ANKARA
by Abdul Hamid Chohan
The Pakistani government expressed its concerns about the number of civilians killed in U.S. drone attacks to President Barrack Obama and Secretary of State John Kerry, said Pakistan's Defence Production Minister Rana Tanveer Hussain during a visit to Turkey last week.
Pakistan is looking to buy a number of assault helicopters for their army, said Hussain. They are in discussions with Turkey for (T129 ATAK) helicopters and various other countries but have not concluded a deal.
Regarding Saudi Arabia's interest in the purchase of JF-17 fighter Jet jointly produced by Pakistan and China, Hussain said Saudi Deputy Defence Minister Prince Salman Bin Sultan has recently visited Pakistan for this purpose.
Saudi Arabia and many other countries are interested in the aircraft but we have not finalized any deal yet, Hussain said.
Regarding U.S. withdrawal from Pakistan's neighbour, Afghanistan by the end of 2014, Hussain emphasized Pakistan wants a stable and peaceful Afghanistan.
An Afghan government acceptable for the Afghans, Pakistan and international community will lead to peace and resolve Taliban problem.
Talks with the Pakistani Taliban are imminent as a delegation to attend talks offered by Pakistani government, is being finalized by the Taliban.
Talks were disrupted after the killing of their Leader Hakimulah Mehsud in a U.S. drone attack on 1 November 2013.
Drone attacks have been responsible for the deaths of nearly three thousand people including several hundred civilians between 2004 and 2013, according to New America Foundation.
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