Fighter jets strafed mock enemy positions and tanks rumbled across this eastern desert in a display of military might signaling Pakistan's readiness to face traditional foe India even as it battles Taliban militants on its opposite flank.
While India and Pakistan regularly carry out army drills, the demonstration close to the Indian border Sunday was part of Pakistan's biggest military exercises since 1989, when the army was celebrating its role in ousting the Soviet Union from Afghanistan.
This time around, the exercises follow successful operations in the northwest against extremists that have improved the image of the army as a fighting force after its popularity plunged during the military-backed rule of former President Gen. Pervez Musharraf. For a domestic audience, the army was emphasizing this battlefield role, analysts said.
"It is meant to signal internally that we are back to where we belong," said Moeed Yusuf, from the Washington DC-based thinktank, United States Institute of Peace. "For the world, it signals that India remains the principal threat."
There was no immediate comment from New Delhi. India generally refrains from commenting on such scheduled exercises.
Sunday's exercises were meant to replicate a counter offensive against an invading ground force. They included 21 bombing runs by various Pakistani jets, displays of anti-aircraft weaponry, tanks moving in formation and round after round of heavy artillery.
Those watching — including the prime minister, the country's military leaders and politicians — clapped as targets were hit some 2,000 meters away across the shimmering, dusty Cholistan Desert. The loudest round of applause was for when an unmanned drone was shot out of the sky by a barrage of anti-aircraft fire.
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By: Brant
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