Pak armed forces in Zimbabwe get more perks and privileges

Islamabad, Jan 6 (UNI) Pakistan Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz has approved the revised draft of an agreement for deputation of the country's armed forces personnel with attractive perks and privileges.

The Daily Times quoted defence ministry sources as saying here, that according to the revised agreement, the armed forces personnel selected for deputation to Zimbabwe would get enhanced monthly packages.

The draft agreement contains 26 articles that define terms and conditions of the deputation, which have been mutually agreed by the governments of Pakistan and Zimbabwe, the sources added.

They said officers from the rank of captain to brigadier and those of equivalent ranks in the Air Force and Navy on their deputation to Zimbabwe would get monthly salary in the range of 1,500 dollars to 3,300 dollars and other allowances and privileges such as free accommodation and medical cover.

The sources said the monthly salary of troops in lower ranks would be from 615 dollars to 712 dollars besides other allowances and privileges.

The duration of appointment on deputation in Zimbabwe will be of two years, extendable for another year.

''Officers will be entitled to 30,000 dollars and other ranks to 15,000 dollars comprehensive insurance to be offered by the government of Zimbabwe,'' the sources said, adding that the previous agreement was revised on Pakistan's request after the Zimbabwe government asked Islamabad for provision of six flight instructors.

The sources said that Pakistan agreed to provide technical assistance and training facilities to Zimbabwean armed forces and signed an agreement in this regard on April 29, 1983.

''The revised agreement will ensure better conditions to our troops on deputation because the terms and conditions under the 22-year-old agreement were not feasible now, keeping in view the increased cost of living, the sources said.

The new agreement will be renewable after every five years and will extend automatically until one of the two parties requests changes or termination of the agreement.

UNI