Pak seeks Russia aid against terror
Pakistan is seeking Russian weapons, including reconnaissance aircraft, to combat terrorism in remote areas.
By PTI |
MOSCOW: Pakistan is seeking Russian weapons, including reconnaissance aircraft, to combat terrorism in its remote areas and high mountain terrain bordering Afghanistan, a media report said here on Wednesday.
"We have recently asked Russia to provide equipment for anti-terrorist operations," Pakistani Ambassador Mustafa Kamal Qazi was quoted as saying by local "Rodnaya Gazeta".
Qazi, calling for closer Russia-Pak ties in combating terrorism and illegal drug trafficking, said the Pakistani request has been made to fortify this potential.
He, however, declined to identify the anti-terror equipment Islamabad was seeking from Moscow.
"Anti-terror combat has its own specifics. They have bases in remote mountain areas between Pakistan and Afghanistan and often cross border -- you cannot go there by civilian helicopters," Qazi was quoted as saying by the daily.
"There is a need for aerial reconnaissance. That's why we have asked Russia for equipment, which could help us in combating with terrorists. This is aircraft and means of aerial reconnaissance," he said.
Earlier, Russia has sold dual-purpose Mi-17 helicopters to Pakistan. Although the officials were not forthcoming to comment on Islamabad's request, it is believed that it could be interested in helicopter gunships with night-fighting capabilities.
"We have recently asked Russia to provide equipment for anti-terrorist operations," Pakistani Ambassador Mustafa Kamal Qazi was quoted as saying by local "Rodnaya Gazeta".
Qazi, calling for closer Russia-Pak ties in combating terrorism and illegal drug trafficking, said the Pakistani request has been made to fortify this potential.
He, however, declined to identify the anti-terror equipment Islamabad was seeking from Moscow.
"Anti-terror combat has its own specifics. They have bases in remote mountain areas between Pakistan and Afghanistan and often cross border -- you cannot go there by civilian helicopters," Qazi was quoted as saying by the daily.
"There is a need for aerial reconnaissance. That's why we have asked Russia for equipment, which could help us in combating with terrorists. This is aircraft and means of aerial reconnaissance," he said.
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Earlier, Russia has sold dual-purpose Mi-17 helicopters to Pakistan. Although the officials were not forthcoming to comment on Islamabad's request, it is believed that it could be interested in helicopter gunships with night-fighting capabilities.
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