US offers to sell $9 billion worth arms to Pak

The United States has offered to sell Pakistan modern arms worth $9 billion, media reports in Islamabad said Monday.

According to The News, Islamabad had drawn up a wish list which would be discussed at a five-day meeting of the Pakistan-US military consultative commission in Washington next week.

"Pakistan has compiled its arms and spares shopping list after the US made this biggest-ever offer to Pakistan," the paper said.

"Pakistan's bid for purchase of 40 F-16 aircraft and upgrading of the existing F-16 fleet are also on the agenda.

"Besides a list of vision devices, missiles and radars would also be given to the US. Pakistan will also discuss arms and equipment purchase for its navy and air force," The News said. 

The Pakistani delegation for the commission would be led by Defence Secretary Lt Gen (Retd) Hamid Nawaz, who  is also likely to meet US defence secretary Donald Rumsfeld. 

The meeting is also expected to review the joint war against terror, the possibility of joint exercises, and training of Pakistani military personnel in the US.