Mushak trainers ready for delivery to Saudi from Pakistan

the following report is from a pakistani newspaper:

20 Mashaks ready for delivery to Saudi Arabia

By Muhammad Saleh Zaafir

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has informed Saudi Arabia that 20 Super Mashak aircraft are ready for delivery. The twin-seat light aircraft is the best machine for aerial surveillance. Minister of State for Defence Production Maj (retd) Habibullah Warraich said Wednesday that as the Riyadh government releases payment, the planes would be dispatched to Saudi Arabia.

The minister of state, who accompanied President Musharraf to Saudi Arabia, said these aircraft are equipped with sophisticated instruments and meant for training even at low altitude. The agreement for the sale/purchase of planes has already been finalised between the two brotherly countries. Each aircraft will cost Saudi Arabia around 20 million rupees, he added.

To a question, he said the Saudi government has deferred purchase and payment of Al-Zarrar tanks and Armoured Personnel Careers (APCs) because of the huge debts. Saudi Arabia has to offset loan worth US$ 200 billion. The expenses are the result of first Gulf war but the Saudi government would be able to clear the burden in a couple of years, he hoped.

To a question, the minister said Saudi Arabia has assured Pakistan that it will purchase tanks, APCs and other equipment but Islamabad will have to wait for some time. The minister made it clear that Pakistan did not take up the issue of supply of oil free of cost or on defer payment to Pakistan as President Musharraf advised all members of his entourage not to raise the matter with the host.