Alwaght- The United States has reneged on its deal to partly finance Pakistan’s purchase of at least eight F-16 fighter jets.
As part of a deal valued at $699 million, Washington agreed to sell Islamabad up to eight Lockheed Martin F-16 fighter jets, in addition to radar and other equipment. Much of the cost would be covered by the US government’s Foreign Military Financing fund, with Pakistan paying some $270 million.
US lawmakers objected the deal claiming Pakistan lack’s commitment to combating terrorism within its borders.
US Congress members also claimed that the aircraft could ultimately be used against India. New Delhi has expressed objections to the deal for the same reason.
Without funding assistance, Pakistan may be forced to seek the money, and the weapons, elsewhere.
"We will examine this with the suppliers to see there is an alternative source of financing," Sartaj Aziz, Pakistan’s foreign policy chief, told reporters.
"So if any arrangements can be made, we will buy them, otherwise obviously we will have to look for planes from somewhere else."
Aziz said Pakistan valued the F-16s for their effectiveness, but said that they could be replaced by JF-17 Thunder jets in its anti-terrorism campaign.
The PAC JF-17 Thunder or CAC FC-1 Xiaolong is a lightweight, single-engine, multi-role combat aircraft developed jointly by the Pakistan Aeronautical Complex (PAC) and the Chengdu Aircraft Corporation (CAC) of China.
The adviser also expressed concern over India's growing military power and said if it isn't checked, Pakistan will be "forced to increase its strategic power" too.
"The international community should avoid steps which may disturb the strategic balance in South Asia", Aziz warned.
