PM, Army Chief will visit Saudi Arabia to witness 'Thunder of the North' military exercises

[The Eagle]

THE EXPRESS TRIBUNE > PAKISTAN

PM, army chief will visit Saudi Arabia to witness 'Thunder of the North' military exercises
By Kamran Yousaf
Published: March 7, 2016

PHOTO: PID

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and army chief General Raheel Sharif will travel to Saudi Arabia on March 9 to witness the ongoing ‘Thunder of the North’ military exercises.

The three-day visit will be undertaken on invitation of Saudi King Salman bin Abdul Aziz, a Foreign Office statement said on Monday.

Along with the prime minister, a number of heads of state have also been invited to witness the ongoing military exercise ‘Thunder of the North’ and its closing ceremony.

20 nations, including Pakistan join major military manoeuvre in Saudi

Troops from 21 countries, including Pakistan, are participating in the exercise in the northern region of Saudi Arabia. The main goal of the exercise is to enhance training in responding to the threat posed by terrorist groups.

‘Thunder of the North’ military exercise begins in Saudi Arabia

Dubbed as “the most important” military manoeuvre ever staged in the region, the exercise involves ground, air, and naval forces and sends a “clear message” that Riyadh and its allies “stand united in confronting all challenges and preserving peace and stability in the region”.

Pakistan enjoys cordial relations with Saudi Arabia, and both the countries have multi faceted cooperation, in the fields of defence and counter-terrorism.

Any threat to Saudi’s territorial integrity will evoke strong response from Pakistan: Nawaz

Pakistan has reaffirmed its stance on standing with Saudi Arabia against any threat to their territorial integrity and sovereignty.

It has also consistently supported all regional and international efforts to combat militancy, extremism and terrorism and has extended full support and cooperation to the Kingdom.

PM, army chief will visit Saudi Arabia to witness 'Thunder of the North' military exercises - The Express Tribune

 

[Kompromat]

This is a great opportunity for Pakistan. We can only make this new alliance effective from the inside not the outside.

 

[The Eagle]

This is a great opportunity for Pakistan. We can only make this new alliance effective from the inside not the outside.

This is a great opportunity for Pakistan. We can only make this new alliance effective from the inside not the outside.

Exactly Sir and here the diplomacy becomes more effective. There are many examples how the one nation took opportunity for growth. In case of KSA, we can simply look at Egypt and her defence procurement that are mostly funded by KSA.

Pakistan has a vital role in Arab world and being First Islamic N Power, Pak is praised always as well. Geo politics is indeed changing rapidly and we have to be very smart and intelligent while playing our cards that should be not only in the name of brotherhood but indeed in the best interest of Pakistan as well. Pakistan should not only participate in such alliance but IMO, need to play major role and that is exactly the Arab world is seeking us for the same due to our experience in war against proxy/terrorism.

Indeed it will be beneficial in return as well. KSA along with other Arab countries has been helping Pakistan from time to time especially (to the most sources) when our economy was at the brink of collapse so we should not forget and take the opportunity wisely as it is always about making a move first. So also, Pakistan wouldn't be dragged unnecessarily in others war but indeed we will be helping our Islamic brethren for a better cause and benefits.

Proxy is becoming more serious threat now a days than an enemy in open. Indeed such threats are not that easy or simple to handle but a precautionary move and measures could help reduce the damage as well as to counter the threat effectively to eliminate. A strong coalition is need of time and as well as in favour of all Islamic nations. While looking at adversaries, Pakistan economy is being dented by the nightmare of terrorism and has claimed thousands of precious lives. A timely smart decision in this regards will be helpful not just for today but for a better future as well. So also strong ties with Arab world will help Pakistan to build a stronger economy which will ultimately raise our standard of defence on every level.

 

[Zarvan]

Exactly Sir and here the diplomacy becomes more effective. There are many examples how the one nation took opportunity for growth. In case of KSA, we can simply look at Egypt and her defence procurement that are mostly funded by KSA.

Pakistan has a vital role in Arab world and being First Islamic N Power, Pak is praised always as well. Geo politics is indeed changing rapidly and we have to be very smart and intelligent while playing our cards that should be not only in the name of brotherhood but indeed in the best interest of Pakistan as well. Pakistan should not only participate in such alliance but IMO, need to play major role and that is exactly the Arab world is seeking us for the same due to our experience in war against proxy/terrorism.

Indeed it will be beneficial in return as well. KSA along with other Arab countries has been helping Pakistan from time to time especially (to the most sources) when our economy was at the brink of collapse so we should not forget and take the opportunity wisely as it is always about making a move first. So also, Pakistan wouldn't be dragged unnecessarily in others war but indeed we will be helping our Islamic brethren for a better cause and benefits.

Proxy is becoming more serious threat now a days than an enemy in open. Indeed such threats are not that easy or simple to handle but a precautionary move and measures could help reduce the damage as well as to counter the threat effectively to eliminate. A strong coalition is need of time and as well as in favour of all Islamic nations. While looking at adversaries, Pakistan economy is being dented by the nightmare of terrorism and has claimed thousands of precious lives. A timely smart decision in this regards will be helpful not just for today but for a better future as well. So also strong ties with Arab world will help Pakistan to build a stronger economy which will ultimately raise our standard of defence on every level.

Exactly and if we can assure GCC that we can provide them security so if entire GCC offer us Defence Package than not only we can massively increase our forces and equipment and may also be able to place some in KSA.
@Horus

 

[Azadkashmir]

i find this northern thunder dangerous i mean isis which was created by cia,mossad, saudis now pak is joining to wipe them out, which russia and iran are already doing in syria. western nato hope that saudis and its allies crash into iran russia both destroying each other. guess what? russia is nuclear so is pak see the picture we are wrong side. history proves saudis have never been there for muslims but pursued policies which are a beyond disgraceful and betryed muslims many times and sins which are unforgivable.

saudis are not going to syria to wipe out isis but to take assad out and this will bloody lead to nuclear war do not think russia is some third grade military. let put it this way russians pursue all kinds of technology and also planned and build underground nuclear bunkers under big shoping stores and schools for thier population, with food stock, the whole lot they plan well.

 

[BRAVO_]

pakistan can perform much better within the alliance rather than staying out .... and this is the only way they can help iran too

 

[Azadkashmir]

yeah stretch pakistan military out then india can attack it. guess whta 1971 all over again. why did pak surrender cos the truth is they were only 30,000 of them not 90,000 as india cliam.

 

[AZADPAKISTAN2009]

Good initiative to take part with friendly nations to bolster international peace efforts

 

[Aky]

i find this northern thunder dangerous i mean isis which was created by cia,mossad, saudis now pak is joining to wipe them out, which russia and iran are already doing in syria. western nato hope that saudis and its allies crash into iran russia both destroying each other. guess what? russia is nuclear so is pak see the picture we are wrong side. history proves saudis have never been there for muslims but pursued policies which are a beyond disgraceful and betryed muslims many times and sins which are unforgivable.

saudis are not going to syria to wipe out isis but to take assad out and this will bloody lead to nuclear war do not think russia is some third grade military. let put it this way russians pursue all kinds of technology and also planned and build underground nuclear bunkers under big shoping stores and schools for thier population, with food stock, the whole lot they plan well.

BRAVO you're the only one that gets it it seems. Pakistan is picking the side of the aggressors - and GOD does not love aggressors. Pakistan is also going against Russia, Iran and other Russian allies including India. Turkey and Saudi want a war with Syria, Iran and Russia, so they are getting Pakistan involved bcoz it has nukes. Pakistan needs to stay out of this war - The Saudis are nothing but trouble, and as you said have never helped the Muslims, and will get Pakistan wiped out from all three ends when this war starts (Russia/India/Iran)

Saudi Arabia are going to use Pakistan, as always. I just want to know how China feel about this being an Russia, Iran and Syria ally. I would like to think China will not pick Pakistan over Russia alone, never mind Iran and Syria.

 

[Azadkashmir]

BRAVO you're the only one that gets it it seems. Pakistan is picking the side of the aggressors - and GOD does not love aggressors. Pakistan is also going against Russia, Iran and other Russian allies including India. Turkey and Saudi want a war with Syria, Iran and Russia, so they are getting Pakistan involved bcoz it has nukes. Pakistan needs to stay out of this war - The Saudis are nothing but trouble, and as you said have never helped the Muslims, and will get Pakistan wiped out from all three ends when this war starts (Russia/India/Iran)

Saudi Arabia are going to use Pakistan, as always. I just want to know how China feel about this being an Russia, Iran and Syria ally. I would like to think China will not pick Pakistan over Russia alone, never mind Iran and Syria.

the question one should ask proarab pakistanis is were was arabia when pak was defending it self from india and also china didnt intervene. oh yes kashmir issue arabs were r u oh yh i get we too brown and our sisters are available have fun .

they use the execuse arabia funded our nuke project well duh arabs cant produce and dont have the will, so they get thier brown skin slaves to do it for them after all it only pakistan will get nuked in retaliation.

maybe we should, remind our counterparts about that fact for very very long time we fed the beduin from the desert back then you were super power when you had rivers and green and large farmer people (before modern tech).

if pak messes up watch how the word punjabis gets thrown about.

 

[313baberali]

Waiting to see some firepower in this Military Fashion Show

 

[Aky]

I agree, Pakistan needs to use its common sense, and see who they are going up against for a bit of extra petty cash.

 

[Azadkashmir]

somebody is trying hard to break our military externaly and internally. if pak hs to send then limit token like 500 no more .

 

[The Eagle]

Exactly and if we can assure GCC that we can provide them security so if entire GCC offer us Defence Package than not only we can massively increase our forces and equipment and may also be able to place some in KSA.
@Horus

Zarvan bahi, i am never in favour to fight someone else fight but this time it is more about benefits against the same job that we have been doing for free since long and time has come to en-cash indeed. We are not going to send our troops like tomorrow but it will start with providing support for training, sharing experience, a handsome number of troops designated on standby position in case of any emergency and in the mean time building process will start and will result in strong Military as well. The observations of few on account of stretching military legs, are rightly done but to understand this all, need to be farsighted and we are not going to stretch the legs of already busy military but it is the start of process that will result in beneficial fruits yet depends how we plan and participate. Being N Power, we know our responsibilities and possible adversaries as well though such participation will provide a strong platform for our growth and stronger defence as well.

 

[Maarkhoor]

Exactly and if we can assure GCC that we can provide them security so if entire GCC offer us Defence Package than not only we can massively increase our forces and equipment and may also be able to place some in KSA.
@Horus

They don't need our security and we should also focus at home first, they just need our support to fight against monster like ISIS. It will be better if we create NATO like force which help any allied country in case of war.