The Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Foreign Affairs, Tariq Fatemi has stated that F-16s purchase deal with the United States was still very much intact.
Fatemi said this amid reports US Congress has halted Pakistan’s aid for purchase of F-16s.
Mark C. Toner, US State Department deputy spokesperson, said, “We believe the F-16s are helpful in Pakistan’s counterterrorism efforts, and they have been a part of the successful pushback in past operations against the militant groups.”
However, Toner said, “Some members of Congress have stated their concerns about how to finance F-16s sale to Pakistan.” He said Obama administration has no concerns over sale of F-16s to Pakistan.
To a question, the spokesman said that Congress has put on hold $742 million military aid to Pakistan for F-16s.
The Special Assistant to PM said, “It is the responsibility of the Obama Administration to induce US Congress over the sale of F-16s to Pakistan.”
He was optimistic Pakistan’s halted aid will be released, saying that talks with US administration in this regard were underway.
Fatemi went on to say that despite limited resources, Pakistan had spent $2 billion in operation against militants within a span of two years. He said ongoing military operation is not only in the interest of Pakistan but also US, Afghanistan and other regional countries are collecting its fruits.
