You are currently viewing F-16 to help Pakistan fight terrorism: US Govt.
55FS 001

F-16 to help Pakistan fight terrorism: US Govt.

M. M. ALAM

 

KARACHI: In response to New Delhi’s lamentation that Obama administration’s decision to sell eight F-16s to Pakistan will enhance its ability to attack India, US Government has made it clear that the jets were meant to facilitate its fight against terrorism.

Nevertheless, Indian Foreign Ministry  disagreed with “the rationale that such arms transfers help to combat terrorism”.

Few members of the US Congress too have insinuated that the jets would ameliorate Pakistan’s  ability to fight India and not terrorism.

Rep. Matt. Salmon accusing Pakistan of “using terror as a tool of statecraft” claimed that many US legislators “seriously question such a sale”.

Earlier, Republican Senator Bob Corker, insinuating at Islamabad’s alleged relationship with the Haqqani network, had opposed the use of taxpayers’ money to subsidize the F-16s for Pakistan.

However, knowing that India harbors world’s 4th largest air force and endeavors to acquire 3000 jets in near future, it seems absurd to suggest that acquisition of eight F-16s could make it nervous.

 

 

 

 

 

M M Alam

M. M. Alam is a Pakistan-based working journalist since 1981. Karachi University faculty gold medalist Alam began his career four decades ago by writing for Dawn, Pakistan’s highest circulating English daily. He has worked for region’s leading publications, global aviation periodicals including Rotors (of USA) and vetted New York Times as permanent employee of daily Express Tribune. Alam regularly covers international aviation and defense-related events including Salon Du Bourget (France), Farnborough (United Kingdom), Dubai (UAE). Alam has reported thousands of events and interviewed hundreds of people in Pakistan, UAE, EU, UK and USA. Being Francophone Alam also coordinates with a number of French publications.