LONDON. July 6: Britain has lifted its embargo on arms sales to Pakistan, validating a number of export licences that were frozen alter last year’s military coup, the Guardian reported today. citing Foreign Secretary Robin Cook, reports AFP.

Cook told parliament in writing that Britain had "considered the situation in Pakistan and the wider region before deciding on a number of licence applications." the Guardian reported.

It said that of 46 applications for export licences frozen after the October 12 coup. 20 would now be approved, paving the way for the resumption of supplies of naval and other equipment.

It added that although the embargo had been lifted approval would only be given to exports regarded as the least contentious, such as spare parts for ships, naval helicopters and naval planes.