Pak wants choppers but without crew, India says no

Saran, however, re-emphasised India’s willingness to undertake relief work in villages which are close to the Line of Control, as they are more accessible from India.

“Concerning helicopter sorties by Pakistani side to points close to the LoC, the Foreign Secretary conveyed that these can be undertaken, but information concerning the proposed sorties should be communicated as early as possible to the DGMO (Director General of Military Operations) on the Indian side,’’ the spokesperson said.

It may be noted that India had offered Pakistan all possible help for relief operations in quake-hit areas of PoK. While Islamabad had initially opted against taking up the offer, it has now indicated acceptance in a manner not acceptable to New Delhi.

Earlier, the spokesperson of the Pakistan Foreign Office had revealed the latest position.

Explaining the pre-condition, he said that “given the obvious sensitivities, we could not accept involvement of Indian military on our side for relief operations.”

Pakistani Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz had earlier said that they did not need Indian choppers.

Currently, about 45 helicopters are taking part in relief operations in Pakistan. These include 10 from the United States, four from Afghanistan, two from Germany and three from Japan.