Pak seeks military equipment to counter terror

Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani on Monday asked friendly countries to provide state-of-the-art military equipment needed for Pakistan's campaign against militants.

During a meeting with a delegation representing the French Senate Committee on foreign affairs, defence and armed forces, Gilani said enhanced support is needed from friendly countries, particularly to build the capacity of Pakistan's law enforcement agencies.

India has expressed concern over Pakistan's efforts to acquire hi-tech weapon systems in the name of the operations against the Taliban, saying such equipment could also be deployed against it.

Gilani said Pakistan has "exhausted most of its vital laser-guided ammunition in the military operation against militants and terrorists" in Malakand division and the tribal belt.

This ammunition needs to be urgently replaced along with the "supply of night vision devices, helicopters and drone technology" for taking the ongoing operations to their successful conclusion, he said.