US approves billion-dollar arms sale to Pakistan
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WASHINGTON: The US State Department has approved Pakistan’s request for a billion dollars worth of military hardware and equipment, identifying Pakistan as a country of vital importance for US foreign policy and national interests.
Diplomatic sources told Dawn Pakistan had submitted its request last year, stating that the weapons were needed for fighting insurgents in the country’s mountainous regions.
The US Defence Security Cooperation Agency delivered the required certification notifying Congress of this possible sale.
Take a look: Saudi Arabia becomes top arms importer
“This proposed sale will contribute to the foreign policy and national security of the United States by helping to improve the security of a country vital to US foreign policy and national security goals in South Asia,” the certification said.
“This proposed sale of helicopters and weapon systems will provide Pakistan with military capabilities in support of its counter-terrorism and counter-insurgency operations in South Asia,” it added.
The agency informed US lawmakers that this proposed sale would provide Pakistan with “a precision strike, enhanced survivability aircraft” that it can operate at high-altitudes.
“By acquiring this capability, Pakistan will enhance its ability to conduct operations in North Waziristan, Fata, and other remote and mountainous areas in all-weather, day-and-night environments. Pakistan will have no difficulty absorbing these helicopters into its armed forces,” the certification said.
The agency also assured US lawmakers that the proposed sale “will not alter the basic military balance in the region”.
It informed Congress that the State Department had approved this possible Foreign Military 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.
The notification said the government of Pakistan had requested a possible sale of 15 AH-1Z Viper Attack Helicopters, 32 T-700 GE 401C Engines (30 installed and 2 spares), 1000 AGM-114 R Hellfire II Missiles in containers, 36 H-1 Technical Refresh Mission computers, 17 AN/AAQ-30 Target Sight Systems, 30 629F-23 Ultra High Frequency/Very High Frequency Communication Systems, 19 H-764 Embedded Global Positioning System/Inertial Navigation Systems, 32 Helmet Mounted Display/Optimized Top Owl, 17 APX-117A Identification Friend or Foe, 17 AN/AAR-47 Missile Warning Systems, 17 AN/ALE-47 Counter-measure Dispenser Sets, 18
AN/APR-39C(V)2 Radar Warning Receivers, 15 Joint Mission Planning Systems, and 17 M197 20mm Gun Systems.
Also included are system integration and testing, software development and integration, aircraft ferry, support equipment, spare and repair parts, tools and test equipment, publications and technical documentation, personnel training and training equipment, US government and contractor engineering, technical, and logistics support services, and other related elements of logistics and programme support.
The agency informed Congress that implementation of this proposed sale will require multiple trips by US government and contractor representatives to participate in programme and technical reviews, as well as training and maintenance support in the country for a period of 66 months.
It will also require three contractor representatives to reside in the country for a period of three years to support this programme.
“There will be no adverse impact on US defence readiness as a result of this proposed sale,” the certification said.
“The State Department approved a possible foreign military sale to Pakistan for helicopters and associated equipment, parts and support for an estimated cost of $952 million,” a State Department official told Dawn.
“This proposed sale of helicopters and weapon systems will provide Pakistan with military capabilities in support of its counter-terrorism and counter-insurgency operations,” the official said.
Published in Dawn, April 8th, 2015
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On DawnNews
Comments (174) Closed
Apr 08, 2015 06:42am
$1 billion should have been spent on education, healthcare and law and order.
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Apr 08, 2015 06:47am
More toys for the boys. Although firing Hellfire missiles at a few hundred thousand dollars a pop into mud huts is not the most cost effective use of tax payers money. Sure it makes for a big bang, observable on a live video link but for the US, yes it makes sense. For a poor country with a perpetual begging bowl, not so much.
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Apr 08, 2015 06:49am
Yes, US will not hesitate to sell arms to Pakistan because Pakistan is a nuclear power
and US does not want to upset Pakistan.
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Apr 08, 2015 07:02am
The time for external reliance for arms and ammunition has long gone. It is time to strengthen the domestic infrastructure, by having new steel mills, doing research to produce the advance materials.
The 1Billion$ worth of money spent on these items would do nothing to bolster the offensive capabilities, but produce additional burden on already weak and fragile economy. It translate into 102 billion PKR and its a lot of amount if spent wisely on domestic R&D involving public private partnership and fostering an environment for the research universities producing results that are relevant for the Pakistan economy .
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Apr 08, 2015 07:04am
all undevelop countries require education bread home science nd technology basic need of common man, peace in region and non violance atmosphere. such countries are just encouring the violance in south asia and carriout their business in full flange. it is high time for the rulers of this region not to come in such trape. if we stop purchasing then these countries will collapse. after all such weapons are use to kill our own people, that we all are watching . if we demand more on welfare activity they will refuse.people have to guide in strong way to change attitude towards neighbours. no coutry is interesting on attacking other country.
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Apr 08, 2015 07:07am
As an India I strongly condemn this action of United States. India should take up this matter with US.
We all know where such weapons have been used before and has been accepted by US congress.
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Apr 08, 2015 07:12am
Why there is no media follow through on these matters. What happened to the proposed helicopter deal with Russia? Are these Zulues a replacement for the Runssian machines or the deal with Russia is still on?
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Apr 08, 2015 07:15am
My only question is are those equipment new or used being withdrawn from Afganistan ?
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Apr 08, 2015 07:23am
Buying of arms when the country is already bankrupt. Production machines halted and there are no exports of finished products. All the debts will be borne by poor Pakistanis. We have fictitious economy which has no future. Why not cut down the army and save the administrative expenses. Army should analyze itself and minimize all their luxurious expenses to fulfill their need of buying of arms and ammunition.
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Apr 08, 2015 07:32am
america govt good foreign policy
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Apr 08, 2015 07:43am
Bad news for the Taliban.
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Apr 08, 2015 08:00am
We should thank China and the proposed visit of President Xi, US does not want to loose its influence on Pakistan and thus the approval to go ahead with this sale.
US and China are vying with each other please Pakistan a dominant world power, Pakistan is sitting pretty in this situation .
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Apr 08, 2015 08:07am
truly a superpower in the making
but I guess these arms r to deter iran in yemen by.usa
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Apr 08, 2015 08:16am
15 helis for $ 1 billion? What happened to Russian Mi 35's?
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Apr 08, 2015 08:16am
These Zulu helis would be a welcome addition to our fighting ability against terrorists in all sorts of weather and terrain.
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Apr 08, 2015 08:17am
Arming Pakistan for the impending fight in Yemen. The men will still be pakistani. Who will pay for their lives?
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Apr 08, 2015 08:20am
starving masses and billions on defense...we are to feed military and politicians not the public
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Apr 08, 2015 08:25am
isn't this amazing how aligned this deal is with the 'Yemen' thing that is going on?
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Apr 08, 2015 08:29am
Divide and rule and sell weapons !! I wished there was peace in the region and this amount was spent on Infrastructure , health care and education.
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Apr 08, 2015 08:40am
Very interesting. There is no denying the fact that acquisition of this helicopter will prove to be a game changer. It is high altitude day and night, all weather technology, which means this machine is going to be a very potent force multiplier.
This helicopter will greatly enhance survivability of our soldiers stationed at the top of the hills and hillocks in troubled tribal area. When 200 to 300 determined, battle-hardened terrorists start climbing mountain. it is almost impossible for 10 to 15 soldiers to prevent them from reaching the top despite valiant fight they put to them.
In the presence of this helicopter, it will be very difficult for such gorillas to get to the top even in the pitch dark nights since sensors, epically AN/AAQ-30 Target Sight Systems, will track them easily and it would be very difficult for them to survive the barrage of Gatling gun's heavy ammunition.
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Apr 08, 2015 08:43am
Hellfire missiles. Awesome
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Apr 08, 2015 08:45am
Great!
Tremendous respect.
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Apr 08, 2015 08:47am
US must be loving it, selling arms to both parties (Pak and India).
Once they patch up with Iran, they can sell them arms too!
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Apr 08, 2015 08:50am
Why requestAmerican weapons ? Why not Chinese? Surprisingly, Pakistan has a billion dollars for weapons, but receives vaccines as donation from Turkey.
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Apr 08, 2015 09:17am
AH-1Z Viper combat chopper is a formidable platform. We already have good experience with the Cobras - operating and maintenance. Will be invaluable in counter insurgency operations.
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Apr 08, 2015 09:29am
Very Good Development!
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Apr 08, 2015 09:30am
Good news for the Pakistan Armed forces and bad news for the terrorists who are killing innocent Pakistanis.
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Apr 08, 2015 09:32am
I guess the deal with Russian Mi35 is dead now.
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Apr 08, 2015 09:36am
And exactly who is paying for this one billion dollar sale? Oh that's right our children and the few future honest tax payers in this country. Pakistan just never learns. It'll continue to borrow billions from the IMF and World Bank at enormous amounts of interest to fund these sales, in the process enslaving our population with even more debt burden. As if the US's 18 trillion dollar national debt isn't enough of an example for us.
Buying more arms is not the answer. Fight terrorism through education, and clamping down on the availability and sales of guns and assault weapons in this country. Look at Australia. A perfect example of where this was done effectively.
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Apr 08, 2015 09:39am
All well and good. However, there is a glaring omission in the equipment listed given the following paragraph in the story: The agency informed US lawmakers that this proposed sale would provide Pakistan with “a precision strike, enhanced survivability aircraft” that it can operate at high-altitudes.
There is no aircraft, let alone matching that description, in the list. The only flying machine is a helicopter (15 AH-1Z Viper Attack Helicopters) that are upgrades of the Super Cobra, in turn an upgrade on the old Cobras operated by PakArmy. It certainly does not operate at high altitudes, in the sense of a fixed-wing aircraft. Can someone more knowledgeable than me elaborate?
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Apr 08, 2015 09:41am
what is pakistan's source of income, $5 billion deal with china last week and $1 billion deal with usa now ?
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Apr 08, 2015 09:48am
Killing them with heavy artillery is not the solution there will always be more... What we only need is awareness..
I am not saying that we shouldn't have bought these weapons as ofcourse they are needed for defense but what else is imp is awareness!!! Education, equality which you can never give through weapons
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Apr 08, 2015 09:48am
Misery, poverty, conflict, blood bath are good business opportunities for arms manufacturers. If there is not sufficient demand, America will create conflict around the world and sell arms to both the sides. Is it any wonder when the cold war was over, America invented conflicts in the Islamic world ? There is plenty of kick-backs to the politicians and military personnel in the deals. The only sufferers are common people in whose name the whole drama is enacted. It is they who have to forego decent living standards to buy the guns which are used against them instead of enemies. This is why terrorism never comes to an end and kept festering.
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Apr 08, 2015 09:49am
I could not understand that despite having such large Defense production and research complexes in Taxila, Wah, Karachi and Kamra we are always begging other countries for the defense equipment?. Why no one is auditing those research Organizations?.My one friend works in one defense research org and according to him most of the engineers just come on a daily basis for tea and newspaper. Kindly employ and make use of local engineers and scientists. 1 Billion US Dollars if spent on local R&D would have done wonders , but alas no one thinks like that.
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Apr 08, 2015 09:50am
This will make pak a superpower
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Apr 08, 2015 09:52am
How many will go in hands of Militants/Insurgent?
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Apr 08, 2015 09:53am
Just think what one Billion Dollars can do if used for human resource development. It could be used for building hundreds of schools, providing basic amenities like clean drinking water, health care and food, infrastructure development, dams, canals, roads, power and electricity. Do our parliamentarians question, debate exactly how this amount is ever going to be paid back, why are we so pleased? Is the future of Pakistan always going to remain in debt, or will we ever question, become more aware of our responsibilities to our people to take them out of impoverishment, illiteracy, help them to stand on their own two feet? When will that time come.
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Apr 08, 2015 09:55am
USA is persuading push of Pakistan for Saudi Yemen venture and indirectly opened a new market for the sale of its arms - for USA the party is on. We dollar hungry Pakistani (leadership) is once again jumping to ride the band wagon.
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Apr 08, 2015 10:00am
US presence for 66 months? As if all the Blackwaters and Davis type of spies were not enough? Pakistan should import less from US and more from other sources.
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Apr 08, 2015 10:15am
And then US would ask Pakistan Government to use those Billion $ weapons against Yemen. Better not accept this Billion $ bribe , we already made the mistake of accepting $1.5 B from Saudi and look where it got us !!!!
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Apr 08, 2015 10:15am
This is so coooool , the details of weaponry is awesome.
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Apr 08, 2015 10:17am
Pakistan should try to meet it's defence needs indigenously. Not rely on imports.
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Apr 08, 2015 10:20am
Nice ! Better put them to good use ...
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Apr 08, 2015 10:22am
How on one side Pakistan is taking US Aid and on other side buying billion dollar equipment? So is the US aid to buy US weapons?
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Apr 08, 2015 10:25am
OUr neighbours should not make a hue and cry over this.. I don't think helicopters or missiles can impact the balance of power in the region.
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Apr 08, 2015 10:32am
......And now you go and fight our war(US&Saudi) in Yemen.I think people are not foolish anymore.
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Apr 08, 2015 10:34am
And how Pakistan will pay? First USA will give loans to Pakistan and then allow arms sale...... Pakistan must be happy to know that USA is becoming a close allay again....lol
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Apr 08, 2015 10:39am
These weapons should be finger print activated system so they don't go to terrorists If so the terrorists won't be able to use them.
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Apr 08, 2015 10:42am
Excellent . Pak Army, keep your finger on trigger and foot on gas
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Apr 08, 2015 10:42am
Deal will definitely bolster pak cabaility and capacity to counterinsurgency and terrorism. However; long term planning is imperative to gain technical expertise for indigenous developments of combat software; equipment and technology. Contemporary and future era wars are totally technology based and conventional combats will have little role to play. Vital point to ponder plz.
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Apr 08, 2015 10:44am
Everybody who was making fun of Pakistan's begging bowl. Who's laughing now!
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Apr 08, 2015 10:45am
He is holding the gun upside down.
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Apr 08, 2015 10:50am
Why buy weapons? Why not spend money on schools, infrastructure, toilets?
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Apr 08, 2015 11:00am
If these weapons were ineffective to perpetuate the US occupation of Afghanistan and Iraq then how can they be useful for Pakistan?
Unless of course, Pakistani soldiers are better than their American counterpart in using them.
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Apr 08, 2015 11:03am
Agreed! We need the latest and effective technology to fight off present and deter future attackers. In an overseas report, it is said the Viper; is the successor to the Cobra gunships, is also in use by the US Army.
As mentioned before numerously, the civilian government must do something for the civilians practically, rather than just pass their time in the assemblies. Time is passing rapidly and Pakistanis are only seeing but not experiencing the benefits of the national budget. Salams
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Apr 08, 2015 11:04am
Couldve got 50 A-10 C Warthogs for this much money, and they could've given the much needed CAS capability to our two strike corps as well.
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Apr 08, 2015 11:13am
IMF (US) approves loan, US approves sales, pak citizens pay taxes. Simple
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Apr 08, 2015 11:19am
Zulu Cobras would be the most hightech conventional hardware in Pakistan Army's arsenal and the only foreign force to operate Zulus after the USMC. PANAFORCES are in much dire need of upgrading, as everything else in Pakistan but it seems that our military is the only one that seems to be serious about it, but not our civilian leadership.
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Apr 08, 2015 11:25am
And we Indians and Pakistanis are stupid to keep importing weapons wasting our billions whereas majority of our population is malnourished. Advanced countries are exporting weapons, wining and dining and enjoying our show.
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Apr 08, 2015 11:33am
Pakistan really needs to stop accepting such baits !
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Apr 08, 2015 11:34am
When you are getting the aid from other countries for running your country its beyond me how Pakistan can spend billions on arms!!
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Apr 08, 2015 11:38am
US gives billions in economic aid to pakistan and gets the same money back by selling arms!!
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Apr 08, 2015 11:40am
@A shah , Pak has one of the lowest defence budgets in the region, reported here at dawn news around, 3 to 3.5% of GDP, yet it is engaged in a war on the western borders with Afghan based TTP and also has to counter the Indian buildup in the east, being located in an extremely voilitile region, purchase of Hi Tech AH-1 Zulu gunships and 1000 Hellfire missiles (really potent system, proven in drone strikes against insurgents) would be a significant boost for Pakistan's security and defence forces !!!
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Apr 08, 2015 11:40am
Raheel Sharif...he is the man...he can make it happen for Pakistan.
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Apr 08, 2015 11:42am
@Aakashvaani I'll tell you who's laughing.. Its the arms industry in US. USA gives aid to Pakistan and gets it back by arms deals.
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Apr 08, 2015 11:42am
The agency also assured US lawmakers that the proposed sale “will not alter the basic military balance in the region”.
So... they're supplying both sides?
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Apr 08, 2015 11:44am
@Aakashvaani Delusional thinking..Pakistan is buying the weapon and US is not doling it out.
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Apr 08, 2015 11:47am
@A shah Why buy weapons? Where have you been living? Have you any idea at all what Taliban did to Peshawar children or Malala?
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Apr 08, 2015 11:52am
Buying weapons, get ready to jump in Yemen that's what US wants from Pakistan this is 5th generation war Pakistan don't understand this.... U can see the timing of approval.
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Apr 08, 2015 11:56am
waste of public money
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Apr 08, 2015 11:58am
spend money on schools, infrastructure, toilets
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Apr 08, 2015 12:04pm
@Kublai wao man excellent, just take the water in a glass and you know what to do.
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Apr 08, 2015 12:05pm
@A shah present government knows what to do so do the military
because they are targeting low hanging fruits... now.. i.e. schools.
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Apr 08, 2015 12:05pm
So, we are back to buying weapons from US? Where did that land us last time?
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Apr 08, 2015 12:09pm
And what about education and health? Maybe its not in the priority list :(
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Apr 08, 2015 12:30pm
@Dr. Babulal Prasad, Pakistan aldo get money for education and health. This billion is only for arms.
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Apr 08, 2015 12:31pm
@Isra, You can check it at the port of despatch.
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Apr 08, 2015 12:39pm
@Dr. Babulal Prasad Survival comes first to get education and health
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Apr 08, 2015 12:41pm
In the drop back of Yemen - Saudi war?
Classic example of carrot stick approach.
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Apr 08, 2015 12:41pm
@helloWorld If America don't agree, we will make our own or purchase from China. 1 Billion $ is a handsome amount.
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Apr 08, 2015 12:41pm
Good business deal and the same will be with KSA etc. and may be Yemen will get some as well!!
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Apr 08, 2015 12:42pm
All this rambling about debt, economy, development and industry...mostly by our neighbour Indians....We know, us buying weapons in a fraction of an amount as compared to India is still hard for you to swallow....there wont be an economy if these terrorists are allowed to thrive....so these helis are MOST WELCOME
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Apr 08, 2015 12:46pm
Thank You Saudis for the 1 billion dollars! We will fight for you in Yemen now.
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Apr 08, 2015 12:46pm
@Sajeel Mohammad Akram Survival comes first, if you don't have children, who will go to school?
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Apr 08, 2015 12:46pm
@suman loan from world bank !!!
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Apr 08, 2015 12:47pm
Excellent deal. List of inventory shows we are getting value for money. Good work
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Apr 08, 2015 12:47pm
@Dr. Babulal Prasad These things are for maintaining Law and Order
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Apr 08, 2015 12:54pm
wow this is awesome news..
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Apr 08, 2015 12:59pm
@A shah
Army's job is protection of state. They are doing just that. Education is responsibility of govt.
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Apr 08, 2015 01:02pm
@Dr. Babulal Prasad But law and order can come only if we defeat the Taliban and the extrmists. For that the army require this equipment to fight this war so should they use swords?
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Apr 08, 2015 01:11pm
Pakistan Forex reserve stand at 15 Billion USD... and it wants to buy weapons worth of Billion of USDs.. just few days back.. the govt didn't had money to give to Oil creditors.... but... still wants weapons.. US will sale on credit.. and charge exceptional high rate of interest... the hard earned money of common pakistan will annexed as Tax by Govt.. and which will be paid for years and years as Interest to US govt..
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Apr 08, 2015 01:13pm
So let me get this straight. US donates money to Pak and now in turn sells arms and gets the money back thus never giving a chance for Pak to stand in its own legs.
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Apr 08, 2015 01:14pm
@ZAK - Agree with you 100%. And in fact it is in US interest to clandestinely ensure that India and Pak have tensed relationship. It helps them sell arms.
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Apr 08, 2015 01:18pm
The USA's arms for Pakistan must not influence its geoplotical interests based on good relations with Iran and Turkey in the context of Yemen crisis and China.
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Apr 08, 2015 01:19pm
This is quid-pro-quo for involved in Yemen. Good luck chaps.
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Apr 08, 2015 01:21pm
awesome purchases all in all. Good job pak army. Its best to indigenously develop technology and nescom and our researchers are working, but ofcourse its a long route to go. But the need of hour was enhancing capabilities which will increase our fighting power manifolds against terrorists.
I dont understand why people from a country who is the biggest arm importer are reacting strongly here.
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Apr 08, 2015 01:27pm
@Dr. Babulal Prasad
I hope you give similar advice to your government too.
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Apr 08, 2015 01:29pm
This money is being well spent because it will help Pakistan rid itself of terrorism with potentially less casualties/collateral damage. With regards to the infrastructure budget, there is already enough money for that, all it requires is proper management so that the ordinary person benefits as opposed to corrupt individuals.
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Apr 08, 2015 01:38pm
@tsakhleh@mi.rr.com as far as upsetting of Pakistan by US is concerned, it made me laugh.
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Apr 08, 2015 01:48pm
Pakistan can eliminate not all but a lot of problem from TTP terrorism in FATA area by having some high tech ID system for all male between the age of 14 and 45.
May cost few millions but that will break the back of TTP.
This $1 billion can be spend to create vocational training, education and toward other in development work in FATA including business that can create jobs for the young people.
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Apr 08, 2015 01:50pm
@tauseef Bad news for people who need education and jobs and not guns and weapons. Your nation will suffer till your generation exists, the next will not do any such mistake as they will see their forefathers ruining themselves and their children's fates.
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Apr 08, 2015 01:51pm
How does the Military procurement take place? Is there a competitive process that they follow? Don't think I have ever seen a RFP/RFQ from Pakistan Army for procurement of weapons
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Apr 08, 2015 01:56pm
@suman IMF AND WORLD BANK
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Apr 08, 2015 02:03pm
I think these items were required on immediate basis otherwise in Pakistan the trend to make own weapons is increasing. My core wish is to see Pakistan manufacturing planes like F22 and helicopters like apache.
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Apr 08, 2015 02:06pm
@helloWorld
than you know yourself :)
a Pakistani site is not a forum to condemn US action being against Indian interest
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Apr 08, 2015 02:17pm
@A. Khan Consider it an investment. There will be no uplifting of the poor till the economy powers up, the economy will not power up if there is the threat of extremists. So money well spent.
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Apr 08, 2015 02:18pm
@Einstein Babar "Ignorance Is Bliss"
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Apr 08, 2015 02:27pm
Pakistan should only buy weapons with transfer of technology clause. A country of 180 million can't build its own helicopters? Helicopters are 20th century technology.
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Apr 08, 2015 02:33pm
Excellent boys, I checked all equipment. they are extremely integrated with each other. Now we have enough material to start research work to make our own similar kind of things.
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Apr 08, 2015 02:37pm
Pakistan has spare $1 Billion to shop these weapons ?. Why not utilize this money for public welfare ?. These weapons are not for counter-terrorism operations but will be used against India for sure.
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Apr 08, 2015 02:42pm
@Zak : Could not understand how a dominant world power could not even pay for poor health workers ? Is American arms a free gift or trade?
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Apr 08, 2015 02:52pm
@suman
We are a large country and world's 26th largest economy. Our natural resources alone stand at multi trillion dollars. Please do not confuse mismanagement of our rulers with potential of this nation.
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Apr 08, 2015 02:57pm
People need food and education, not arms. These generals are no better than the politicians.
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Apr 08, 2015 03:02pm
@Zak We have fictitious economy which has no future
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Apr 08, 2015 03:04pm
what difference this technology has done for US, they were not able thing with anything with that for years they were in Afg. We need something the works and should be made by us , spend this money on research and development and results will be more fruitful.
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Apr 08, 2015 03:06pm
@Saad(DXB) East or West or North neighbours. Pls clarify.
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Apr 08, 2015 03:09pm
@saeed It's 3/5% cos GDP in itself of Pakistan is low. Think in Dollar terms here.
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Apr 08, 2015 03:23pm
Pakistan is already a super power why it is buying weapons, I never heard USA, Russia buying. weapons should be bought by developing super power like India.
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Apr 08, 2015 03:30pm
@helloWorld Guess we should do the same every time the US sells arms your country.
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Apr 08, 2015 03:43pm
What Pakistan needs is more electricity, water and food for its people, not more weapons. This is what happens when the army runs the country. Priorities are skewed in favour of the unlimited desires of the armed forces. Time for genuine democracy in the country with the civilian authorities making these decisions.
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Apr 08, 2015 03:45pm
Good deal, cheers America.
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Apr 08, 2015 04:05pm
I don't see anyone making noise on this. WHen they approve sale to Israel, all hell breaks lose.
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Apr 08, 2015 05:08pm
@KM Can you define ''real economy'' my friend?, take a look at the western economies one by one the bottom is falling out of their real economies.!
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Apr 08, 2015 05:12pm
Excellent. Very important to strengthen strike capability of our armed forces defending our beloved country.
Great job.
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Apr 08, 2015 05:31pm
@sajid People need to survive first.
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Apr 08, 2015 05:32pm
there are no coincidences. After an almost 20 yr long war on terror, just now the US is selling Pakistan weapons?
This deal is in direct alignment with Saudi and Yemen problems and how Pak military is asked to back the biggest ally of US, Saudi Arabia.
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Apr 08, 2015 05:44pm
Please stop getting weapons from US, because they will ask you to cooperate in Yemen.
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Apr 08, 2015 06:03pm
@tsakhleh@mi.rr.com bravo well said its about time
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Apr 08, 2015 06:04pm
@Einstein Babar "But who is invading your country..terrorist's don'r use tanks,aircraft's,can't you deal with what you are having in your hand..so why you people want more weapons',how is your survival under threat..get out that threat hysteria"
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Apr 08, 2015 06:07pm
USA's interest is only to help Arm exporters of US companies . Their only interest is to sustain big arms exporting business of USaA
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Apr 08, 2015 06:11pm
@Made in Pakistan
Great Advice by @Made in Pakistan. We need to Make Pakistan a Great Country that has its own Military Equipment and own State of the Art Technology. It can be done if we have the right Leaders in the Government and youngsters who ditch the old curropt systems. Pakistan needs to allay it self with countries that can be trusted such as China and Russia. America is Weekening Pakistan and just using it to fight its dirty wars.
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Apr 08, 2015 06:15pm
Timing is very intriguing!
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Apr 08, 2015 06:28pm
@Dr. Babulal Prasad
I totally agree with you.
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Apr 08, 2015 06:36pm
and the business continues
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Apr 08, 2015 07:52pm
All the Indians here advising Pakistan to use the amount on HR development should advise their own government when they make large scale purchases of US weapons. We are in a state of war and need to enhance our capabilities for making sure the battle its won.
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Apr 08, 2015 08:01pm
Americans provide monetary aid and also sell weapons to the same country. Therefore, who is paying whom for these weapons?
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Apr 08, 2015 08:13pm
Is this really necessary? already the war on terror has consumed so much and why spent another billion there, from the news apparently it is already won. why not invest this for the betterment of the people of Pakistan: EDUCATION anyone?
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Apr 08, 2015 08:14pm
Sell Pak 1 billion worth of arms. Sell India 2 billion worth of arms. Sell Afghan some more arms. Hey! it's good business.
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Apr 08, 2015 08:34pm
We need water electric education we don't need arms.
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Apr 08, 2015 09:27pm
Did we have so much violence and killing in the British days. What is the real meaning of Azadi. We kill our own people. Why a political solution can not be found. Who are the sufferers?.
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Apr 08, 2015 09:32pm
@shah
It is not public money. It is US funding!
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Apr 08, 2015 09:38pm
@suman Pak's source if income is the soul.
homemade drones should have been plenty to fight within the nation and nuclear deterrance is enough to keep external forces in check.
There is no need to spend billions more on new weapons.
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Apr 08, 2015 09:51pm
Radar warning receivers? Did not know Taliban had sophisticated system where a supposedly a well trained army needs radar warning systems to counter it. Hope USA makes sure that these technology does not end up in China or Iran
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Apr 08, 2015 09:58pm
Pakistan received Billion $ Alms from USA - IMF - China. Well Done Pakistan.
and see what Modi is doing - just signing "useless investment agreements" with poor countries like USA, China, Canada, Brazil, France, Germany, Japan, Australia, Singapore, Vietnam, Nepal, Bhutan,Sri Lanka etc. in the field of Energy, Defense, IT, Telecom,
Retail, Space Research, Science & Tech, Education, Tourism, Railways, Infrastructure, Medical Science etc. - really disappointing.
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Apr 08, 2015 10:20pm
@schumaila Not only Indians but sensible Pakistanis are also saying the same thing. Who are you at "war" with? India? I hope not. I hope Pakistan uses it to destroy all terrorists, not just the "bad" ones. Lastly, India's vast economy and foreign reserves do not force us to take loans and aid to buy these weapons. Good luck!
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Apr 08, 2015 10:38pm
How many Hellfire missiles is Pakistan firing per day that it needs 1000 of such missiles? Which insurgent group posseses aircraft that Pakistan needs 17 APX-117A Identification Friend or Foe system?
It clearly shows that the Pakistan army is up to its usual tricks. The bulk of what has been requested has no relationship whatsoever with fighting terrorists. It's just meant to beef up the already bloated military.
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Apr 08, 2015 10:48pm
America gives and America takes. Aid dollars ruted back to US. This is actually normal American practise which has bern in place for years. Or to the people who do not understand: there is nosuch thing as a free lunch.
As for Indians bringing up the aid card: India reseives a lot more aid and donations then Pakistan every year. Just check it out.
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Apr 08, 2015 10:52pm
Product manufacturers must sell their products in order to make money, earn high profit and keep their GDP and economy in order and U.S.A. is not an exception to this centuries old golden rule of business and management.
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Apr 08, 2015 11:25pm
So the IMF loan will go in the pocket of US??
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Apr 09, 2015 01:47am
@Burjor Rustomji : This billion dollars along with the five billion for the subs from china can go a long way towards the betterment of the people. Six billion dollars is roughly Pakistani rupees 618,00,00,00,000. If you spend this kind of money in schools and in providing facilities for the people of north west frontier province you may not have terrorism.
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Apr 09, 2015 03:19am
@tsakhleh@mi.rr.com Nuclear Power? Meaningless when population is in poverty, no education, health care, no clean water.....
Pakistan needs to rearrange it priorities and work to energize its brain power! Without that we not going very far....no matter how many billions we spend on military hardware.
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Apr 09, 2015 03:36am
Dont buy arms, buy educations/training. These billion dollars will be better spent on education.
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Apr 09, 2015 04:21am
@tsakhleh@mi.rr.com You got it wrong that US will not upset Pakistan. They will do just that when they need to. The tiny nuclear arsenal of Pakistan is a joke for them and it have no ability to harm US. If Pakistan bobs Israel with its nuclear weapons it will be pulverized by a swift US retaliation. So don't get too comfortable.
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Apr 09, 2015 04:39am
@Dr. Babulal Prasad I guess fighting terrorism also come under Law and Order. There won't be a need for education or healthcare if there is no law and order.
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Apr 09, 2015 04:49am
"...This proposed sale of weapon systems will provide Pakistan with military capabilities in support of its counter-terrorism operations ....” --- What an eyewash! And to whom are they trying to fool? The AN/AAR-47 Missile Warning Systems, AN/APR-39C(V)2 Radar Warning Receivers, etc... Seriously? Do the terrorists have any radars & missiles? No. That means these arms are meant to be deployed only against India.
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Apr 09, 2015 05:06am
Interesting coincidence Pak forces joining KSA ,1.5 billion gift from KSA. May be some body knows more.
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Apr 09, 2015 06:17am
great news ----only thing it is all used outdated stuff that US is leaving behind after the war in Afghanistan and does not want to haul back.
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Apr 09, 2015 08:24am
It's interesting to see how Indians are so concerned about any and everything that goes inside Pakistan. I personally never bothered to read TOI or any other Indian newspaper . Stop feeling so insecure Indian trolls ; if you people really are as "superior" as you claim to be , then show prove your worth against developed countries instead of showing hollow attitude to us Pakistanis .
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Apr 09, 2015 08:26am
US will sell arms to Pakistan and then to India and then claim this“will not alter the basic military balance in the region". Then it will sell some more to India and then they will help out their old friends and since it“will not alter the basic military balance in the region".
While two third world countries keep arming themselves to their teeth (while millions die in poverty) the Americans laugh all the way to the bank ..
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Apr 09, 2015 09:22am
@Dr. Babulal Prasad Tell your country to spend $50billion on education first....
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Apr 09, 2015 10:24am
We don't want guns and barrels. Give us instead used computers and upgrade our telecommunication infrastructure. Please USA. We already have the best force to beat any threat to our country.
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Apr 09, 2015 04:49pm
NO DOUBT US is earning big both from india pakistan and other nations who have tense relations on their borders . no wonder if in future iran buy weapons from us . saudi and arab countries buy weapons from israel.i have heard that even palestine have demanded weapons from israel in past to fight jordon and egypt .
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Apr 09, 2015 06:59pm
Pakistan like any other poor country needs Bread over Bombs. Bread comes from development of infrastructure, education and health. Pakistan has been acquiring these toys for it's Military for year and has pushed the development into an abyss of poverty. Well it is their decision. God bless
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Apr 09, 2015 10:14pm
We do not need these toys.
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Apr 10, 2015 12:01am
With the Republican Congress? No way.
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Apr 10, 2015 08:03am
It seems US is trying to bribe Pakistan to participate and support an unjust and unethical Yemen war and Saudi aggression. Pakistan should still turned down such suggestions considering it as a decision of Pakistani nation to participate in any war of such kind.
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Apr 10, 2015 05:55pm
@Dr. Babulal Prasad Same applies to Indian purchase rush for weapons
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Apr 10, 2015 08:40pm
I feel bad for my great grand children who will end up paying for this purchase.
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Apr 10, 2015 08:48pm
Half the country is living on alms and want to be a military superpower. irony
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Apr 10, 2015 08:55pm
"US approves billion-dollar arms sale to Pakistan"
Smart move by the US. Sell the same to India, let the two countries fight and control the outcome by holding spare parts to one or the other.
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Apr 10, 2015 10:30pm
@tsakhleh@mi.rr.com - Brother, they are SELLING....not gifting. And, will ask for blood or favours in addition to a lot of money. Where is the pride in that?
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Apr 11, 2015 03:45am
All the money and arms from USA all these years have not saved Pakistan s people who are dying by thousands this deal will also not help the people of Pakistan.
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Apr 11, 2015 05:06am
And then the holster is empty!!!!
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Apr 11, 2015 09:45am
To combat Polio and illteracy I suppose.
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