If media reports are any measure, the recently concluded exercise Azm-i-Nau was mostly a Pakistan army and PAF event; Pakistan Navy was either not fully dovetailed and if at all, it was apportioned only an 'observer' status. The exercise was aimed at developing responses to India's provocative 'Cold Start' doctrine, or 'Proactive Operations doctrine' as is commonly termed in the military parlance.

Given that some eight or more Integrated Battle Groups (IBGs) will simultaneously threaten Pakistan along various axes, accurately hypothesising the decisive thrust line of adversary would be a hard game for our military planners.

Lacking territorial depth and with one probable objective area of incursion in the Cold Start as Reti-Rahim Yar Khan Kashmore complex (Dawn, Feb 8), a north-south split occurring is one possible assumption. Pre-emption aside, in the event of penetration by IBG should Pakistan's response be restricted only to the use of low yield tactical warheads; do we have other choices? Answer to this becomes crucial given the fact that Indian nuclear doctrine is unambiguous in asserting that even a small tactical weapon will invite massive retaliatory strike.

The successful prosecution of modern wars calls for a high degree of joint action between all services. Additionally, contemporary operations are now mostly effect based which involves attacking a second-order target to have first order consequences. It also means simultaneous attack against all the enemy's vital systems. By virtue of inherent capabilities like rapid mobility, speedy deployment, stealth etc, naval platforms constitute ideal fighting machines especially in a war limited by time.

Cold Start doctrine may seemingly involve Indian army (IBGs) duly supported by IAF but it is inconceivable that in its execution, the Indian navy would remain idle. I.N. played a striking role during Kargil war. The western fleet duly reinforced with major elements from the eastern fleet, took up a forward posture and conducted maneuvers not far from Pakistan's coast.

Envisioning the focal rather than peripheral role for PN in 'Cold Start' merits serious consideration in our planning process. Causing diversion, creating fire effect using submarine and air launched missiles while protecting critical sea lines are some. It is time for Pakistan to reorient and move beyond land fixations that have proved too costly in the past. Maritime domain, particularly in our region, is today gaining too wide an importance to be ignored. Recent launch of a nuclear submarine completing India's triad is just one illustration.

MUHAMMAD AZAM KHAN
Lahore