WASHINGTON (Dunya News) – United States (US) Congress Committee has interrupted financial aid worth USD 430 million to Pakistan putting sale of eight F-16 fighter jets on the line once again, Dunya News reported Friday.
Department of State stated to a British journal that Obama government is in favour of supplying F-16s to Pakistan but US aid would not be used for the purpose.
Pakistan cannot afford to pay around USD 700 million for eight fighter jets and necessary equipment. As per the previous understanding, United States was to grant USD 430 million while Pakistan was to pitch in USD 270 million for the sale.
On the other hand United States Congress has also halted provision of USD 74.2 million funds for Pakistan under military aid package.
Pakistani embassy’s spokesperson in the United States, Nadeem Hotiana said that the US administration has already supported F-16s sale to Pakistan however purchase of arms and ammunition is a lengthy and time-taking procedure.
He said that India had lobbied against Pakistan regarding the sale while some members of the Congress had also criticised the deal. They had said that F-16s could be used against India, he added.
Indian External Affairs Ministry had made it clear in February that it would not buy the argument that the deal would help Pakistan combat terrorism.
"We are disappointed at the decision of the Obama Administration to notify the sale of F-16 aircrafts to Pakistan. We disagree with their rationale that such arms transfers help to combat terrorism," Indian External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Vikas Swarup had tweeted.
Earlier in March, the motion to supply F-16s to Pakistan garnered success in the US Senate with an overwhelming 71 to 24 margin.
The deal between the two sides was kept alive for the past five years however, Obama government announced in February to go through with the sale formally.
In February, Secretary of State John Kerry, while testifying to the Senate’s Foreign Relations Committee defended the deal.
Kerry lauded Pakistan’s efforts in war on terror and said that the country is an ally in fight against extremism and has been deeply engaged.
Senators had 30 days to express reservations in the matter after formal announcement by the United States on February 12. Senator Bob Corker, the chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, sharply questioned the plans to sell F-16 fighter jets to Pakistan within the given time.
It should be noted here that the deal is in accordance with US foreign policy s objectives and national security goals of improved security of strategic partner in the South Asia.
The deal involves sale of eight nuclear-capable Lockheed Martin Corp F-16 fighter jets, radar and other equipment.
_--------
Responsibility for Congress agreement rests with Obama admin: Tareq Fatemi
ISLAMABAD (Dunya News) – With Pakistan’s F-16 fighter jets’ sale hanging in the balance, Special Assistant to the Prime Minister (PM) Tariq Fatemi Saturday stated that the responsibility for making the US Congress agree rests with the Obama administration.
Talking with the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC), Fatemi stated that a sentiment against the provision of military and financial aid to foreign countries was found within the Congress.
Fatemi further stated that the US administration’s offer of military aid to Pakistan was present.
Answering a question regarding the Congress denial of approving an aid offered by the US government for the purchase of F-16 fighter jets, Fatemi stated that this deal was not over yet.
------------;-;;;;;;--------------
Divorce Time
We dont need trash F16 block 51 which does not possess all the pods and special AESA radar more over PAF dont have the freedom to use them according to our own will . JF 17 block 3 is worth coming with AESA ,IRST , HMDS fifth generation BVR PL12 most probably and RD33MK. Pakistan can get few squadron of J10C or SU 35 ,F16 has no place in PAF anymore . J 31 and J20 along with CH5 drones are a much better acquisition for Pakistan 
