Light Within

The US Air Force confirmed for the first time that it is flying a stealth unmanned aircraft known as the "Beast of Kandahar," a drone spotted in photos and shrouded in secrecy.

The RQ-170 Sentinel is being developed by Lockheed Martin and is designed "to provide reconnaissance and surveillance support to forward deployed combat forces," the air force said in a brief statement.

The "RQ" prefix for the aircraft indicates an unarmed drone, unlike the "MQ" designation used for Predator and Reaper aircraft equipped with missiles and precision-guided bombs.

Aviation experts dubbed the drone the "Beast of Kandahar" after photographs emerged earlier this year showing the mysterious aircraft in southern Afghanistan in 2007.

The image suggested a drone with a radar-evading stealth-like design, resembling a smaller version of a B-2 bomber.

A blog in the French newspaper Liberation published another photo this week, feeding speculation among aviation watchers about the classified drone.

The air force said the aircraft came out of Lockheed Martin's "Skunk Works," also known as Advanced Development Programs, in California - the home of sophisticated and often secret defense projects including the U-2 spy plane, the F-22 fighter jet and the F-117 Nighthawk.

The photo of the drone in Afghanistan has raised questions about why the United States would be operating a stealth unmanned aircraft in a country where insurgents have no radar systems, prompting speculation Washington was using the drones for possible spying missions in neighboring Iran or Pakistan.

The Sentinel was believed to have a flying wing design with no tail and with sensors built into the top side of each wing, according to published photos.

The RQ-170 is in line with Defense Secretary Robert Gates' request for more intelligence and surveillance resources and with the Air Force chief of staff's plans to expand the fleet of unmanned aircraft, the air force said.

The new drone is flown by the 30th Reconnaissance Squadron out of Tonopah Test Range in Nevada, which is under Air Combat Command's 432nd Wing at Creech Air Base, also in Nevada.

The United States has carried out an extensive bombing campaign against Al-Qaeda figures in Pakistan using the Predator and larger Reaper drones.

Robots or "unmanned systems" in the air and on the ground are now deployed by the thousands in Iraq and Afghanistan, spying from the sky for hours on end, searching for booby-traps and firing lethal missiles without putting US soldiers at risk. {#}

Gujrat is famous for so many things from having credits like more Nishan-e-Haider than any other district in Pakistan to being the best place that provides wood furniture internationally. The list goes on and on. But what seems to top it all is University of Gujrat spanking new seat of learning that is creating waves in academic circles.

Stand on the central mound of the main Campus in University of Gujrat that is overlooking the fountain and you will see the rapid development of infrastructure all around. Young and bright students roaming around add color to the Campus surrounded by serene and green paddy fields. On top of everything else, I could feel the spirit of a great team lead by Prof. Dr. Muhammad Nizamuddin, the Vice Chancellor, University of Gujrat in everything. It is clearly visible how hard work and the dedication can change the whole environment and how soon. I was so glad that I covered that extra mile to the University in order to meet one of my friends. I wanted to experience what I had known about the University from information rich blog and the website.

Gujrat is on my way whenever I happen to visit my village Mong. This time I decided to go to the University to meet my friend Muhammad Yaqoob. He had given me instructions and directions to reach the University on Jalalpur Jattan Road – turn East from Service More at G T Road, Cross District Courts and you will hit Jalalpur Jattan Road that leads to the University. I wish there is another route to the University. May be direct access from the G T Road some day!

What else, I can already see University of Gujrat playing a very important role in the higher education of Pakistan.

Men at their best from 55 PMA Long Course are very social people. They go a long way to meet each other and relive their memories spread over more than three decades. I am proud to be from 55 and try to find a chance to meet my course mates whenever I can. This time I had a chance to meet Tariq Fazal at Hamsafar on the G T Road.

Hamsafar (very aptly named) is a very well laid out CNG station and now it has become a meeting point for anyone commuting the most travelled road in Pakistan. Unlike any other CNG station, Tariq Fazal has set up Hamsafar with a taste – neat, very functional and users’ friendly facility. One feels like having a break at this station. The direction are: leave Lahore, Cross Ravi and then the Railways Phati. Facing Rawalpindi, it is on your left precisely 2.5 KM from Railways Phatic.

After filling the tank of my motor car and getting the tyre pressure checked, I had a much needed break in his office. The office too is neatly laid in style and one can feel its style in everything. Having tea on a frosty morning and gup shup with an old buddy was good enough a reason not to move but I had a long journey ahead to my village Mong so had to leave.

What else, Thanks Tariq Fazal for setting up Hamsafar where you have. Meet you during my next journey.