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Reuters

Pakistan will create a new force in the military to supervise missile combat capabilities in a conventional conflict, apparently a move to match the neighbouring arch-rival India.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif announced the creation of the Army Rocket Force late on Wednesday at a ceremony held in Islamabad to commemorate the worst conflict in decades with India in May.
The ceremony was held a day ahead of Pakistan’s 78th Independence Day.
“It will be equipped with modern technology,” Sharif said in a statement from his office, adding that the force will prove to be a milestone in strengthening the combat capability of Pakistan’s army.
He did not give any further details.
A senior security official, however, said that the force will have its own command in the military, which will be dedicated to the handling and deployment of missiles in the event of a conventional war.
“It is obvious that it is meant for India,” he said.
The two nuclear-armed nations keep upgrading their military capabilities in the wake of a long-standing rivalry since their independence from British rule in 1947.


The latest tension between the two countries soared in April over the killing of 26 civilians in Indian-controlled Kashmir, an attack New Delhi blamed on Islamabad. Pakistan denied involvement.
A conflict then erupted in May, the most serious fighting between the two countries in decades, which saw both sides using missiles, drones and fighter jets before it ended with a ceasefire announcement by US President Donald Trump.
Islamabad acknowledges the US role, but India denies it, saying it was agreed directly between the two militaries.


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News

Asia

South Asia

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said the unit will prove to be a milestone in strengthening the army’s combat potential


Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said the unit will prove to be a milestone in strengthening the army’s combat potential.


Pakistan

India

Defence

Shehbaz Sharif