F-16s’ deal delayed , not scrapped: Kasuri
DM Monitoring

KARACHI—Foreign Minister Khurshid Mehmood Kasuri has said decision to purchase F-16 aircrafts has not been done away with but it has been delayed and final decision will be taken after donors conference in the perspective of strong defence of the country.
He said this while talking to a private T.V channel here Saturday. He told that Pakistan and India have decided to open consulates in Karachi and Mumbay.
Munabao Khokhrapar rail service will be resumed following the change of railway track, he indicated. “ We are making headway on the matter of shipping protocol with India.
Responding to a question he said that majority of NATO troops taking part in relief activities in quake affected areas are doctors and engineers. There is no threat from NATO forces in the presence of five and a half Lakh troops of Pakistan. Engineers of NATO troops are reopening roads.
Foreign Minister said Pakistan wants crossing points on LoC be opened immediately after the quake so that relief  activities are facilitated and Kashmiris on both sides of LoC could share each other grieves. On the other hand India wants to pursue Muzaffarabad-Srinagar bus service methodology .
Kasuri told that departure of Pakistani delegation to meet head of Palestinian authority Mehmood Abbas has been suspended.
Responding to a question he said Pakistan wants that Iran issue is resolved through negotiations and it is opposed to use of force.
However Iran should also discharge its obligations related to NPT. But Iran has also its rights which should be given to it.
Pakistan supports that Afghanistan be given membership of Saarc, he said adding both Pakistan and Afghanistan are tied into deep historic, cultural and religious bonds. Saarc will be further strengthened with inclusion of Afghanistan, he hoped.