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Pakistan has moved around 35,000 troops and three large armoured formations in a rapid build-up facing the Indian border in Akhnoor in Jammu and Kashmir and Ganganagar in Rajasthan, according to highly placed official sources.
While Islamabad has been 'crying wolf' over New Delhi's 'intentions', officials said Pakistan army during the past fortnight has amassed two infantry divisions and an extra-strength armoured brigade just 30 to 35 kms from Akhnoor Border in the Chenab-Jhelum corridor.
A similar build-up by moving an armoured division and two independent armoured brigades with elements of mechanised and support columns has also been reported from Bhawalpur area facing Ganganagar in Rajasthan.
"Pakistan army has been put on a state of high alert, with cancellation of leave of personnel and officers and men stopped from attending specialised courses," officials said triggering speculation General Pervez Musharaf may be preparing for another Kargil style pre-emptive option, if threatened at home.
"Pakistan's 10 Corps has moved two infantry divisions to areas about 40-50 km from the India border in the Akhnoor sector of Jammu and Kashmir," an army source said.
"In the Bhawalpur region, two armoured brigades have been moved to within 90 km from the border, opposite the Bikaner-Suratgarh sector in Rajasthan," the source added
Each infantry division comprises some 17,000 troops while an armoured brigade has about 150 tanks, besides an assortment of armoured vehicles like personnel carriers.
Analysts also said the movement of troops from strategic reserves at Okara and Kharian to a build-up along Indo-Pak border could also be an attempt to divert public anger from US strikes in Afghanistan.
Agencies
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