Tags:
Journalism of Courage
Pakistan8217;s Defence Ministry has asked the federal Cabinet to approve the purchase of conventional Chinese submarines to counter 8220;emerging threats8221; that the country faces,according to a media report on Wednesday.
The acquisition of the Chinese vessels will pave the way for joint development of conventional submarines,The Express Tribune newspaper quoted unnamed officials as saying.
The Defence Ministry informed members of the Cabinet that the Pakistan Navy is facing a 8220;critical force imbalance8221; in terms of the number of submarines and ships in its fleet.
The 8220;capability gap is widening exponentially with the passage of time8221;,the report said.
In view of 8220;urgent naval requirements8221;,the issue of acquiring Chinese submarines was part of the talking points for President Asif Ali Zardari8217;s visit to China in 2009.
The matter was also discussed during the Chinese premier8217;s visit to Pakistan in 2010,the report said.
The Cabinet has been told that Naval Headquarters had pursued the purchase of submarines with Chinese authorities.
A 8220;mutually agreed draft protocol8221; is to be signed between the Pakistan Navy and the relevant Chinese department as a first step towards the joint development of conventional submarines.
