Quoting three sources, a CNN report published Friday claimed the Biden administration had told the lawmakers of nearing a formalised agreement with Pakistan for use of its airspace to conduct military and intelligence operations in Afghanistan. However, responding to the US media claim, the Foreign Office spokesperson said, “no such understanding was in place. But the negotiations are ongoing, another source said, and the terms of the agreement, which has not been finalised, could still change. The US military currently uses Pakistan’s airspace to reach Afghanistan as part of ongoing intelligence-gathering efforts, but there is no formal agreement in place to ensure continued access to a critical piece of airspace necessary for the US to reach Afghanistan. With no formal agreement currently in place, the US runs the risk of Pakistan refusing entry to US military aircraft and drones en route to Afghanistan.

Source: The Nation October 24, 2021 15:00 UTC