KARACHI, 16 September 2004 — Pakistan said yesterday China has agreed to supply its navy with four frigates under a $750 million deal being finalized. “The deal is complete as far as its technical details are concerned. We are now finalizing the financing of the deal,” Pakistan Navy spokesman Commander Aamir said.
“Pakistan is not looking for other options, because such selections are made after extensive studies and negotiations,” he said.
The frigates, equipped with up-to-date technology, would carry surface-to-surface missiles, anti-aircraft guns, anti-air defense, torpedoes and anti-submarine warfare helicopters, he said.
The navy chief, who also spoke to reporters on the second day of the international defense exhibition here said Pakistan wanted more ships and submarines to narrow a huge gap in capabilities with the nuclear-armed rival India.
“The disparity between the Pakistan Navy and Indian Navy is colossal. It is not to our liking,” said Adm. Shahid Karimullah.
“Indians have no dearth of weapons supply from Russia, whereas we suffered because of sanctions,” he added.
“We have disparity in every field, whether you talk of ships or submarines.” Although the United States lifted sanctions after Pakistan joined the US-led war on terror, their effects remained, he said.
Exhibitors and delegates from more than 50 countries are participating in the exhibition, which is being held under tight security because of the fear of sabotage or terror assaults by Al-Qaeda or local militant groups.
Pakistan, which sells around $100 million worth of weapons and ammunition abroad annually, is also hoping to use the exhibition to boost exports, offering to sell indigenously built missile boats and submarines.
