Islamabad - Former president Asif Ali Zardari yesterday expressed his concern over United States’ decision to withdraw financial support for sale of F-16 aircraft to Pakistan.
Last week the US Congress declined to support the sale of F-16 precision strike aircraft to Pakistan military by withholding the use of Foreign Military Funds for financing the deal.
“The fact that we have not received the US funding for this important programme is very concerning and needs to be addressed,” Pakistan People’s Party Co-chairman said in a statement.
Zardari said he supported the acquisition of F-16 jet fighters so that Pakistan military could increase its precision strike capability against terrorists.
“The military has improved its ability to combat terror and should have the tools it needs to continue to advance against those who want to harm our people,” he added.
Zardari said the security relationship between Washington and Islamabad had always been a high priority for Pakistan government regardless of which party had been in power.
“I was proud of the relationship my government had with the United States and felt our strategic security interests were aligned. I offer my full support to Pakistan towards renewing a more positive and constructive relationship with the US,” Zardari maintained.
“Throughout my public life I have developed strong relationships in Washington with lawmakers and influencers,” he added.
Although the Obama Administration has supported the sale of jets to Pakistan, issues have been raised in the US Congress that resulted in the vote last week to stop the deal.
Prime Minister's adviser on Foreign Affairs Sartaj Aziz cautioned Washington that Pakistan will acquire jets from elsewhere if the United States does not arrange funding for a previously agreed upon F-16 fighter jet sale, as both countries lock horns over the purchase of the fighter planes.
"If funding is arranged, Pakistan will get the F-16s, otherwise we will opt for jets from some other place," Aziz said.