$5.2bn boost to Pakistani arms

The Obama Administration plans to seek as much as US$3 billion ($5.2 billion) over the next five years to train and equip Pakistan's military and is considering sending 10,000 more United States troops to battle the Taleban in Afghanistan, defence officials say.

The money would include an extra US$500 million for the coming year. The officials said it was critical to train and equip Pakistanis so they had the skills and will to fight.

The US$3 billion would complement US$7.5 billion in civilian aid.