From land to air: 15 military vehicles flown to security forces in Aghanistan from Karachi

First flight to provide military equipment to forces in Afghanistan takes off from Jinnah International Airport.

The first flight to provide military equipment to security forces in Afghanistan took off from the Jinnah International Airport in Karachi on Monday, Express News reported.

This was the first time aerial transport was used to supply military equipment to the security forces, who are expected to withdraw from Afghanistan by the end of the year.

The flight, which was on its way to Bagram Airbase, carried 15 military vehicles which were provided by the Pakistan government.

Express News also reported that 1,628 vehicles will be sent via air to Afghanistan for Nato troops.

The Defence Ministry said that the arrangement was made to rapidly deliver vital military cargo to Afghanistan in order to enhance its security and stability.

The air transportation has allowed to airlift vehicles meant for Afghan National Forces (ANSF) as a ‘special gesture’ by the government of Pakistan, according to Radio Pakistan.

In July 2012, official sources had revealed that Pakistan had secretly allowed US-led Nato forces to use its airspace for transporting lethal supplies to Afghanistan. Earlier that year, Pakistan had confirmed that it allowed Nato planes carrying non-lethal supplies to use its air space.

Late last year, the US military had suspended the shipment of equipment out of Afghanistan via the Torkham border, citing growing security concerns following a blockade organised by the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf.

The move had come after the political party of former cricketer Imran Khan began forcibly searching trucks in an effort to halt Nato supplies in protest against US drone strikes in Pakistan.