Pakistan in talks with Russia for procurement of arms: Report
ISLAMABAD: We are very much interested in a very wide range of the Russian weapons technology. We are in negotiations (on air defence systems) and once we conclude negotiations, we will be able to announce them KHURRAM DASTGIR KHAN , Pakistan defence minister
Pakistan is in direct talks with the Russia for the procurement of sophisticated military hardware, including air defence systems, fighter jets and battle tanks, a media report has said.
Defence Minister Khurram Dastgir Khan confirmed that Islamabad was interested in buying weapons from Moscow in an interview to the Russian news agency Sputnik, The Express Tribune reported.
“Air defence system is a different kind of weapon we are interested. We are very much interested in a very wide range of the Russian weapons technology. We are in negotiations [on air defence systems] and once we conclude negotiations, we will be able to announce them,” Khan said. He said Islamabad was interested in acquiring T-90 tanks from Moscow as part of a long-term deal rather than committing itself to a single purchase.
“We are interested in tanks T-90 and it is not going to be a one-time purchase but it is going to be a long-term commitment,” Khan was quoted as saying by the agency. He added that negotiations for the purchase of Russian Su-35 fighter jets are in their early stages, and an agreement in this regard may be reached “in the next few years”, according to the Russian website.
The defence minister noted that both Pakistan and Russia were interested in a stable and democratic Afghanistan.
Pakistan has summoned the American ambassador to lodge a formal protest after a road crash involving a US embassy vehicle killed a Pakistani motorcyclist.
The foreign ministry said “justice will take its course” in accordance with local and international laws.
There was no immediate comment from the US Embassy, which has said it is aware of the crash.
Police briefly detained the diplomat who was driving the car, but did not arrest him as he enjoys diplomatic immunity. AP
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