ISLAMABAD, Feb 18: Pakistan on Monday expressed alarm at the “relentless pursuit to acquisition” of foreign defence equipment by India far beyond its genuine needs, causing an arms race in South Asia and raising military tensions in the already volatile region.

The foreign office spokesman stated this in reply to a question about India’s efforts for acquiring more sophisticated weaponry from the United Sates and the current visit to New Delhi of the head of US armed forces, Gen Richard Myers. On his arrival, Mr Myers, had spoken of warming military ties between the two countries in fight against global terrorism.

Indian Defence Minister George Fernandes, who is slated to meet the American general, said last week: “We are looking at acquiring more sophisticated weaponry from the US which other nations are not in a position to produce and deliver at short notice”.

Spokesman Aziz Ahmad Khan said that President Gen Pervez Musharraf had raised the security issues concerning South Asia with the US leadership during his last week’s talks in Washington.

He said India had started unnecessarily an arms race and tension in the region, particularly at a time when both countries should be putting all their resources for alleviation of poverty and improving the condition of health and education, and for development projects rather than in arms race.

As regards the outcome of the president’s recent Washington visit, the spokesman recalled that Gen Musharraf had himself indicated its success. He said Washington and Islamabad had agreed to revive the joint consultative group where Pakistan’s defence requirements would be considered.

Answering another question, the spokesman said that unfortunately there was no reduction in tension on borders, and added that only when the Indian government agreed to a phased withdrawal of forces from the border and Pakistan followed likewise, one could expect lowering of tension. He pointed out that Pakistan had to deploy its forces only in response to India’s massive deployment of its troops.

He regretted that India had not positively responded to Pakistan’s repeated calls for the troop withdrawal and resumption of dialogue to resolve the contentious issues. He, however, hoped that New Delhi would agree to resume negotiations.

The spokesman said that Islamabad had already approached Kabul for the resumption of regular PIA fights between the two countries which had remained suspended for 21 years.

He hoped that the interim Afghan government would take similar decision in operation of its national airlines, Ariana.

APP ADDS: The investigation into the US journalist’s kidnapping case is continuing with the same intensity and vigour, the spokesman said.

In reply to a question, he said that Ahmed Omar Saeed Shaikh has been apprehended for certain reasons and his extradition to any country was not in question.

He described as fictitious news reports carried by Indian newspapers about Omar Shaikh’s involvement in acts of terrorism in India, including attack on parliament and shooting in Kolkata.