Pak seeks new US deal after returning 9 military choppers


Team Udayavani, Oct 31, 2017, 5:57 PM IST

Islamabad (Pakistan): Pakistan is seeking a new deal with the US for acquiring an unspecified number of helicopters for anti-narcotics operations after returning nine military choppers it had received in 2002, a media report said today.

Pakistan today returned five of the nine Huey II helicopters it had received almost 15 years ago. The ministry of interior, which was using the aircraft, had returned four of these nine rotary-wing helicopters on October 15.

Pakistan had received a total of 12 aircraft, including three fixed-wing Cessna airplanes, from the US for anti- narcotics operations in the Federally Administered Tribal Areas and Balochistan, the Dawn reported.

Since the area is also used by militants for carrying out operations along the Pak-Afghan border, the aircraft reported their activities as well, when observed, the daily said.

Primary purpose of the aircraft, however, was to monitor smuggling of narcotics as the region is connected to a major drug-route.

The aircraft were acquired under a renewable agreement and after the expiry of that agreement, Pakistan had the option to either return the aircraft or buy them.

Although the US urged Pakistan to “nationalise” the helicopters after the agreement expired, the ministry of interior decided to return them, instead of buying them for continued use.

The ministry, however, purchased the three Cessna airplanes that came with the choppers.

The Americans, who received the remaining five aircraft yesterday, have already made “redirection” arrangements selling it to a third party so Pakistan cannot re-buy those helicopters. Instead, Pakistan will have to renegotiate a fresh deal.

Diplomatic sources were quoted as saying by the Dawn that it should not be difficult to do so as both American and Pakistani officials acknowledge a direct link between narcotics and terrorism financing and Washington believes that stopping drug-trade in this region will also help reduce terrorism.

Pakistan renewed its interest in acquiring the choppers after the recent change of leadership in the interior ministry.

The decision to return the helicopters was taken by former interior minister Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan, while the new minister, Ahsan Iqbal, concluded that the ministry needs them to monitor the drug route, which is also used by the militants.

During his visit to Washington earlier this month, Iqbal advised the embassy to negotiate a fresh deal with the US for reacquiring helicopters for his ministry.

Udayavani is now on Telegram. Click here to join our channel and stay updated with the latest news.

Top News

World Bunts Summit to be held in Mumbai on December 7

SC dismisses PIL seeking CBI probe into Tirupati laddus row

Salman Khan gets another threat; message sent to Mumbai traffic police helpline

SC overrules 1967 verdict holding AMU can’t be minority institution

BJP MP Tejasvi Surya, editors of Kannada news portals booked for allegedly spreading fake news

Egg distribution scheme for school children under scrutiny over alleged mismanagement

India Post M’luru division to offer doorstep service to pensioners for Jeevan Praman certificate

Related Articles More

‘America of your dreams calling’: Biden to Democratic supporters

Indian consulate in Canada cancels consular camps due over security issues

Hindu temple in Brampton suspends priest for spreading ‘violent rhetoric’

President Xi congratulates Trump; says China, US should find ‘right way’ to manage differences

Harris, Trump agree on importance of unifying country as they speak over phone

MUST WATCH

Gho Pooja in Deepavali Festival

Melukote Deepavali

Ganapathi Co-operative Society Ltd

Udayavani Chinnara Banna 2024

Annapoorna Aahar | Food Places In Mysore


Latest Additions

Leopard spotted near M’luru airport, Forest Dept begins search operation

Mangaluru International Airport achieves record passenger & air traffic movement in October 2024

World Bunts Summit to be held in Mumbai on December 7

SC refuses to examine plea to appoint ‘yoga mitra’ instructors in schools

Maha Vikas Aghadi a vehicle sans wheels and brakes: PM Modi

Thanks for visiting Udayavani

You seem to have an Ad Blocker on.
To continue reading, please turn it off or whitelist Udayavani.