Article
Hakla-D I Khan Motorway: A milestone achievement on Western Route of CPEC
Published
3 years agoon
By
EDITOR
(APP): The completion of Hakla-D I Khan Motorway has proved a milestone achievement on the Western Route of the China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) for providing fast connectivity to the locals as well as paving the way for preparing the shortest route for logistics moving to and from the Chinese province of Xinjiang to Gwadar Port.
Soon after taking the charge, the incumbent government had pledged to complete the Western Route on priority besides taking the CPEC projects forward by speeding up the pace of work in other areas including industries, clean energy, and agriculture.
The government is also keen to complete other road projects on the western alignment, especially D I Khan-Zhob and Zhob-Quetta roads to minimize the travel time from the federal capital to Quetta.
The National High Authority has recently opened the Western Corridor portion of Hakla-D I Khan Motorway. The 292.5 km long four-lane motorway comprises 11 interchanges, 36 bridges, 119 underpasses, 33 flyovers, and 398 culverts.
Muhammad Saleem, a D I Khan resident, currently living in Islamabad said, “The motorway had proved to be a source of big relief for me as I had to spend long and hard time of eight hours to reach my home on the old road that was in dilapidated condition.” However, he said now after the inauguration of Hakla-D I Khan Motorway, the travel time has been reduced to less than four hours.
According to sources in CPEC Authority, the initial cost estimate of the project that was commenced in 2016 by the PML-N government was around Rs110 billion but later on, the project (a major portion was completed during the current government) was completed at a cost of Rs81 billion.
The Hakla-D I Khan Motorway was constructed in five packages. The first package is from Yarak (D I Khan) to Rehmani Khel comprising 54.6 km. The 71.2 km second package starts from Rehmani Khel to Kot Belian while the third starts from Kot Belian to Tarap and its length is 52.5 km.
The fourth package is 51.2 km from Tarap to Pindi Gheb while the 63 km last package is from Pindi Gheb to Hakla. The project starts from Hakla on M-1 and passes through Qutbal, Fatehjang, Pindigheb, Tarap, Sikandarabad, Daud Khel, Mianwali, crossing River Indus, Isa Kheil, Kundal, Abdulkhel, Paniyala and ends at N-55 (Indus Highway) near Yarak.
The road would further connect with Sagu on N-50 as part of the CPEC Western Route and from Sagu onwards the road would be built up to Zhob and ultimately to Quetta.
The D I Khan city is located at a junction of N-50, N-55, and Waziristan area, therefore, the 292.5 km new CPEC Motorway facility would prove to be a new hub of business for the North Punjab, Southern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Balochistan, and Afghanistan.
The surrounding areas of this motorway comprise landscapes and farms producing vegetables, pulses, grains, and fruits, especially the high-quality mangoes and dates. The motorway would help open up the fertile hidden areas of North Punjab and South KP to all kinds of trade and access to other areas of the country.
The new motorway would improve the socio-economic conditions of the people living along the road. The sources in CPEC Authority said that there were five other high-priority road projects on the Western alignment of CPEC.
As per the detail, on the CPEC Western Route, the completed projects include the 297 km Hakla-D I Khan Motorway, the 235 km Quetta-Sohrab road, the 449 km Surab-Hoshab road, and the 193 km Hoshab-Gwadar road.
Similarly, the under-construction projects on the CPEC Western Route include the 305 km Zhob-Quetta road, the 110 km Basima-Khuzdar road, the Nokundi-Mashkel road, and the 146 km Hoshab-Awaran road.
The projects on the Western Route that are in the pipeline include the 360 km Peshawar-D I Khan motorway, the 460 km Karachi-Quetta-Chaman road, the 200 km Mashkhel-Panjgur road, the 163 km Awaran-Khuzdar road, the 228 km Panjgur-Awaran road, and the 136 km Awaran-Jhal Jao-Bela road.
Work on the 210-kilometer D.I. Khan (Yarik)-Zhob Road (N-50) and Zhob-Quetta (N-50) roads have already been completed while working on the 431 km Khuzdar-Quetta-Chaman Section of N-25 is also in progress. The Surab-Hoshab at N-85 and Gwadar-Turbat-Hoshab (M-8) are already operational.
Similarly, the sources said that work on the 106 km Basima-Khuzdar road, Quetta to Khuzdar road, and Khuzdar to Awaran and Hoshab road has also been started and would complete soon. The sources added that the work on the western alignment routes of CPEC would be completed within three years.
All routes of the western alignment go through remote areas where the poverty rate is higher, jobs are less and industrial development and infrastructure are very low, thus completion of these projects will usher in the prosperity of the areas.
The Authority sources said the country was entering into the second phase of CPEC as it was moving beyond infrastructure to focus on agriculture, particularly economic zones to boost industrialization. More sectors such as science, technology, information technology, and agriculture sectors have also been included in the mega project of CPEC, it added.
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Article
The Chiltan Ibex: A Rare Treasure of Balochistan
Published
2 weeks agoon
March 19, 2025By
EDITOR
The Chiltan ibex (Capra aegagrus chiltanensis), a subspecies of the wild goat, is one of the most unique and endangered animals native to Pakistan. Found exclusively in the rocky highlands of the Chiltan range within the Hazarganji-Chiltan National Park in Balochistan, this elusive animal represents the region’s rich biodiversity and ecological heritage.
Physical Characteristics
The Chiltan ibex is a strikingly beautiful species, with a robust, muscular build perfectly suited for navigating steep and rocky terrains. Males are particularly distinctive, boasting impressive curved horns that can grow up to 30 inches (76 cm) in length. Their coat is light brown, with a darker stripe running along their back and legs, providing excellent camouflage in their arid mountainous habitat.
Females are smaller in size with shorter, more slender horns, and their coloration is less pronounced, blending seamlessly into their surroundings. This camouflage helps protect them and their offspring from predators such as wolves and large birds of prey.
Habitat and Range
The Chiltan ibex inhabits the rugged, semi-arid regions of the Chiltan range, located within the Hazarganji-Chiltan National Park, southwest of Quetta. These high-altitude areas, ranging from 1,500 to 3,200 meters above sea level, are characterized by rocky cliffs, sparse vegetation, and extreme weather conditions.
The ibex is well-adapted to this challenging environment, where it feeds on grasses, shrubs, and the leaves of juniper trees. Its ability to climb steep slopes and jump across narrow ledges gives it a unique advantage in escaping predators and surviving in such inhospitable terrain.
Behavior and Social Structure
Chiltan ibexes are diurnal, meaning they are active during the day. They are typically found in small groups, with herds consisting of females and their young. Males are more solitary, joining herds only during the breeding season, which occurs in the late autumn and winter months.
During this time, males engage in dramatic displays of strength to compete for mating rights, including horn clashing and dominance rituals. After a gestation period of around six months, females give birth to one or two kids in spring, when food availability is higher.
Conservation Status
The Chiltan ibex is classified as endangered due to its restricted range, habitat loss, and poaching. Habitat degradation caused by overgrazing, deforestation, and human encroachment poses significant threats to its survival.
Historically, the ibex faced heavy hunting pressure for its horns, considered a symbol of prestige, and for its meat. Although hunting is now banned in the national park, illegal poaching remains a concern.
Conservation Efforts
To protect the Chiltan ibex and its fragile ecosystem, the Hazarganji-Chiltan National Park was established in 1980. Spanning over 32,500 acres, the park provides a safe haven for the ibex and other wildlife, such as wolves, foxes, and birds of prey.
Conservation efforts include:
- Anti-Poaching Measures: Increased patrolling and strict enforcement of hunting bans have helped reduce poaching incidents.
- Habitat Restoration: Programs to control overgrazing and reforest juniper woodlands are underway to restore the ibex’s natural habitat.
- Public Awareness Campaigns: Local communities are being educated about the importance of biodiversity and the role of the Chiltan ibex in maintaining ecological balance.
- Eco-Tourism Initiatives: Promoting responsible tourism generates revenue for conservation projects and raises awareness about the ibex’s plight.
Ecological Importance
The Chiltan ibex plays a vital role in its ecosystem as both a grazer and prey species. By feeding on shrubs and grasses, it helps maintain vegetation balance, preventing overgrowth and contributing to soil health. At the same time, it serves as a food source for predators, sustaining the natural food chain.
Protecting the ibex is not just about saving a single species—it’s about preserving an entire ecosystem that supports numerous forms of life, from tiny insects to apex predators.
Cultural Significance
For the people of Balochistan, the Chiltan ibex is more than just a wild animal; it is a symbol of the region’s natural beauty and resilience. Local folklore often intertwines with the ibex, celebrating its agility and strength. The species also draws international attention, making it a flagship for wildlife conservation in Pakistan.
The Future of the Chiltan Ibex
While conservation efforts have shown promise, the Chiltan ibex remains vulnerable. Protecting this rare species requires continued collaboration between government agencies, conservation organizations, and local communities.
By safeguarding the Chiltan ibex, we not only preserve a unique animal but also protect the fragile ecosystem of Balochistan, ensuring that future generations can marvel at the beauty and resilience of this incredible species.
The Chiltan ibex is a testament to nature’s ability to adapt and survive in the harshest of environments. As efforts to protect it continue, this majestic animal stands as a beacon of hope for wildlife conservation in Pakistan.
Article
Aik Qaum: The Fusion of Integrity and Patriotism
Published
2 weeks agoon
March 19, 2025By
EDITOR
We keep Integrity closest to our Heart and Patriotism on top of our mind.
Integrity and patriotism are not separate entities; they are intertwined in the soul of Pakistan. The people understand that to be a patriot is to uphold the principles of integrity. Honesty and love for one’s country are two sides of the same coin. Together, these values form the essence of “Aik Qaum.”
The fusion of integrity and patriotism is evident in the everyday lives of Pakistanis. It’s in the farmer toiling the fields, the teacher educating the youth, and the soldier guarding the borders. It’s in the child who dreams of a better Pakistan and the elderly who have seen the nation grow. “Aik Qaum” is the realization that integrity and patriotism are the heart and mind of Pakistan, beating in unison to guide the nation forward.
As we celebrate the spirit of “Aik Qaum,” we honor the values that make Pakistan a unique and resilient nation. Integrity and patriotism serve as our guiding stars, leading us towards a brighter and more prosperous future. In the heart of every Pakistani and at the forefront of their minds, “Aik Qaum” stands as a testament to the strength of a united nation, bound by the principles of integrity and the unyielding love for their homeland.
In Pakistan, “Aik Qaum” is not just a motto; it’s a way of life that embodies the enduring spirit of a proud and united nation.

Muhammad Mahmood Alam, often referred to as M.M. Alam, was a legendary Pakistani fighter pilot who gained fame during the 1965 Pak-Indo War. He is celebrated for his exceptional skills and courage in combat, particularly for downing five Indian Hawker Hunter fighter aircraft in a single dogfight in less than a minute. This remarkable achievement earned him the nickname “Little Dragon” and solidified his reputation as one of Pakistan’s most celebrated fighter pilots.

M.M. Alam’s extraordinary feat of shooting down five enemy aircraft in such a short span of time is still regarded as one of the most significant accomplishments in aerial combat history. He was an inspiration to generations of Pakistani pilots and remains a symbol of bravery and skill in the Pakistan Air Force’s history.
While the term “Top Gun” is often associated with elite fighter pilots, it’s essential to note that M.M. Alam achieved legendary status not only within Pakistan but also on the international stage due to his exceptional combat performance. His legacy as a real-life “Top Gun” endures in the annals of aviation history
M.M. Alam’s Aircraft: The F-86 Sabre and the Indian Hawker Hunter
M.M. Alam’s Aircraft: The F-86 Sabre
1. Overview:
- Type: Fighter aircraft
- Manufacturer: North American Aviation
- Role: Air superiority fighter and ground attack
- First Flight: October 1, 1947
- Introduced: 1949
- Primary User: United States Air Force (USAF), also used by Pakistan Air Force (PAF) and various other air forces globally
2. Design and Features:
- The F-86 Sabre was a transonic jet fighter aircraft that became one of the most prominent American fighter planes during the Korean War and throughout the early Cold War period.
- Engine: Powered by a General Electric J47 turbojet engine, capable of producing about 5,200 lbf of thrust.
- Speed: The Sabre could reach a top speed of approximately 687 mph (Mach 0.9), making it one of the fastest jet fighters of its time.
- Armament: The aircraft was equipped with six .50 caliber M3 Browning machine guns mounted in the nose. It could also carry bombs and rockets for ground attack missions.
- Maneuverability: The Sabre’s swept-wing design contributed to its excellent maneuverability at high speeds, which was crucial during dogfights.
- Combat Role: The F-86 Sabre was primarily designed for air-to-air combat but was versatile enough to perform ground-attack missions. Its agility and speed made it a formidable adversary in dogfights, particularly against Soviet-built MiG-15s during the Korean War.
3. M.M. Alam and the F-86 Sabre:
- During the 1965 Indo-Pak war, M.M. Alam flew the F-86 Sabre and achieved extraordinary success in aerial combat.
- Alam’s mastery of the Sabre was evident in his ability to outmaneuver and outshoot the Indian Air Force’s (IAF) more modern aircraft, particularly the Hawker Hunter.
- His most famous achievement came on September 7, 1965, when he shot down five IAF Hawker Hunters in less than a minute using the F-86 Sabre, setting a world record for the fastest air-to-air kills.
Indian Aircraft: The Hawker Hunter
1. Overview:
- Type: Fighter aircraft
- Manufacturer: Hawker Aircraft
- Role: Fighter-bomber, ground attack, and interceptor
- First Flight: July 20, 1951
- Introduced: 1954
- Primary User: Royal Air Force (RAF), Indian Air Force (IAF), and various other air forces globally
2. Design and Features:
- The Hawker Hunter was a transonic British jet fighter that served as the primary front-line fighter for the Royal Air Force and was extensively used by the Indian Air Force during the 1965 Indo-Pak war.
- Engine: Powered by a Rolls-Royce Avon turbojet engine, producing between 7,500 lbf and 10,150 lbf of thrust depending on the variant.
- Speed: The Hunter could reach a top speed of approximately 715 mph (Mach 0.94).
- Armament: The Hunter was equipped with four 30mm ADEN cannons and could carry a variety of bombs, rockets, and missiles for air-to-ground and air-to-air combat.
- Maneuverability: The Hunter was known for its smooth handling, robust design, and reliability. Its performance made it a popular aircraft among pilots.
- Combat Role: The Hawker Hunter served as both an interceptor and a ground-attack aircraft. Its versatile design allowed it to be used in multiple roles, from air superiority missions to close air support.
3. Indian Air Force and the Hawker Hunter:
- The Hawker Hunter was one of the primary aircraft used by the Indian Air Force during the 1965 Indo-Pak war. It was considered a superior aircraft to many of the older jet fighters in service at the time.
- Despite the Hunter’s technological advantages, M.M. Alam’s exceptional flying skills allowed him to defeat these aircraft decisively during dogfights, most notably in the skies over Sargodha.
- The Hunter was involved in several key air battles during the conflict, and its pilots were often engaged by PAF’s F-86 Sabres, including those flown by M.M. Alam.
Comparative Analysis
**1. Technological Comparison:
- F-86 Sabre: Despite being older and less powerful compared to the Hawker Hunter, the F-86 Sabre was highly maneuverable and had a combat-proven track record. It was an agile and reliable aircraft, particularly effective in dogfights.
- Hawker Hunter: The Hunter was a more modern aircraft with better speed, armament, and avionics. It had a higher top speed and could carry a more diverse payload, making it more versatile in various combat roles.
2. Tactical Superiority:
- M.M. Alam’s Tactical Genius: The technological edge of the Hawker Hunter was effectively neutralized by M.M. Alam’s superior tactics, quick decision-making, and precise shooting. His deep understanding of the F-86 Sabre’s capabilities allowed him to exploit its strengths and outmaneuver the Hunters.
- Dogfight Success: Alam’s ability to down five Hawker Hunters in under a minute was not just a demonstration of his flying skills but also a reflection of his deep tactical acumen. He capitalized on the Sabre’s strengths, such as its rapid acceleration and tighter turning radius, to dominate the aerial battle.
3. Historical Impact:
- Legacy of the F-86 Sabre: The success of the F-86 Sabre in the hands of pilots like M.M. Alam has become a celebrated chapter in military aviation history. The aircraft, despite its age, proved that skill and strategy could triumph over technological superiority.
- Role of the Hawker Hunter: While the Hawker Hunter was a formidable aircraft, its performance in the 1965 war, particularly against M.M. Alam, highlighted the importance of pilot expertise and tactical proficiency in determining the outcome of air engagements.
Conclusion
The aerial battles between the F-86 Sabre and the Hawker Hunter during the 1965 Indo-Pak war are a testament to the enduring truth that while technology plays a critical role in modern warfare, it is the skill, strategy, and courage of the pilot that ultimately determine victory. M.M. Alam’s legendary feats in the F-86 Sabre against the Indian Hawker Hunters remain one of the most remarkable stories in the history of aerial combat, and they continue to inspire future generations of fighter pilots around the world.


Aik Qaum, Aik Sath | Pakistan Zindabad | Pakistan Day Song | 23rd March 2024 | AIKQAUM.COM

Nation celebrates Pakistan Day today with traditional zeal
