Nato seeks new supply routes

Published January 10, 2009

BRUSSELS, Jan 9: Talks aimed at setting up alternative supply routes to the Khyber Pass for the United States and Nato forces fighting in Afghanistan are at an advanced stage, officials have said.

The issue is one of growing urgency because of intensifying attacks by pro-Taliban guerillas on the mountain pass, which links Pakistan and Afghanistan and is the main supply route the soldiers use. Finding alternative routes is critical as the US troop deployment to Afghanistan is expected to double this year to 60,000.

In Brussels on Thursday, a Nato official said diplomatic efforts were nearing conclusion on setting up new routes for US and Nato military supplies that would likely pass through Russia, Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan.

A US official said the proposed land routes would be used as occasional alternatives to the Khyber Pass, or to carry heavier loads if the pass is closed again.

Sensitive military items such as ammunition and armoured vehicles for the 62,000 western troops in landlocked Afghanistan are normally sent in on military aircraft. Land routes are mainly used for other supplies such as food, the official said.—AP

Opinion

Bribed doctors

Bribed doctors

A cocktail of measures — educational, managerial, regulatory — need to be taken and interventions need to be made simultaneously and sustainably.

Editorial

Digital dragnet
24 Jan, 2025

Digital dragnet

The Pakistani state must stop inflicting wounds on itself and learn to resolve its internal issues through social and political means.
USC closure
24 Jan, 2025

USC closure

THE PML-N government seems to have finally firmed up its mind on the future of the Utility Stores. The cabinet has...
Hindu exodus
Updated 24 Jan, 2025

Hindu exodus

The state cannot absolve itself of the responsibility to protect Hindu citizens, and assure them of safety.
A dying light
Updated 23 Jan, 2025

A dying light

Objections to the 26th Amendment must be settled quickly for the Supreme Court's sake.
Controversial canals
23 Jan, 2025

Controversial canals

THE Punjab government’s contentious plans to build new canals to facilitate corporate farming in the province ...
Killjoys
23 Jan, 2025

Killjoys

THE skies over Lahore have fallen silent. Punjab’s latest legislation banning kite flying represents a troubling...