Pakistan seeks US helicopters, night vision devices to counter terrorism
IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency
Islamabad, May 1, IRNA - Pakistan said on Thursday that there are gaps in the country’s capability and it needs equipment like helicopters and night vision devices.
“Pakistan is engaged with the United States in order to plug these gaps in our capability,” Foreign Office spokesman Abdul Basit said.
“The US administration was in touch with Capitol Hill and there is possibility of moving forward on the issue,” the spokesman told the weekly press briefing.
The spokesman said apart from the United States, Pakistan has also been approaching the UK and several other countries for acquisition of the required equipment to counter terrorism and violent extremism.
To a question he said Pakistan has extensive engagement with Iran and together with Afghanistan the three countries are trying to establish a permanent kind of framework to address the issues of terrorism and development.
He said the second trilateral summit would be held in Tehran next month.
He added that the US now sees merit in Pakistan's position but unfortunately there has been no worthwhile response from other capitals.
He noted that in the wake of policy review, Pakistan is witnessing positive change and hopefully it will have the equipment required for fighting terrorism.
About remarks of the US President Barack Obama and Admiral Mike Mullen regarding Pakistan's intentions and capability to fight terrorism, he said as for intentions are concerned the country is determined and resolved to fight extremism.
The spokesman once again reiterated that drone attacks were violation of Pakistan's sovereignty and were not helpful in the war against terror.
“Pakistan has differences with Washington over the issue”.
He said Pakistan has taken up the issue time and again and this would once again be raised during the next trilateral meeting in Washington.
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