The government has allowed Nato/Isaf forces in Afghanistan to use Pakistan's airspace for transportation of perishable food items on humanitarian basis, said Minister for Defence Ahmed Mukhtar. The minister was briefing the media persons at a joint press conference on acquisition of 777 aircraft for PIA. US Embassy's Charge d' Affaires Richard Hoagland was accompanying him.
The government is permitting them to use Pakistan's airspace for a limited period, he said. The minister said that Pakistan would give one time concession to the Nato/ISAF containers carrying food items. Responding to a question regarding extension in service of Pakistan Air Force Chief, Rao Qamar Suleman, the minister said that the decision of granting extension to the air chief was a step beyond his scope, adding that he just moved a summary for the purpose.
US embassy's chargé d' affaires replied that in the next few days the situation would be clear, When asked whether the US was going to apologise to Pakistan for attacks on Salala check post. To another question regarding the hearing of US House Committee on Foreign Affairs on Balochistan, Richard Hoagland said that US State Department had already clarified its position. He further said the US House Committee had the mandate to discuss various matters of interest.
He said Pak-US relationship had always been strong and productive. "We are waiting for the outcome of the discussion taking place in the parliament on US-Pak ties," he said. He recalled that Foreign Minister Hina Rabbani Khar had also informed the US administration that the new rule of engagement with Pakistan would be reviewed in the light of recommendations proposed by the Parliamentary committee. "We deeply regret for the loss of dozens of lives. Both the countries will work together to prevent such incidents in the future," he said.
Earlier, the minister said that Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) would purchase five Boeing 777 aircraft in 2015. "Efforts are under way to purchase these aircraft as early as possible," he said. The PIA Board in its 336th meeting approved the payment for blocking slots and options of five Boeing 777 aircraft, he said. "The Boeing Company made the business offer for the sale of five Boeing at air show on November 15, 2011," he said.
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