Air Marshal M. Ashfaque Arain (Retd)

Former Advisor to CAS, PAF On CASS Affairs

Air Marshal Ashfaq Arain

Air Marshal M. Ashfaque Arain (Retd)

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Professional Experience

Air Marshal M Ashfaque Arain (Retd) was Advisor to Chief of Air Staff, PAF on CASS Affairs at the Centre for Aerospace & Security Studies, Islamabad, Pakistan till November 2023. He is a graduate of Combat Commanders’ School, PAF Air War College and National Defence University. He holds a Master’s Degree in Defense & Strategic Studies from Air War College (AWC) and a Master’s Degree in War Studies from National Defense University (NDU), Islamabad. In his 41 years of illustrious career as a fighter pilot with Pakistan Air force, the Air Marshal flew various top of the line fighter aircraft with a singular honour of being first PAF pilot to achieve 2000 hours on the F-16 aircraft. During his career, he has served in senior command and staff assignments including command of a fighter squadron, an operational base, Air Adviser Pakistan’s High Commission in New Delhi, Chief Project director Horizon, Assistant Chief of the Air Staff (Operations), Assistant Chief of the Air Staff (Plans), Director General Air force Strategic Command (AFSC), Director General Projects, and Deputy Chief of the Air Staff (Administration). His specialist areas of research include Emerging Technologies like Artificial Intelligence, Cyber space, Hypersonic weapons and Robotics. The Air Marshal has been decorated with the distinguished awards of, Tamgha-i-Imtiaz (Military), Sitara-i-Imtiaz (Military), Hilal-i-Imtiaz (Military) and Sitara-i-Basalat.

Events

Publications

Mafias in Modern Times

December 4, 2023

The term ‘Mafia’ traces its roots to Sicily, where it emerged as a covert international organisation. Initially perceived as a group formed to resist oppression, it swiftly morphed into a nefarious criminal organisation. This transformation was notably transported to the United States in the late 19th Century by Italian immigrants. Known by various monikers such as the Syndicate, the Mob, and Cosa Nostra (literally ‘Our Thing’), the Mafia has etched a distinct identity in the criminal underworld.
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Countering Information Warfare in the Cognitive Domain

November 13, 2023

Sun Tzu, the ancient Chinese military strategist, had long ago highlighted the significance of information warfare when he said, ‘all warfare is deception’. The term ‘Information Warfare’ entered military lexicon in the late ’70s, yet the strategy is as old as warfare itself. It has, however, continued to evolve with technological advancements.
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Between Dignity

Between Dignity and Despair: The Choice to Die on One’s Feet

October 14, 2023

The attack by Hamas on the Israeli mainland on Saturday morning caught many by surprise, evoking memories of the unexpected assault by Egypt and Syria in 1973. The latest death toll stands at 576 Palestinians and at least 800 Israelis killed. Additionally, a large number of civilian and military personnel were taken hostage and shifted to Gaza.
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Modi’s India on a Killing Spree

October 6, 2023

For a long time, India has projected itself as the world’s largest democracy. Western countries, driven by their economic and geopolitical interests, have often overlooked Indian, especially the present government’s human rights violations, persecution of minorities, curbs on media and even support for terrorist activities on foreign countries.
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