IN CASE OF WAR

India's foreign minister and army chief don't know what they're talking about. Bravado aside, this country does kick ass.

ISLAMABAD, Pakistan—Pakistan can fire missiles on a ten-minute notice on all the major Indian cities. Part of this capability is the result of geography: the lack of geographic depth also means that it would take less time for Pakistani missiles to enter Indian air space. The launch and travel time is short.

India needs 30 minutes for initial ignition, partially due to the country's size, response time across the chain of command, and other reasons.

There is also the question of the quality of Pakistani and Indian missiles, the quality of the delivery systems, and the speed with which nuclear weapons can be loaded and launch pad readied.

Pakistan has also not committed itself to no-first use. This means that Pakistan can use nuclear weapons for self defense whenever its chain of command deems the action necessary and not just as a last option. This lack of commitment on the part of Pakistan makes it difficult for Indian warmongers to decide on a 'limited war'. Indian officials will be signing on a nuclear war the moment they decide on a war, any war.

If war is imposed, Pakistan can successfully fight for four months with its year-to-date ammunition production resources. No doubt, this is one of the highest ratios among nations of similar size and strength.

Moreover, very few people talk about Pakistan's advanced cruise missile program, which India is unable to match. Not yet at least.

Pakistan's missile accuracy is also considered one of the highest. Data from Pakistani missile tests shows that Islamabad has a better test results compared to the data available in public domain on Indian missile tests and the progress of the Indian ballistic missile program.

No matter which way you spin it, one thing is clear: Pakistan is no walk in the part. Just because Pakistan is not out with officials making kooky statements like India's foreign minister and army chief, it doesn't mean Pakistan should be taken lightly.

India is running around pulling its hair. Pakistan is confident.

By JAWED SYED

Saturday, 17 January 2008.

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