The report, covered by BBC Urdu, suggests that the transactions involved contracts worth $364 million with two private US military companies, “Global Military” and “Northrop Grumman.”
The alleged arms deal came to light in August 2022, coinciding with former army chief Gen (retd) Qamar Javed Bajwa’s address at the British Royal Military Academy’s passing-out parade. During this period, a British military cargo plane reportedly landed at the Pakistan Air Force Base Nur Khan in Rawalpindi five times.
According to BBC’s report, the plane followed the same route on each occasion, flying from Nur Khan Airbase to the British military base in Cyprus, Akrotiri, and onward to Romania. Notably, this series of landings occurred during the Russian invasion of Ukraine, a nation neighboring Romania.
The BBC investigation reveals that Pakistan, despite its official stance of neutrality in the Russia-Ukraine conflict, entered into arms sales contracts with Global Military and Northrop Grumman. The contracts, totaling $364 million, specifically involved the sale of 155mm shells.
According to documents obtained from the Federal Procurement Data System of the United States, both contracts were signed on August 17, 2022, and were set to expire in October of the same year. Global Military secured a $232 million contract, while Northrop Grumman was awarded a $131 million contract for the purchase of the specified artillery ammunition.
Despite the BBC’s assertions, Pakistan has consistently denied the presence of its weapons in Ukraine. The country’s Foreign Office has reiterated its neutrality in the Russia-Ukraine conflict, emphasizing a commitment to non-interference.
The revelation of these purported arms deals raises questions about the transparency of Pakistan’s foreign policy and its stance in the ongoing geopolitical tensions. The BBC’s investigative findings add a layer of complexity to the international dynamics surrounding the conflict, challenging the official narrative of Pakistan’s involvement. As the story unfolds, it is likely to prompt further scrutiny and demands for clarity on Pakistan’s role in arms transactions during this tumultuous period.
