ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has rejected news suggesting that it had supplies military aid to Ukraine which is currently engaged in heavy armed conflict with Russia.
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Indian media had persistently been peddling reports about Pakistan planning to dispatch arms supplies to Ukraine. One report went to the extent of ‘striking an agreement’ saying ‘Pakistan is planning to dispatch 159 containers of ammunition including projectiles and primers to Ukraine via a port in Poland this month, according to people aware of the matter.’
Also read: Pakistan sends aid to Ukraine
The Indian media report went on suggesting that a vessel named BBC Vesuvius will carry 155 mm projectiles, M4A2 propelling bag charges, M82 primers and PDM fuses, said the people. Earlier, Pakistan played a critical role in transfer of arms on behalf of the UK to Ukraine.
It said that in return, Pakistan may receive Ukrainian assistance to upgrade its Mi-17 helicopters. A Ukrainian firm engaged in manufacturing aircraft engines as well as industrial marine gas turbines is reportedly assisting in upgradation of Pakistan helicopters, according to people familiar with the matter.
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However, Foreign Office spokesperson, when asked to comment on reports appeared in Indian media suggesting that Pakistan is providing defence products to Ukraine, said “the reporting about supply of defense items by Pakistan to Ukraine is not accurate. Pakistan maintains a policy of non-interference in military conflicts. Pakistan only exports defense stores to other states based on strong End Use and none re-transfer assurances. And this is the case of Pakistan’s position in the Ukraine-Russia conflict.”
