimensions, including economic security, energy security,
environmental security, food security, cyber security etc. Correspondingly,
national security risks include, in addition to the actions of other nation
states, action by violent non-state actors, narcotic cartels, and multinational
corporations, and also the effects of natural disasters
National security is surrounded by the concept of “Protection of one’s own
national core values and interests”. National security emphasizes on the
concept that national power plays a key role in the international sphere, it
helps to shape country’s foreign policy. National security also distinguishes
among the key components that shape the picture of a nation. Core values
for national security are not the same, the regional understanding is a vital
interest for making national security policy. Security relates to a particular
society as well as to a certain community.
Cultural and civilizational statuses in modern-day world are also shaping the
national security. In the contemporary world, non-dimensional tactics are
being employed by adversaries. Governments rely on a range of measures,
including political, economic, and military power, as well as diplomacy to
enforce national security. They may also act to build the conditions of security
regionally and internationally by reducing transnational causes of insecurity,
such as climate change, economic inequality, political exclusion, and nuclear
proliferation
Pakistan’s security situation has been very fragile. This security situation is
due to the multiple factors, some internal and some external. For the last few
years, Pakistan has been faced by many security issues. Terrorism, economic
and political instability, corruption and unemployment; these factors have
played a major role in shaping Pakistan’s current form. Historically speaking,
Pakistan’s geo-political situation has always been under threat. With the
pattern of relationships with India and Afghanistan, Pakistan always have a
fragile and hostile strategic environment. Currently, Pakistan is focusing on
exploring new ways to strategize its environment. Economic stability and
balanced political environment is a core objective of Pakistan’s defense policy.
Defense problems of Pakistan
internal and external ie country's defence from inimical forces from within
and without. Pakistan is a peace loving state .Pakistan seeks peaceful
international order as UN charter and UN human rights charter. It adheres to
the principle that any territorial acquisition by force is totally inadmissible.
Despite this policy of peace inherent in Pakistan's ideology and orientation,
the fact is that in the first quarter of its existence the country has been the
victim of aggression three times. The first war Oct 1947 to Nov 48 was over
Kashmir.
Kashmir Issues:
India took the issue to the UN Security Council, which resolved that Kashmir
problem be decided by a plebiscite under UN auspices. Having agreed to the
implementation of UN Resolution, India resiled from its obligations, and
having consolidated its military hold over Kashmir, claimed that UN
resolutions were outdated and that Jammu and Kashmir was its integral part.
The 1965 war was also over Kashmir. Kashmir is the core issue because Indian
military occupation of Jammu and Kashmir contravenes, violates and defies
the principles and basis of the division of India, ie Muslim majority area will
become part of Pakistan. India has denied the right of self-determination to
the people of Kashmir, which was given by the British to the people of India,
and is inherent in the UN Charter and UN Resolutions on Kashmir. Massive
Indian troops deployment (700,000 troops) in Jammu and Kashmir poses a
serious military threat to Pakistan's national security. Imperatives of national
defence require that rights and aspirations of Kashmir people for self-
determination be restored, Indian brutalities stopped and UN Resolutions
implemented. Indian troop withdrawal from Kashmir is vital to prevent
another Indo-Pak war. Vacation of Kashmir by India is a crucial imperative for
Pakistan's defence, and Pakistan's national security will remain threatened as
long as Indian troops remain in Occupied Jammu and Kashmir
In 1971 having carried out intensive subversion in East Pakistan, India
exploited the opportunity of the century to forcibly dismember Pakistan.
These events are an unforgettable part of the nation's history, and have a
bearing on peoples' psyche. Normalization of relations with India is desirable,
but unlikely in the present scenario. Indian hostility, intentions and attitudes,
and enhanced military preparations have a direct bearing on Pakistan's
national. security.
There are however important lessons of profound validity for preservation of
Pakistan's independence, national sovereignty and territorial integrity to be
learnt from the manner in which Pakistan was dragged into wars, and from
their outcome.
The most important lesson is that Pakistan must have political, economic, and
assured deterrence capability to forestall aggression from all quarters.
Pakistan needs a long spell of peace. But a nation's dedication to peace and
adherence to the principles of peaceful settlement of international disputes
do not by themselves constitute sufficient guarantees, that it will be left
unmolested in its peaceful existence. For as long as there are disputes and
conflicts in the region of geographical, political and economic interest to a
nation, latent threats to its sovereignty will continue to exist
A nation can ignore the existence of such threats only at its own peril.
Kashmir and Afghanistan are on the boil, and internal political, economic and
social unrest and ethnic and sectarian strife being stoked by enemy agencies
are continuing threats to Pakistan's security.
The eleven years of the war in Afghanistan was a dangerous period for the national
security. Pakistan supported the freedom struggle in Afghanistan by acting as a
conduit, ie a supply channel for material assistance from the West ie US and Arab
countries. Pakistan also provided shelter to five million Afghan refugees. The risks
involved included twelve hundred bomb blasts, and lead to the creation of Klashnikov
era, smuggling and drug culture. America used Pakistan to settle scores with the Soviet
Union, and having succeeded in triggering the collapse of the vast Communist empire
via Afghanistan dumped Pakistan. 
After the exit of the Red Army from Afghanistan, Pakistan is out of the nut
cracker situation, but is now faced with the looming threat from India's
growing military might, numerical and qualitative imbalance ie superior
offensive capabilities on the land, at sea and in the air. Forward deployment
of Indian Western command and Indian Air Force, deployment of Strike Corps
in Rajasthan, heavy concentration of troops, armour and artillery in Occupied
Kashmir, Prithvi SSMs targeted against Pakistan, the enhanced one sided arms
race and bellicose statements of Indian politicians especially of BJP and Shiv
Sena leaders and military commanders provide evidence that India is looking
for an opportunity for further aggression.
Only recently BJP leader Atal Behari Vajpayee, the Prime Minister of India
threatened to seize Azad Kashmir by force. And Bal Thakray the head of
Shiv Sena (which rules Maharashtra) in a recent interview to Reuters
said , If BJP comes to power, it would adopt a tough stand against
Pakistan. The problem of Kashmir will be solved by use of force ...... India
will definitely produce nuclear weapons for use in war against Pakistan.
Use of nuclear weapons against Pakistan was inevitable. He stressed. BJP
and its ally Shiv Sena have a chauvinistic and tough agenda to deal with
Pakistan. The United Front Government has already given a green light
for the priority development of Agni IRBM. The formulation of revised
war plans, and strategic and tactical concepts for a short swift war
against Pakistan are equally menacing. Dictates of national security
demand that Pakistan must remain vigilant, and keep its guard up to
contain a possible adventure by the BJP government.
America literally dumped Pakistan after achieving its strategic aims against the
USSR in Afghanistan. Instead of expressions of gratitude the US imposed the
highly discriminatory Pressler Amendment against Pakistan in October 1989,
whereby US economic aid and military assistance, purchases and supplies have
remained blocked for the last ten years. The Pressler Law has caused paralysis in
Pakistan's foreign and defence policies.

Not only US weapons were denied, but US allies and even Russia have refused to
supply weapons even against hard cash. Pakistan once a favourite in Washington
after Israel and Egypt has been left high and dry, and forced to fend for itself. Even
duly paid for F- 16 fighters have been blocked and an amount of US Dollars 658
million has been illegally swindled. Efforts of Pakistani President and Prime
Ministers for the release of the F -16 fighters or refund of money have not
succeeded.
This high-handedness by the only super power was resorted to against Pakistan
only to force it to roll back and scrap its peaceful nuclear development
programme. India has been exonerated and allowed to carry on with its highly
potent missile development and deployment programme, and much larger nuclear
weapon programme. Pakistan had resolutely resisted US pressure, and has
embarked on a modest nuclear and missile development programme, so as to be
able to have a deterrent capability against Indian conventional and nuclear
threats. But Pressler law is in place and hurts Pakistan's national security and
defence capability.
Indian conventional threat is more serious than Indian nuclear threat. In a recent
interview to Defence Journal Karachi, Air Marshal Asghar Khan remarked, I don't
know if they would use nuclear weapons against Pakistan. It is easy to issue threats
to use nuclear weapons, but it is very difficult to actually drop them. Pakistan must
however take note of such rash Indian statements, and should remain fully
prepared to take (nuclear) deterrent action.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has taken note of Indian threats to use nuclear
weapons and conventional forces against Pakistan. But Islamabad's response is
shrouded in secrecy - which is in order. In view of BJP and Shiv Sena hostility and
aggressive aims of the BJP Government, Pakistan must accord highest priority to
nuclear and missile programmes to checkmate Indian bellicosity, and threats of
nuclear and conventional aggression
Nukes in the basement are of no use, without delivery platforms. They are duds
unless they could be accurately dropped on selected targets. In view of Indian
deployment of Prithvi I and II SSM and priority development of Agni Missiles, proper
funding of Pakistani missile programme is important.

During the last ten years India has invested heavily in air power, and today IAF's high
technology combat and strike capability is more than seven times that of the PAF.
The numerical imbalance is three to one. In a recent interview to Defence Journal
the Chief of the Air Staff PAF has rightly stated that, Importance of air power is fully
recognized by all countries. In the light of experience it is a foregone conclusion that
air power will be a decisive factor in any future conflict.
Future wars will start with air power and defeat and victory will be decided
when either side concedes defeat in the air. The recent example of Gulf war
established that the desired aims and objectives were achieved by air power.
General Scharzkopf an army man as commander-in-chief of the Coalition
armies had fully appreciated the capability, potential and impact of air power.
Entire planning for war was around the effective use of air power.

To a question as to How important is air power for the defence of Pakistan,

the air chief said that, Air power is pivotal to the defence of Pakistan. It is vital
for the success of defence strategy and national security. Air power has to be
employed to deter and deny aggression. Land and naval forces will need air
power to ensure the success of their missions
 Land operations are highly sensitive to air support, and will need fullest
(100%) air support for the success of most missions. In the modern day war
air is vital for defence, deterrence and for land and maritime operations.
There is a national awareness of the vital importance of air power for the
defence of the country.

To another question How do you see the role of Pakistan Air Force in defence
strategy and national security?' Air Chief Marshal Pervaiz Mehdi Qureshi said
that PAF plays a pivotal role in the defence strategy and national security of
Pakistan. It is the most essential element of our armed forces, as it is only
through the PAF that we can deter any aggressor, and deny him the use of his
air force to any meaningful effect. We have strong support of the
Government and of other services in the development of the PAF to correct
the weakness in some critical (high tech) areas.
In spite of Air Chief's assurance the fact is that the PAF has been ignored and denied
funding for the acquisition of high-tech aircraft, or for the in-country co-manufacture
of Super-7 and FC -1 fighters. The CAS has publicly warned that if the high-tech fighter
gap is not narrowed in the next four years, it will become unbridgeable thereafter. His
concern must be taken seriously by the Ministry of Defence, who should advise the
Government to accord high priority to PAF's fighter procurement and production
programs.

Assured nuclear weapon capability based on accurate SSM's, IRBM's and multi-role
strike fighters is a vital imperative of national defence in the prevailing environment in
South Asia. Chairman of Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee and Service Chiefs in their
collective and individual capacities must advise and guide the Government to accord
high priority to assured deterrent with nuclear, missile and credible air power
capability. For the cash strapped government this will not be possible unless the
Services do their own right sizing, so that funds become available for vital nuclear,
missile and air power enhancement programs.
• In the same interview Air Marshal Asghar Khan said that Air power is vital for
Pakistan's security. The rulers and the politicians do not realize or understand it. They
have no grasp of the defensive potential of air power in peace or war. Neither they
understand the problems of defence and national security. Comprehension of the
role, capabilities and overpowering influence of air power on diplomacy and defence
is a difficult subject even for the well read. Concerned officials, MNA and Senators
must convene regular meetings of defence Committees of the Parliament and of the
Senate so as to be briefed on various aspects of national security.

• It is in order to suggest that parliamentarians and concerned bureaucrats should

undergo short courses preferably at the Joint Services Staff College for greater
comprehension of defence matters and national security issues. Strong air force
along with enhanced teeth to tail capabilities of the army and the navy is an equally
important imperative of national defense. Indian aggression against Azad Kashmir
will have to be defeated by coordinated land- air action. Use of nuclear weapons by
either side will imply total devastation and massive causalities on both sides. Use of
nuclear weapons is out, but enhanced artillery duels and conventional battles in
some sectors are plausible. Pakistan must sharpen its conventional defence
capabilities, while keeping its nukes, missiles and aircraft in a high state of readiness .
According to Asghar Khan who wazs also rated as a high intellectual of great
integrity Pakistan is friendless today because the foreign policy of isolation and
drift is faulty, and has not served the nations security interests. Our foreign
policy lacks priorities, is shorn of diplomacy, is poorly conducted, and has made
Pakistan friendless and isolated.

That we are not able to buy aircraft and weapons even against hard cash is a
proof. Pakistan foreign policy needs to be reviewed and renewed. Pakistan must
have reliable friends. Pakistan was strong in the decade of the sixties because
America was our reliable friend. In the seventies Pak-China friendship was
exemplary. China is our reliable friend, and has helped Pakistan economically and
militarily. The Karakorum highway, HMC, HIT, PAC Kamra and many major
industrial and infra-structural ventures are lasting symbols of Pak-China
friendship
Chinese and Indian Prime Ministers, Presidents, Foreign Ministers, Generals and
officials have been visiting each others' countries frequently, and are trying to
settle their border disputes, and build up normal economic relationship. But
Indian media, politicians and military and foreign policy planners, and Indian
intelligence agencies rate China as the major threat to Indian national security.

They are very conscious of China's nuclear, missile and conventional military
power, especially Chinese IRBMS in Tibet which they allege are targeted on
Indian cities. The major objective of Indian military, nuclear and missile policy
planning is to checkmate Chinese nuclear, missile and conventional military
threat. American objective is to use India to contain China. Chinese economic
planning hypothesis is that the danger of world war has receded, and China's
aim is to become a medium developed country by the year 2050.
China hopes for peace in the world and in the Asia pacific region so as to be able to
continue with its socialist modernization drive. China wishes to develop and hopes
that the entire region including Pakistan develops in peace. Pakistan foreign policy will
have to be re-tailored to restore the confidence and friendship of yester- years.
Pakistan must take China into confidence by stressing that Pakistan is a small country
which needs a long spell of peace. But India is continuing to reinforce its much larger
military with nuclear capable guided missiles, advanced aircraft and smart weapons
and Indian leaders threaten Pakistan with dire consequences on a daily basis. Indian
military buildup is a serious threat to Pakistan's national security and Pakistan seeks
China's help to avert this threat.

Pakistan's dilemma in the defence field is its faulty foreign policy. Frankly the foreign
policy does not exist at all. Our foreign ministers, politicians and diplomats have no
idea and no concept of how to tailor a foreign policy that meets the challenges of our
national security interests. We have drifted away from everybody, including our close
friends like China and Iran
We have added to our enemies, and lost our allies, and today we have no reliable
friends. We should address ourselves to redefine our foreign policy aims and
objectives, so that we have the support of reliable friends. We must change our
foreign policy to have dependable friends, and that is the only way we can meet
India's military challenge. The United States is no more willing to support us as it did
three decades ago. The US sees India as a much bigger market, and a future bulwark
against China.

They see India as a force, which can be developed to meet the economic and possible
military challenges of the future. The alternatives available to Pakistan are to explore
the possibility of having close relations with China, Iran, Bangladesh and Turkey in
particular and with rest of the Islamic world in general. We not only need good
economic, cultural and diplomatic relations with these important neighbours, but
need to develop military understanding with them for mutual benefit.
Such a policy will give us security, and will help us to right size our forces. But there is a
condition to such a policy, and that is that we should not think of involving them with
our disputes with India. We need to develop strategic understanding with China,
Bangladesh and Iran, so that we could march together towards peace and economic
development together. In friendship Iran offers us strategic depth, while Bangladesh
could tie down Indian forces in the East. Such an initiative entails that massacre of
Iranian nationals and sectarian slaughters be stopped, and Bangladesh be treated with
respect.

Iran is emerging as a powerful country in the Gulf, and even the US is now seeking
Iran's help to deal with Saddam Hussain. Bangladesh is growing fast economically, and
closest understanding could be of immense mutual benefit. China, Bangladesh and
Iran will consider an arrangement of mutual defence assistance, and such an
understanding would give us tremendous security and strength. Official visits at prime
ministers and presidents level should be used to develop such an understanding. I
wish the recent visit to the Prime Minister with a big delegation to China should have
been tailored with such aims and objectives. The restructured foreign policy must be
conducted in a professional manner, keeping Pakistan's national security interests in
sight.
 Recommendations
Pakistan's domestic environment has become increasingly degraded in
terms of economic, social and internal security during the last ten years.
The common man wants economic security ie the money he earns sustains
him and his family.
The youth educated or illiterate want jobs; the employees and workers want
job security. The people must not live in fear. National economy has been
destroyed by massive pilferage of banks and DFI's loan defaulting, non-
payment of taxes and utility bills, and outright rip-offs of national wealth by
greedy and corrupt influential, rulers, bureaucrats and officials.
 
The people were silent spectators to the loot and plunder of the last few
years which made the country nearly insolvent. This situation must be
corrected.
 
The stolen wealth and loans be recovered, and people be forced to pay
taxes and utility bills. Economic development is a fundamental element
of national security. Deterrence and defence is impossible without
economic growth
An economically bankrupt and loan ridden and dependent country is susceptible to
economic and political exploitation and military aggression. Such a curtailed state
cannot bear the heavy costs of expensive standing armed forces for long. Assured
deterrence and defence capability is impossible without economic growth. If the
armed forces become an impossible economic burden, then something is wrong the
way that state is being run.

All important institutions of the state must develop together in harmony. And this is
possible only if the nation state follows a strategy of sustained economic development,
and educational and social progress. Defence would be strong and national security
assured when the state is politically stable and its economy is robust.