The cable, sent in March 2006 from the US embassy to Washington, quotes Pakistan's then Deputy Chief of Air Staff for Operations, Air Vice Marshal (AVM) Khalid Chaudhry, as saying that the airmen, most of whom came from rural villages, were being radicalised by extremist Islamic clerics. The cable quotes AVM Chaudhry as saying, "You can't imagine what a hard time we have trying to get to trim their beards." The cable notes that, "This last comment refers to the tradition of conservative Muslims to grow full beards as a sign of piety."
The cable also says that Chaudhry claimed "to receive reports monthly of acts of petty sabotage, which he interpreted as an effort by Islamists amongst the enlisted ranks to prevent PAF aircraft from being deployed in support of security operations in the Federally Administrated Tribal Areas (FATA) along the Afghan border."
Chaudhry was briefing visiting US officials at the Pakistan Air Force Headquarters and impressing upon them the need to ensure "the F-16 deal has enough sweeteners to appeal to the public - a complete squadron of new F-16s, with JDAM and night-vision capability - but not to offer the PAF things that it cannot afford." Pakistan was in talks with the US to buy F-16 fighter aircraft and the US had voiced security concerns.
The cable quotes Chaudhry as telling the delegation, "off the record", that PAF aircraft were regularly called to provide air support to military and security forces when they get into tight spots in the FATA... "dryly adding that Army brass and the ground forces commanders would deny it."
=====================
S E C R E T SECTION 01 OF 04 ISLAMABAD 005123
The cable quotes Chaudhry as telling the delegation, "off the record", that PAF aircraft were regularly called to provide air support to military and security forces when they get into tight spots in the FATA... "dryly adding that Army brass and the ground forces commanders would deny it."
=====================
S E C R E T SECTION 01 OF 04 ISLAMABAD 005123
SIPDIS
SIPDIS
KABUL- PLEASE PASS TO CFC-A
E.O. 12958: DECL: 03/28/2015
TAGS: PK, PTER, MOPS, MASS, MCAP, PREL
SUBJECT: A/S HILLEN VISIT TO PAKISTAN
SIPDIS
KABUL- PLEASE PASS TO CFC-A
E.O. 12958: DECL: 03/28/2015
TAGS: PK, PTER, MOPS, MASS, MCAP, PREL
SUBJECT: A/S HILLEN VISIT TO PAKISTAN
Classified By: Ambassador Ryan C. Crocker, Reasons 1.4 (b) and (d)
1. (C) Introduction: On his March 15-18 visit to Pakistan,
1. (C) Introduction: On his March 15-18 visit to Pakistan,
A/S John Hillen and PM/RSAT Tom Canahuate met with senior
Government of Pakistan (GOP) officials, as well as Pakistan's
Government of Pakistan (GOP) officials, as well as Pakistan's
top military leadership. Describing his role in soliciting
support for USG security assistance to Pakistan from the U.S.
support for USG security assistance to Pakistan from the U.S.
ongress, A/S Hillen urged Pakistan's defense leaders to come
to a decision soonest on the desired configuration for its
purchase of F-16s. A/S Hillen described the process by which
the Administration notifies Congress of the transfer of
defense assets, and counseled the Pakistanis on steps they
could take to facilitate Congressional approval of the F-16
transfer. Turning to the Global War on Terror (GWOT), A/S
Hillen praised Pakistan's commitment to routing
anti-Coalition militants and other extremists in the
Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA) along the
Pak-Afghan border, and sought Pakistani perspectives on how
the U.S. could best configure its security assistance to
support Pakistan's security operations in the region. Many
Pakistani interlocutors raised questions regarding the
expanding bilateral relationship between the U.S. and India,
noting that it has led to much public speculation as to the
value that Washington ascribes to the U.S.-Pakistan
relationship. A/S Hillen stated flatly that President Bush
does not view our bilateral relations with India and with
Pakistan as a zero sum game; he stressed that the
Administration seeks a sustained, strategic relationship with
Pakistan. End introduction.
National Defense College (NDC)
------------------------------
2. (SBU) At NDC Commandant LTG Raza Muhammed Khan and his
staff briefed A/S Hillen on the institution's history,
mission and organization. In a broad discussion of security
issues, LTG Raza raised a number of "irritants" in the
Pakistani-Afghanistan relationship, citing difficulties in
achieving effective security cooperation along the common
border and Pakistan's vulnerability vis-a-vis India's
"foreign hand," which he alleged is operating out of
Afghanistan to destabilize Balochistan. Raza voiced his
concern at the expanding U.S.-Indian relationship, saying
that new Delhi received "far more than it deserved" during
President Bush's recent visit. A/S Hillen assured LTG Raza
that although India is an important global power with whom
the U.S. has a broad and complex relationship, this does not
detract from the sustained and enduring partnership that the
U.S. and Pakistan have built over decades. A/S Hillen and
LTG Raza agreed that NDC will play a vital role as the U.S.
and Pakistan strive for a partnership of strategic vision,
not simply military hardware.
Ministry of Defense (MoD)
-------------------------
3. (C) At the MoD, A/S Hillen was received by Minister of
State Zahid Hamid and Additional Secretary RDML (ret.) A.H.
Chaudhary. Hamid thanked the U.S. for its assistance
following the October 8 South Asian earthquake. A/S Hillen
turned the conversation to the value of the International
Military Education and Training (IMET) program, which he
would like to expand for Pakistan. When Hillen asked for an
assessment of Government of Pakistan's (GOP) current thinking
on F-16 aircraft purchase, Minister Hamid said that the GOP
is definitely interested in purchasing new aircraft, as well
as refurbishing its current fleet and perhaps acquiring
airframes through third-country buy-backs. (Note: Hamid was
not specific as to the number of new aircraft the GOP would
seek. End note.) Hillen encouraged the MoD to forward its
desired mix of F-16s to the USG as soon as possible, so that
the administration can move forward with Congressional
Notification on the transfer. Minister Hamid was pleased to
ISLAMABAD 00005123 002 OF 004
hear A/S Hillen say that he is trying to increase USG
financial support for Pakistani forces currently engaged in
security operations in the Tribal Areas along the Afghan
border. Recognizing Pakistan's leading role in international
peace-keeping operations, Hillen also encouraged the MoD to
consider offering training to African militaries interested
in enhancing their conflict prevention and stabilization
capacities.
Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA)
---------------------------------
4. (C) At the MFA, Chief of Protocol (and former Director
General - Disarmament) Nazir Hussain briefed A/S Hillen on
Pakistan's programs to enhance its non-proliferation regime.
The Protocol Chief expressed gratitude to the U.S. for
earthquake relief assistance, but also shared deep dismay
that President Bush had resurrected the A.Q. Khan legacy by
citing Pakistan's non-proliferation record as the reason the
U.S. would not consider offering Islamabad a civil nuclear
deal to parallel that with India. "Your man cut Musharraf
off at the knees" with that public comment, Hussain said,
noting that his President has a tough time selling his close
relationship with the U.S. to a deeply skeptical Pakistani
public. (Note: Nazir Hussain's briefing on a special PM
program will be reported septel. End note). Additional
Secretary (Americas) Shahid Kamal told A/S Hillen that
SIPDIS
Pakistan is looking forward to moving forward after the
successful visit by President Bush earlier in March. The
public now has high expectations for the bilateral
relationship, which presents a challenge to both sides. When
Hillen asked for one area in which Pakistan could use U.S.
assistance, Kamal quickly took the opportunity to name two:
education and market access for textiles. Additional
Secretary for International Organizations Tariq Usman Haider
SIPDIS
asked to see A/S Hillen to discuss the Proliferation Security
Initiative (PSI), asking whether the U.S. would be willing to
discuss possible Pakistani PSI participation; A/S Hillen
agreed to take the question back to his T-Bureau colleagues
in Washington.
Pakistan Air Force Head Quarters
--------------------------------
5. (C) At PAF HQ March 17, Air Vice Marshall (AVM) Khalid
Chaudhry (Deputy Chief of Air Staff for Operations) and Air
Commodore Jamshed listened carefully as A/S Hillen outlined
concerns raised by some Members of Congress regarding the
pending sale of F-16s to Pakistan. AVM Chaudhry assured A/S
Hillen that Pakistan is prepared to address all USG security
concerns regarding the F-16s. Citing PAF's long history of
cooperation with USAF, he was perplexed that some in the U.S.
are still anxious about Pakistan's security protocols for the
F-16s. Chaudhry acknowledged that the Chinese JF-17 (another
staple in the PAF fleet) is simply not comparable to the F-16
in terms of quality, particularly its avionics and weapons
systems. Chaudhry then contrasted PAF's F-16 fleet to the
array of fighters possessed by the Indian Air Force (IAF),
supported by strong defense acquisition relationships with
the U.S. and Israel. "The math just doesn't add up,"
Chaudhry said, admitting that the PAF has no hope of matching
the IAF's resources. Even the proposed F-16 purchase will
not make that much difference in the relative imbalance of
power, although it will enable Pakistan to maintain a minimum
deterrent capability. The F-16s have acquired a mythic
quality in Pakistan, AVM Chaudhry admitted, taking on an
inflated symbolic importance in the public imagination. He
concluded by asking A/S Hillen to ensure that the F-16 deal
has enough sweeteners to appeal to the public -- a complete
squadron of new F-16s, with JDAM and night-vision capability
-- but not to offer the PAF things that it cannot afford.
6. (C) Warming to his subject, Chaudhry told the delegation
ISLAMABAD 00005123 003 OF 004
that Pakistan would certainly establish adequate security
protocols for the F-16s, but that at the end of the day, the
U.S. simply needs to trust its partner. He cautioned that
the U.S. should not "mock" Pakistan by offering "bone-yard"
F-16s as part of the sale, saying that offering to transfer
mothballed aircraft only plays into the hand of President
Musharraf's extremist enemies, who already find a ready
audience amongst Pakistan's uneducated masses. In contrast,
Chaudhry said, the Chinese "understand the Pakistani psyche"
and therefore "they offer us everything," always on
advantageous financial terms.
7. (S) Given all that Pakistan has done for the U.S.,
Chaudhry said, Pakistan's military leaders have a difficult
time maintaining positive attitudes toward the U.S. amongst
enlisted personnel. He cited the suseptibility of the
enlisted ranks -- most of whom come from rural villages -- to
the influence of extremist Islamic clerics: "You can't
imagine what a hard time we have trying to get to trim their
beards." (Note: This last comment refers to the tradition of
conservative Muslims to grow full beards as a sign of piety.
End note.) Chaudhry claimed to receive reports monthly of
acts of petty sabotage, which he interpreted as an effort by
Islamists amongst the enlisted ranks to prevent PAF aircraft
from being deployed in support of security operations in the
Federally Administrated Tribal Areas (FATA) along the Afghan
border. (Note: Speaking off the record, Chaudhry told A/S
Hillen that PAF aircraft are regularly called to provide air
support to military and security forces when they get into
tight spots in the FATA...dryily adding that Army brass and
the ground forces commanders would deny it. End note.)
Vice Chief of Army Staff (VCOAS)
--------------------------------
8. (C) VCOAS GEN Ahdan Saleem Hyat greeted A/S Hillen with
thanks for American generosity and steadfast support
following the October 8 earthquake, fondly describing how
U.S. Chinook helicopters became a symbol of the relief
effort. He offered his condolences on the deaths of two
Embassy Karachi employees in a March 2 suicide bombing,
before turning to Pak-Afghan relations. Praising the
Tripartite Commission, GEN Ahsan opined that increased
mil-mil interaction and cooperation -- including exchanges
and intelligence-sharing -- would squelch the unhelpful
public bickering widely reported in the media in recent
weeks. GEN Ahsan renewed a proposal first presented to GEN
Abizaid and LTG Eikenberry on March 6 to incorporate Afghan
National Army (ANA) troops into a joint Pak-U.S.
counter-terrorism (CT) exercise scheduled for May 2006. GEN
Ahsan said that Pakistan must succeed in its current CT
operations in the FATA along the Aghan border for its own
sake. Grateful for U.S. assistance thus far, GEN Ahsan said
that future assistance must be more sharply focused,
particularly citing Pakistan's need for top-of-the-line air
assault assets equipped with night-vision capability. Ahsan
gave special emphasis to the need to minimize collateral
damage in the FATA, in order not to alienate the local
population whose cooperation was critical to identifying and
dislodging militant forces seeking refuge in the area. A/S
Hillen responded that the U.S. fully understood the benefits
of night operations in support of a counter-insurgency
campaign. He also praised GEN Ahsan's description of the
GOP's integrated strategy to extend government control to the
FATA, securing military gains with development assistance and
political engagement.
Field Trip to Shahbaz and Mushaf Air Bases
------------------------------------------
9. (C) On March 16, A/S Hillen led a U.S. delegation to the
Shahbaz Air Base near Jacobabad, Sindh Province, for
ISLAMABAD 00005123 004 OF 004
briefings on the Falcon Talon F-16 joint USAF-PAF exercise.
After an initial greeting and briefing by Base Commander Air
Commodore Athar Bukhari, A/S Hillen and delegation toured the
airbase and visited with USAF F-16 ground crew and support
staff. The Falcon Talon exercise is the first unified
USAF/PAF exercise on Pakistani soil. The exercises covered
daytime air combat intercepts and unified strike missions.
Non-flying exercise objectives covered EOD, flight safety and
quality assurance. On March 17, A/S Hillen and delegation
traveled to Mushaf Air Base in Sargodha, which has been the
home of Pakistan's F-16 fleet since 1983. The delegation
received a thorough briefing of security and maintenance
procedures at the base before touring key facilities.
10. (U) This cable has been cleared by A/S Hillen.
CROCKER
Mentioned in cable:
to a decision soonest on the desired configuration for its
purchase of F-16s. A/S Hillen described the process by which
the Administration notifies Congress of the transfer of
defense assets, and counseled the Pakistanis on steps they
could take to facilitate Congressional approval of the F-16
transfer. Turning to the Global War on Terror (GWOT), A/S
Hillen praised Pakistan's commitment to routing
anti-Coalition militants and other extremists in the
Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA) along the
Pak-Afghan border, and sought Pakistani perspectives on how
the U.S. could best configure its security assistance to
support Pakistan's security operations in the region. Many
Pakistani interlocutors raised questions regarding the
expanding bilateral relationship between the U.S. and India,
noting that it has led to much public speculation as to the
value that Washington ascribes to the U.S.-Pakistan
relationship. A/S Hillen stated flatly that President Bush
does not view our bilateral relations with India and with
Pakistan as a zero sum game; he stressed that the
Administration seeks a sustained, strategic relationship with
Pakistan. End introduction.
National Defense College (NDC)
------------------------------
2. (SBU) At NDC Commandant LTG Raza Muhammed Khan and his
staff briefed A/S Hillen on the institution's history,
mission and organization. In a broad discussion of security
issues, LTG Raza raised a number of "irritants" in the
Pakistani-Afghanistan relationship, citing difficulties in
achieving effective security cooperation along the common
border and Pakistan's vulnerability vis-a-vis India's
"foreign hand," which he alleged is operating out of
Afghanistan to destabilize Balochistan. Raza voiced his
concern at the expanding U.S.-Indian relationship, saying
that new Delhi received "far more than it deserved" during
President Bush's recent visit. A/S Hillen assured LTG Raza
that although India is an important global power with whom
the U.S. has a broad and complex relationship, this does not
detract from the sustained and enduring partnership that the
U.S. and Pakistan have built over decades. A/S Hillen and
LTG Raza agreed that NDC will play a vital role as the U.S.
and Pakistan strive for a partnership of strategic vision,
not simply military hardware.
Ministry of Defense (MoD)
-------------------------
3. (C) At the MoD, A/S Hillen was received by Minister of
State Zahid Hamid and Additional Secretary RDML (ret.) A.H.
Chaudhary. Hamid thanked the U.S. for its assistance
following the October 8 South Asian earthquake. A/S Hillen
turned the conversation to the value of the International
Military Education and Training (IMET) program, which he
would like to expand for Pakistan. When Hillen asked for an
assessment of Government of Pakistan's (GOP) current thinking
on F-16 aircraft purchase, Minister Hamid said that the GOP
is definitely interested in purchasing new aircraft, as well
as refurbishing its current fleet and perhaps acquiring
airframes through third-country buy-backs. (Note: Hamid was
not specific as to the number of new aircraft the GOP would
seek. End note.) Hillen encouraged the MoD to forward its
desired mix of F-16s to the USG as soon as possible, so that
the administration can move forward with Congressional
Notification on the transfer. Minister Hamid was pleased to
ISLAMABAD 00005123 002 OF 004
hear A/S Hillen say that he is trying to increase USG
financial support for Pakistani forces currently engaged in
security operations in the Tribal Areas along the Afghan
border. Recognizing Pakistan's leading role in international
peace-keeping operations, Hillen also encouraged the MoD to
consider offering training to African militaries interested
in enhancing their conflict prevention and stabilization
capacities.
Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA)
---------------------------------
4. (C) At the MFA, Chief of Protocol (and former Director
General - Disarmament) Nazir Hussain briefed A/S Hillen on
Pakistan's programs to enhance its non-proliferation regime.
The Protocol Chief expressed gratitude to the U.S. for
earthquake relief assistance, but also shared deep dismay
that President Bush had resurrected the A.Q. Khan legacy by
citing Pakistan's non-proliferation record as the reason the
U.S. would not consider offering Islamabad a civil nuclear
deal to parallel that with India. "Your man cut Musharraf
off at the knees" with that public comment, Hussain said,
noting that his President has a tough time selling his close
relationship with the U.S. to a deeply skeptical Pakistani
public. (Note: Nazir Hussain's briefing on a special PM
program will be reported septel. End note). Additional
Secretary (Americas) Shahid Kamal told A/S Hillen that
SIPDIS
Pakistan is looking forward to moving forward after the
successful visit by President Bush earlier in March. The
public now has high expectations for the bilateral
relationship, which presents a challenge to both sides. When
Hillen asked for one area in which Pakistan could use U.S.
assistance, Kamal quickly took the opportunity to name two:
education and market access for textiles. Additional
Secretary for International Organizations Tariq Usman Haider
SIPDIS
asked to see A/S Hillen to discuss the Proliferation Security
Initiative (PSI), asking whether the U.S. would be willing to
discuss possible Pakistani PSI participation; A/S Hillen
agreed to take the question back to his T-Bureau colleagues
in Washington.
Pakistan Air Force Head Quarters
--------------------------------
5. (C) At PAF HQ March 17, Air Vice Marshall (AVM) Khalid
Chaudhry (Deputy Chief of Air Staff for Operations) and Air
Commodore Jamshed listened carefully as A/S Hillen outlined
concerns raised by some Members of Congress regarding the
pending sale of F-16s to Pakistan. AVM Chaudhry assured A/S
Hillen that Pakistan is prepared to address all USG security
concerns regarding the F-16s. Citing PAF's long history of
cooperation with USAF, he was perplexed that some in the U.S.
are still anxious about Pakistan's security protocols for the
F-16s. Chaudhry acknowledged that the Chinese JF-17 (another
staple in the PAF fleet) is simply not comparable to the F-16
in terms of quality, particularly its avionics and weapons
systems. Chaudhry then contrasted PAF's F-16 fleet to the
array of fighters possessed by the Indian Air Force (IAF),
supported by strong defense acquisition relationships with
the U.S. and Israel. "The math just doesn't add up,"
Chaudhry said, admitting that the PAF has no hope of matching
the IAF's resources. Even the proposed F-16 purchase will
not make that much difference in the relative imbalance of
power, although it will enable Pakistan to maintain a minimum
deterrent capability. The F-16s have acquired a mythic
quality in Pakistan, AVM Chaudhry admitted, taking on an
inflated symbolic importance in the public imagination. He
concluded by asking A/S Hillen to ensure that the F-16 deal
has enough sweeteners to appeal to the public -- a complete
squadron of new F-16s, with JDAM and night-vision capability
-- but not to offer the PAF things that it cannot afford.
6. (C) Warming to his subject, Chaudhry told the delegation
ISLAMABAD 00005123 003 OF 004
that Pakistan would certainly establish adequate security
protocols for the F-16s, but that at the end of the day, the
U.S. simply needs to trust its partner. He cautioned that
the U.S. should not "mock" Pakistan by offering "bone-yard"
F-16s as part of the sale, saying that offering to transfer
mothballed aircraft only plays into the hand of President
Musharraf's extremist enemies, who already find a ready
audience amongst Pakistan's uneducated masses. In contrast,
Chaudhry said, the Chinese "understand the Pakistani psyche"
and therefore "they offer us everything," always on
advantageous financial terms.
7. (S) Given all that Pakistan has done for the U.S.,
Chaudhry said, Pakistan's military leaders have a difficult
time maintaining positive attitudes toward the U.S. amongst
enlisted personnel. He cited the suseptibility of the
enlisted ranks -- most of whom come from rural villages -- to
the influence of extremist Islamic clerics: "You can't
imagine what a hard time we have trying to get to trim their
beards." (Note: This last comment refers to the tradition of
conservative Muslims to grow full beards as a sign of piety.
End note.) Chaudhry claimed to receive reports monthly of
acts of petty sabotage, which he interpreted as an effort by
Islamists amongst the enlisted ranks to prevent PAF aircraft
from being deployed in support of security operations in the
Federally Administrated Tribal Areas (FATA) along the Afghan
border. (Note: Speaking off the record, Chaudhry told A/S
Hillen that PAF aircraft are regularly called to provide air
support to military and security forces when they get into
tight spots in the FATA...dryily adding that Army brass and
the ground forces commanders would deny it. End note.)
Vice Chief of Army Staff (VCOAS)
--------------------------------
8. (C) VCOAS GEN Ahdan Saleem Hyat greeted A/S Hillen with
thanks for American generosity and steadfast support
following the October 8 earthquake, fondly describing how
U.S. Chinook helicopters became a symbol of the relief
effort. He offered his condolences on the deaths of two
Embassy Karachi employees in a March 2 suicide bombing,
before turning to Pak-Afghan relations. Praising the
Tripartite Commission, GEN Ahsan opined that increased
mil-mil interaction and cooperation -- including exchanges
and intelligence-sharing -- would squelch the unhelpful
public bickering widely reported in the media in recent
weeks. GEN Ahsan renewed a proposal first presented to GEN
Abizaid and LTG Eikenberry on March 6 to incorporate Afghan
National Army (ANA) troops into a joint Pak-U.S.
counter-terrorism (CT) exercise scheduled for May 2006. GEN
Ahsan said that Pakistan must succeed in its current CT
operations in the FATA along the Aghan border for its own
sake. Grateful for U.S. assistance thus far, GEN Ahsan said
that future assistance must be more sharply focused,
particularly citing Pakistan's need for top-of-the-line air
assault assets equipped with night-vision capability. Ahsan
gave special emphasis to the need to minimize collateral
damage in the FATA, in order not to alienate the local
population whose cooperation was critical to identifying and
dislodging militant forces seeking refuge in the area. A/S
Hillen responded that the U.S. fully understood the benefits
of night operations in support of a counter-insurgency
campaign. He also praised GEN Ahsan's description of the
GOP's integrated strategy to extend government control to the
FATA, securing military gains with development assistance and
political engagement.
Field Trip to Shahbaz and Mushaf Air Bases
------------------------------------------
9. (C) On March 16, A/S Hillen led a U.S. delegation to the
Shahbaz Air Base near Jacobabad, Sindh Province, for
ISLAMABAD 00005123 004 OF 004
briefings on the Falcon Talon F-16 joint USAF-PAF exercise.
After an initial greeting and briefing by Base Commander Air
Commodore Athar Bukhari, A/S Hillen and delegation toured the
airbase and visited with USAF F-16 ground crew and support
staff. The Falcon Talon exercise is the first unified
USAF/PAF exercise on Pakistani soil. The exercises covered
daytime air combat intercepts and unified strike missions.
Non-flying exercise objectives covered EOD, flight safety and
quality assurance. On March 17, A/S Hillen and delegation
traveled to Mushaf Air Base in Sargodha, which has been the
home of Pakistan's F-16 fleet since 1983. The delegation
received a thorough briefing of security and maintenance
procedures at the base before touring key facilities.
10. (U) This cable has been cleared by A/S Hillen.
CROCKER
Mentioned in cable:
