Islamabad, April 9 (IANS): Pakistan confirmed on Thursday that it is procuring US military equipment to meet its critical defence needs.

The US State Department this week approved Pakistan's request for $1 billion worth of military hardware and equipment.

Foreign Office spokesperson Tasnim Aslam said the proposed military equipment would help Pakistan in the campaign against terrorism, Xinhua news agency reported.

"The US State Department has notified to the Congress about the proposed sale of military equipment to Pakistan," the spokesperson said at her weekly press briefing.

Pakistani media reported that the country submitted its request last year, stating that the weapons were needed for fighting insurgents in the country's mountainous regions.

The Dawn newspaper reported on Wednesday that the State Department has approved the sale to Pakistan of AH-1Z Viper attack helicopters and AGM-114R Hellfire II missiles and associated equipment, parts, training and logistical support for an estimated cost of $952 million.

The Pakistani spokesperson expressed confidence that the final clearance would come through soon.

"We welcome the US State Department notification. This is in recognition of Pakistan's needs in counter-terrorism operations," Aslam said.

About the US and Saudi Arabia ban on a Pakistan-based charity organisation, Al Furqan Foundation, the spokesperson said the US has proscribed the entity under its domestic laws and it has duly informed Pakistan about its action.