US can use Pak airspace: Defence Secretary

Defence Secretary Kamran Rasool has said that allied forces have been allowed to use Pakistan’s airspace, reports a private TV channel. Kamran Rasool said allied forces did seek permission to hit specific targets in tribal areas several times. He said war on terror could not be won without US cooperation.

He cautioned that Pakistan could face severe economic crisis, adding that sanctions would aggravate the problems.

Online adds: Kamran disclosed that International Security Assistant Force (Isaf) planes were hovering over Pakistani airspace with the consent of the government for our protection. He, however, added that we have rejected the demand of the coalition forces of hot pursuit inside Pakistani territory for getting their targets.

He expressed these views in Senate Standing Committee for Defence meeting held here on Tuesday. The meeting was presided over by Chairman Nisar A Memon. He informed the meeting that Nato forces were using Pakistani airspace for supervision and protection of Pakistani airspace and this is being done with the consent of the government.

Kamran was of the view that Nato forces have never violated Pakistani borders, adding that no compromise will be made in this regard.