October 19, 2008	Sunday	Shawwal 19, 1429

WASHINGTON, Oct 18: Pakistan is receiving a multi-purpose frigate from the United States as a major non-Nato ally that allows it to receive excess defence articles from the US forces.

On Friday, President George W. Bush signed an order enabling Pakistan to receive the frigate called USS McInerney. The US Congress had already approved the transfer on Sept 27.

Since it is a 32-year-old warship, Pakistan has requested a major refurbishing at a cost of $65 million.

The overhauling includes fitting an anti-submarine missile system, modern guns and other weapons.

Although equipment received under the EDA or excess defence article arrangement are free, Pakistan will have to bear the expenses for the refurbishing.

The Pakistan Navy will receive the frigate on Aug 20, 2010.

Pakistan became a major non-Nato ally in June 2004, which allows it to receive excess defence articles from the US military but there was a strong opposition to the proposed transfer of USS McInerney on Capitol Hill, forcing the Pakistan Embassy to launch a major lobbying effort to get congressional approval.

The embassy feared that the proposal could be deferred to the next Congress, which could have delayed the transfer by at least another year.

Excess defence articles are weapons and equipment no longer needed by the US military. Under the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 and the Arms Export Control Act, such articles can be offered to foreign governments or international organisations in support of US national security and foreign policy objectives.