Admn defends, Congressmen oppose F 16 sale to Pak

CONGRESSMEN have come down heavily on the Administration for its decision to sell 36 nuclear-enabled F-16 to Pakistan, but at the same time decided not to stop from its scheduled delivery to the Pakistani Air Force. Majority of the lawmakers at House International Relations Committee meeting last week apprehended that the sale of F-16 to Pakistan would mean great risk of transfer of technology to countries like China, North Korea and Iran.

However, Bush Administration officials, at this hearing of the key Congressional committee argued this is in best interest of the US and F-16 is being given to a country, which has been its key ally in its fight against terrorism.

In his testimony before the committee, Assistant Secretary of State, Richard Boucher, defended the F-16 sale. We are asking Pakistan to do difficult things to protect Americans, and we must show concern in return for Pakistan’s security. The F-16 sale provides clear and concrete signal to all Pakistanis that Pakistan’s security is important to the US, he said.

Sale of F-16, he said, provides a clear and concrete signal to all Pakistanis that Pakistan’s security is important to the US. A confident Pakistan that feels secure is more likely to pursue peace and cooperation with its neighbors, he observed. Boucher continued: Conversely, a Pakistan that feels vulnerable is more likely to rely on nuclear weapons and non-conventional tactics to ensure its security.

The Assistant Secretary of State for Political and Military Affairs, John F. Hillen said the sale of F-16 aircrafts to Pakistan is a Presidential priority and a key element of the Administration’s South Asia strategy.

As per this strategy unveiled in March 2005, Hillen said is aimed at broadening strategic relationships with the key regional partners.

The Administration has carefully considered the potential risks of diversion of US technology and equipment, and we are taking appropriate steps to minimize those risks, Hillen said. Congressman, James Leach, supported the deal as the US has a long-term relationship with Pakistan.

However, majority of the Congressmen opposed the deal with Pakistan specially at a time when the US was moving ahead with a strategic partnership with India.

Opposing the decision, Congressman Elliot Engle said: Pakistan has not moved forward with promises of democracy or fighting its internal extremists.

Congresswoman Diane Watson termed it an utter lack of strategic vision. Rather than pushing arms sales, we should be exploring how trade, education, and development support can strengthen Pakistan and defeat forces of terror, she said.

Well known friend of India, Frank Pallone said there was no reason to believe that (these weapons are going to be used for the War on Terror).