WASHINGTON – The United States is close to a formal agreement with Pakistanto use its airspace for military and intelligence operations inAfghanistan, *CNN *linkFriday.
The report of US-based media outlet quoted sources privy to the details ofFriday’s classified briefing with Congress members as saying the SouthAsian country expressed the desire to sign a Memorandum of Understanding(MOU) with the US in exchange for assistance with its own efforts againstterrorism other than ‘normal relations’ with arch-rival India.
It further stated that the negotiations are not finalized yet as it couldstill change. The US forces presently use Pakistan’s airspace to reach thewar-ravaged country as part of intelligence-gathering efforts however, aformal agreement has to be signed to ensure continued access.
The recent developments were discussed when US officials visited Pakistanwhile the Biden administration is also looking at Uzbekistan and Tajikistanto establish a military presence to conduct operations in Afghanistan.
US deputy secretary of state Wendy Sherman also visited Uzbekistan anddiscussed proposals with Shavkat Mirziyoyev earlier this month.
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Meanwhile, Russian President Vladimir Putin along with some otherpoliticians expected to oppose the idea of using other countries’ air spacefor operations in Afghanistan.
Biden, who termed US withdrawal the ‘right decision’ to end the 20-yearmilitary presence in Afghanistan, earlier mentioned its ability to operatein the country, even if US troops were no longer on the ground.
In June, Prime Minister Imran Khan categorically denied allowing any basesand use of its territory to the US for any sort of action insideAfghanistan.
