Pakistan cancelled a 1.5 billion dollars deal with a French company due to tensions between Pakistan and France over recent blasphemous sketches published in France and a statement by the French president about them. The deal was reportedly defensive.
According to media reports, Pakistan and French company Airbus were close to finalizing a deal under which Pakistan Navy wanted to buy 27 EC725 Caracal multi-mission helicopters for the anti-submarine warship helicopter program.
The Pakistan Navy had issued a tender to modernize its fleet of helicopters. which was likely to be acquired by French aircraft maker Airbus.
Still, the recent wave of Islamophobia has led to tensions between France and other countries, including Europe.
However, there are reports that the agreement reached with Airbus has now been cancelled and the company has been excluded from the tender process.
The cancellation of the agreement left Pakistan in a “difficult time” to decide, as the cancellation of the deal left Pakistan with two options.
chines-made Z-20F and US S-70B C-Hawk helicopters. You have to make a difficult choice.
It may be recalled that Pakistan is one of the Muslim countries. which has not only opposed the anti-Islamic statements of French President Emmanuel Macron and the publication of blasphemous sketches of the Holy Prophet but has also sent a strong message.
Prime Minister Imran Khan has not only strongly condemned the move, but has also written a letter to world leaders, condemning blasphemy and calling for action against the criminal act.
Source: Pak affairs
