Pentagon notifies arms sale to Pakistan

WASHINGTON—The Bush administration has notified the Congress of a possible sale of military equipment to Pakistan involving high frequency radio systems for an estimated cost of US$ 160 million.
Islamabad has requested for a possible sale of Harris High Frequency/Very High Frequency radio systems and other logistics services including ancillary equipment, a notification from Pentagon said. “This proposed sale will contribute to the foreign policy and national security of the United States by helping to improve the security of a friendly country that continues to be a key ally in the global war on terrorism,” the Pentagon has informed Capitol Hill, PTI reported. The radios will enable Pakistan to improve its capability to provide current and updated intelligence between patrols and higher headquarters” “Also, the radios will increase interoperability between Pakistan and the US and coalition forces assisting in the efforts to curtail and eliminate terrorist activities,” Pentagon said adding the proposed sale of equipment “will not affect the basic military balance” in the region. —Agencies