The US is committed to supply eight F-16 fighter jets to Pakistan despite India’s efforts to block its delivery, Pakistani defence minister Khawaja Asif said on Tuesday.
“The (Barack) Obama administration is committed to supplying eight F-16 fighter jets despite efforts by India and former Pakistani ambassador to the US Husain Haqqani to block the delivery,” Mr Asif said.
His statement comes days after reports said that the Republican-controlled US Congress has stalled the sale of F-16 jets to Islamabad, amid growing anti-Pakistan sentiments on Capitol Hill over its reluctance in taking action against terrorist groups.
Pakistani legislators in the National Assembly, during a debate, assailed the US Congress for stalling the sale of the jet, prompting the minister to intervene.
Mr Asif did not clarify how India and Mr Haqqani, who was Pakistan’s ambassador during the Asif Ali Zardari government, were influencing the decision of US Congress.
Mr Haqqani was hated by the military and was removed after the memo-gate scandal, related to a memo he wrote to the US government against the Pakistani Army.
Pakistan has sought the F-16 jets which are the backbone of its Air Force and are also being used for operations against the militants.
The Obama administration in October said it is preparing to sell eight new F-16 fighter jets to Pakistan.
Pakistan and the US have had a tenuous relationship but Islamabad has been successful in getting US military hardware.
