Pakistan says No to Indian offer of helicopters for rescue Ops
Pakistan Times Foreign Desk Report

NEW DELHI (India): Pakistan has said it doesn't immediately need helicopters offered by India for rescue operations in its earthquake-devastated areas, an Indian government statement said Monday.

India had made the offer immediately after Saturday's earthquake "as a goodwill gesture" that was reciprocated by Pakistan with a similar offer.

But neither country was likely to accept aid from the other, given the uneasy relations between the two hostile neighbors.

"The Pakistan director-general of military operations has stated that for the moment they have adequate helicopters and other rescue efforts, but would approach us if they needed our assistance," a statement by India said.

Indian commanders were in contact with their Pakistani counterparts for any assistance needed to bring relief to the survivors of the quake in the disputed Himalayan State of Jammu & Kashmir, the statement added.●