US approves arms worth $1bn for Pakistan

The Pentagon has notified US Congress about the state department's approval of a military arms package worth nearly $1 billion for Pakistan, ostensibly in support of its counterterrorism and counter-insurgency operations. 
The proposed sale "will contribute to the foreign policy and national security of the US by helping to improve the security of a country vital to US foreign policy and national security goals in South Asia," the DSCA said in its notification, adding that the helicopters and weapon systems will provide Pakistan with military capabilities in support of its counterterrorism and counter-insurgency operations in South Asia.