Islamabad: Reports have emerged that heavy military transport aircraft from China and Turkey landed in Pakistan in quick succession, within a 60-hour window, possibly carrying military supplies.
According to the reports, the aircraft touched down a few days ago at the Nur Khan Air Base near Rawalpindi and at the Masroor Air Base in Karachi. The nature of the cargo has not been officially confirmed, but the arrivals have triggered speculation that defence matériel was delivered.
The developments come amid a strengthening of Pakistan–China ties following last year’s India–Pakistan military confrontation. Pakistan is said to rely heavily on China for fighter aircraft, air defence systems and drone capabilities.
Earlier this month, Turkey and Pakistan also moved to deepen cooperation in the fighter aircraft modernisation sector. In addition, a recent joint defence agreement involving Saudi Arabia, Pakistan and Turkey has been noted.
In this context, the reported landings of Chinese and Turkish heavy military aircraft in Pakistan have drawn attention and are seen as a factor prompting heightened vigilance.
