According to US media reports, the Joe Biden administration is close to a formal agreement with Pakistan to use its airspace to conduct military and intelligence operations in Afghanistan.

US to use Pakistan's airspace for counter-terrorism in Afghanistan, may sign a deal

According to US media reports, the Biden administration is nearing a formalized agreement with Pakistan for use of its airspace to conduct military and intelligence operations in Afghanistan.

The report by CNN, which has quoted three sources familiar with the matter, states that Pakistan has expressed a desire to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) in exchange for assistance with its own counterterrorism efforts and help in managing the relationship with India.

However, the negotiations are ongoing and the terms of the agreement, which has not been finalised, could still change.

Notably in May, Pakistan foreign minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi told Pakistan’s Senate that Islamabad would not provide its military bases to the US for future counter-terrorism operations in Afghanistan and also would not allow drone attacks inside Pakistan.

“I want to assure the House that Pakistan is in safe hands,” he remarked.

But on October 1, Qureshi made a U-turn saying that the proposal of using Pakistan airspace is up for discussion with the Imran Khan-led Cabinet.

“Question of support …I believe it was mentioned that there was a discussion in which there was a mention of the usefulness of a corridor provided by Pakistan in the past. We are in talks…on the continuation or cooperation in the days ahead. Obviously, that's a decision that will be taken by the Cabinet (decision on approval of usage of Pak air space by the US) after due deliberation.&nbsp;Looking at all the pros and cons,&nbsp;Pakistan will decide what is in the interest of its security, national security&nbsp;(and) regional stability. Pakistan will take a decision accordingly,” Qureshi said during a press conference.

Moreover, the US is also reportedly mulling to establish its military presence in Uzbekistan and Tajikistan to conduct so-called “over-the-horizon operations” in Afghanistan.

However, it is being reported that the move might run into severe opposition from Russian President Vladimir Putin and some local politicians.

“Both are long shots. These are pipe dreams due to needing Putin's blessing,” CNN quoted the source as saying.

Currently, the US conducts its over-the-horizon operations from bases in the Middle East (Gulf countries), forcing drones to fly from distant bases, such as those in Qatar and the United Arab Emirates, around Iran and through Pakistani air space before reaching Afghanistan, according to CNN.

(With inputs from agencies)

According to US media reports, the Biden administration is nearing a formalized agreement with Pakistan for use of its airspace to conduct military and intelligence operations in Afghanistan.

According to US media reports, the Biden administration is nearing a formalized agreement with Pakistan for use of its airspace to conduct military and intelligence operations in Afghanistan. The report by CNN, which has quoted three sources familiar with the matter, states that Pakistan has expressed a desire to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) in exchange for assistance with its own counterterrorism efforts and help in managing the relationship with India. However, the negotiations are ongoing and the terms of the agreement, which has not been finalised, could still change. Notably in May, Pakistan foreign minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi told Pakistan’s Senate that Islamabad would not provide its military bases to the US for future counter-terrorism operations in Afghanistan and also would not allow drone attacks inside Pakistan. “I want to assure the House that Pakistan is in safe hands,” he remarked. But on October 1, Qureshi made a U-turn saying that the proposal of using Pakistan airspace is up for discussion with the Imran Khan-led Cabinet. “Question of support …I believe it was mentioned that there was a discussion in which there was a mention of the usefulness of a corridor provided by Pakistan in the past. We are in talks…on the continuation or cooperation in the days ahead. Obviously, that's a decision that will be taken by the Cabinet (decision on approval of usage of Pak air space by the US) after due deliberation. Looking at all the pros and cons, Pakistan will decide what is in the interest of its security, national security (and) regional stability. Pakistan will take a decision accordingly,” Qureshi said during a press conference. Moreover, the US is also reportedly mulling to establish its military presence in Uzbekistan and Tajikistan to conduct so-called “over-the-horizon operations” in Afghanistan. However, it is being reported that the move might run into severe opposition from Russian President Vladimir Putin and some local politicians. “Both are long shots. These are pipe dreams due to needing Putin's blessing,” CNN quoted the source as saying. Currently, the US conducts its over-the-horizon operations from bases in the Middle East (Gulf countries), forcing drones to fly from distant bases, such as those in Qatar and the United Arab Emirates, around Iran and through Pakistani air space before reaching Afghanistan, according to CNN. (With inputs from agencies)

US nearing agreement to use Pak's airspace for military and intelligence operations in Afghanistan

The United States on Friday reiterated that Pakistan should continue taking sustained and verifiable action against terrorist groups operating on its soil to prevent future attacks and promote regional stability in the region in line with its international obligations. 
 
This comes after the U.N. Security Council (UNSC) had approved a request by Pakistan to allow global terrorist Hafiz Saeed to access his bank accounts for 'basic expenses' to help his family. 
 
"Basic exemption requests for U.N.-designated individuals are consistent with every member state's responsibilities regarding the disposition of funds to U.N.-designated individuals residing in their territory," a State Department spokesperson told ANI. 
 
"We continue to encourage all member states to fully abide by and implement their obligations under UN sanctions regimes. This includes submitting basic exemption requests for UN-designated individuals and entities, as needed," the spokesperson said. 
 
However, the spokesperson outlined that all member states are encouraged to take appropriate action to arrest and prosecute terrorists. 
"In line with its international obligations, Pakistan must continue to take sustained and verifiable action against terrorist groups to prevent future attacks and promote regional stability," the spokesperson remarked. 
 
In a letter dated August 15, the U.N. Sanctions Committee said it had received a letter from Pakistan seeking permission to allow Saeed "certain expenditure" from his frozen bank account. The Chair said that the request was approved after "no objection" had been received from any member. 
 
"The chair has the honour to refer to his draft letter to the Islamic Republic of Pakistan communicating the committee's decision with respect to the intention of the Pakistani authorities to authorise certain expenditures to the benefit of Hafiz Muhammad Saeed (QDi.236), Haji Muhammad Ashraf (QDI.265) and Zafar Iqbal (QDI.308) to cover basic expenses, as specified in the note verbale of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan pursuant to paragraph 81 (a) of resolution 2368 (2017)," the letter read. 
 
"The chair wishes to inform the members that no objections were placed by the set dateline of 15 August 2019 at 3:00 p.m. for the consideration of the draft letter. Consequently, the letter is approved, and the chair will instruct the Secretariat to dispatch it," it said. 
 
Pakistan, which has time and again proven to be a safe haven for global terrorists, has based its request by outlining the monthly expenses requirement of Jammat-ud-Dawah (JuD) chief Saeed, who it claims, has to support a family of four. 
 
Being a proscribed terrorist, Saeed is subjected to comprehensive economic and trade sanctions such as arms embargoes, travel bans, and financial or commodity restrictions. 
 
Saeed, who has been designated as global terrorists by the United States, the United Nations, and the European Union, was the mastermind behind the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks that claimed 166 lives.&nbsp;

The United States on Friday reiterated that Pakistan should continue taking sustained and verifiable action against terrorist groups operating on its soil to prevent future attacks and promote regional stability in the region in line with its international obligations.

The United States on Friday reiterated that Pakistan should continue taking sustained and verifiable action against terrorist groups operating on its soil to prevent future attacks and promote regional stability in the region in line with its international obligations. This comes after the U.N. Security Council (UNSC) had approved a request by Pakistan to allow global terrorist Hafiz Saeed to access his bank accounts for 'basic expenses' to help his family. "Basic exemption requests for U.N.-designated individuals are consistent with every member state's responsibilities regarding the disposition of funds to U.N.-designated individuals residing in their territory," a State Department spokesperson told ANI. "We continue to encourage all member states to fully abide by and implement their obligations under UN sanctions regimes. This includes submitting basic exemption requests for UN-designated individuals and entities, as needed," the spokesperson said. However, the spokesperson outlined that all member states are encouraged to take appropriate action to arrest and prosecute terrorists. "In line with its international obligations, Pakistan must continue to take sustained and verifiable action against terrorist groups to prevent future attacks and promote regional stability," the spokesperson remarked. In a letter dated August 15, the U.N. Sanctions Committee said it had received a letter from Pakistan seeking permission to allow Saeed "certain expenditure" from his frozen bank account. The Chair said that the request was approved after "no objection" had been received from any member. "The chair has the honour to refer to his draft letter to the Islamic Republic of Pakistan communicating the committee's decision with respect to the intention of the Pakistani authorities to authorise certain expenditures to the benefit of Hafiz Muhammad Saeed (QDi.236), Haji Muhammad Ashraf (QDI.265) and Zafar Iqbal (QDI.308) to cover basic expenses, as specified in the note verbale of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan pursuant to paragraph 81 (a) of resolution 2368 (2017)," the letter read. "The chair wishes to inform the members that no objections were placed by the set dateline of 15 August 2019 at 3:00 p.m. for the consideration of the draft letter. Consequently, the letter is approved, and the chair will instruct the Secretariat to dispatch it," it said. Pakistan, which has time and again proven to be a safe haven for global terrorists, has based its request by outlining the monthly expenses requirement of Jammat-ud-Dawah (JuD) chief Saeed, who it claims, has to support a family of four. Being a proscribed terrorist, Saeed is subjected to comprehensive economic and trade sanctions such as arms embargoes, travel bans, and financial or commodity restrictions. Saeed, who has been designated as global terrorists by the United States, the United Nations, and the European Union, was the mastermind behind the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks that claimed 166 lives.

Pakistan must take sustained and verifiable action against terrorists: United States

Supporting President Donald Trump&#39;s decision to<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/us-blocks-usd-255-million-military-aid-to-pakistan-28291"> block $255 million military aid</a> to Pakistan, US Ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley on Tuesday said that the country has played a &quot;double game&quot; with the United States for years.

Nikki Haley accused Pakistan of at times working with the US while also harbouring terrorists that attacked its troops in Afghanistan. She said this was unacceptable to the Trump administration.

&quot;There are clear reasons for this. Pakistan has played a double game for years,&quot; the US envoy told the press at a new conference at the UN headquarters in New York yesterday.

&quot;They (Pakistanis) work with us at times, and they also harbour the terrorists that attack our troops in Afghanistan. That game is not acceptable to this administration.&quot;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Also&nbsp;Read: <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/pakistan-needs-to-do-more-to-fight-terrorism-white-house-28379">Pakistan needs to do more to fight terrorism: White House</a>

The Trump Administration expects far more co-operation from Pakistan in the fight against terrorism, she said.

&quot;Trump is willing to go to great lengths to stop all funding from Pakistan as they continue to harbour and support terrorism,&quot; Nikki Haley said in her opening remarks during her first news conference of the year.

Nikki Haley said the aid issue was connected solely to Pakistan&#39;s harbouring of terrorists.&nbsp;

Nikki Haley accused Pakistan of at times working with the US while also harbouring terrorists that attacked its troops in Afghanistan

Supporting President Donald Trump's decision to block $255 million military aid to Pakistan, US Ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley on Tuesday said that the country has played a "double game" with the United States for years. Nikki Haley accused Pakistan of at times working with the US while also harbouring terrorists that attacked its troops in Afghanistan. She said this was unacceptable to the Trump administration. "There are clear reasons for this. Pakistan has played a double game for years," the US envoy told the press at a new conference at the UN headquarters in New York yesterday. "They (Pakistanis) work with us at times, and they also harbour the terrorists that attack our troops in Afghanistan. That game is not acceptable to this administration." Also Read: Pakistan needs to do more to fight terrorism: White House The Trump Administration expects far more co-operation from Pakistan in the fight against terrorism, she said. "Trump is willing to go to great lengths to stop all funding from Pakistan as they continue to harbour and support terrorism," Nikki Haley said in her opening remarks during her first news conference of the year. Nikki Haley said the aid issue was connected solely to Pakistan's harbouring of terrorists.

Pakistan has played double game with US for years: Nikki Haley

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US to use Pakistan's airspace for counter-terrorism in Afghanistan, may sign a deal

US nearing agreement to use Pak's airspace for military and intelligence operations in Afghanistan

Pakistan must take sustained and verifiable action against terrorists: United States

Pakistan has played double game with US for years: Nikki Haley