Pakistan confirms procuring U.S. military equipment

Pakistan confirmed on Thursday that it is procuring U.S. military equipment to meet its critical defense needs.

The U.S. State Department this week approved Pakistan's request for a billion U.S. dollars worth of military hardware and equipment.

Foreign Office spokesperson Tasnim Aslam said the proposed military equipment will also help Pakistan in the campaign against terrorism.

"The U.S. State department has notified to the congress about the proposed sale of military equipment to Pakistan," the spokesperson said at her weekly press briefing.

Pakistani media has reported that the country had submitted its request last year, stating that the weapons were needed for fighting insurgents in the country's mountainous regions.

The Dawn newspaper reported on Wednesday that the State Department had approved the sale to Pakistan for AH-1Z Viper Attack Helicopters and AGM-114R Hellfire II Missiles and associated equipment, parts, training and logistical support for an estimated cost of 952 million US dollars.

The Pakistani spokesperson expressed the confidence that the final clearance will come through soon.

"We welcome the U.S. State department notification. This is in recognition of Pakistan's needs in counter terrorism operations," Aslam said.

About the banning of a Pakistan-based charity organization "Al Furqan foundation" by the United States and Saudi Arabia, the spokesperson said the U.S. has proscribed the entity under its domestic laws and it has duly informed Pakistan about its action. Endi