F-16 fighter jets sold to Pakistan could be used against India: US lawmakers

Washington: US lawmakers  have expressed bothered over the Obama’s decision to sell F-16 fighter jets to Pakistan. They said that F-16 fighter plane could be used against India . They have also requested the Obama to reconsider its decision for  the selling of fighter jet. “Congress members along with me have arise a seriously question for the judgment and timing of such a sale. Additionally, Indo-Pak concern has reached on a peak and some question whether the F-16s could ultimately be used against India or other regional powers, in lieu of the terrorists as Pakistan as asserted," Congressman Matt Salmon said. Salmon was appointed by several lawmakers during the Congressional hearing on Afghanistan and Pakistan convened by the Subcommittee on Asia and Pacific of the House Foreign Affairs Committee wherein the Obama Administration was represented by the Special US Representative for Afghanistan and Pakistan Richard Olson. Currently, The US Senate has  put a hold on the decision of the Obama Administration to give eight F-16 fighter jets to Pakistan at an estimated cost of USD700 million. Salmon asked Olson to clarify the basic purpose and timing of the intended sale and how is it in the best interest of the United States. "Despite paying Pakistan heavy amounts of counter-terror assistance over the years, over USD25 billion since 9/11, terrorist organizations continue to operate with impunity in Pakistan. "Pakistan has used terror as a tool of statecraft and terrorist proxy groups, for the Pakistani military have carried out fatal attacks inside India," he alleged.