ISLAMABAD, Sept 30: The United States is likely to offer Pakistan sophisticated gunship helicopters and intelligence equipment to help it to equip its paramilitary forces which guard the 2,500 kilometres long rugged terrain along the Pakistan-Afghan border.

Quoting senior government officials, the Khaleej Times said US Ambassador Wendy Chamberlin had shown willingness to put together a $75 million package for Islamabad for helping it to improve its surveillance along the porous borders.

The officials said that the government had not fully made up its mind what type of equipment would it need on an emergency basis, but added that it could include helicopters and high-tech intelligence equipment to prevent infiltrations.

It is said that there are over 200 points along the border with mule tracks and foot tracks, besides the established entry points at Torkham and Chaman which are now closed. Then there are various tribal agencies with people on both sides linked by ethnic ties.

The government of Pakistan is reported to be interested in reaching some quick arms deal which could be presented to the people as an example of the new friendship with the US.

There are also reports of the government considering the possibility of buying jet fighters, which are available now on payment of hard cash basis, if some sanctions barring the sale are removed.

The restrictions under Section 508 still prevents the United States from financing the sale of military hardware, as well as providing training to military personnel.

“We have discussed the possibility of buying the required hardware from the United States,” an official source said.

The military-level talks between the two sides concluded on Wednesday on intelligence information sharing, which the officials claim did not include talks on specific operational plan.

However, reports suggest that discussions were held on the scope of ‘cooperation’.—PPI