ISLAMABAD – Foreign Office says the US decision to go ahead with sale of F-16 fighter jets to Pakistan will enhance the country’s counter terrorism capability.
Foreign Office spokesperson Nafees Zakaria emphatically stated that the sale of fighter jets to Pakistan should not be a matter of worry for any other country. When asked about the Indian concerns on the sale, the spokesperson said Islamabad has already expressed its surprise and disappointment over the Indian reaction.
He said the United States, in its statements, has also clarified that the jets are being given to enhance precision strike capability of Pakistan against terrorists. Zakaria said Pakistan, the biggest victim of terrorism, has achieved tremendous successes in the war against this menace. These successes have also been acknowledged and appreciated by the world community.
The spokesperson said terrorism is not only the issue of Pakistan but of the whole region and the world at large. Therefore, it is imperative that all the countries collaborate in the war on terror. He said Pakistan has always appreciated any counter terrorism efforts.
To a question, Zakaria said the sixth round of Ministerial-level Pakistan-US Strategic Dialogue will be held in Washington on Monday. Adviser on Foreign Affairs Sartaj Aziz will lead Pakistani delegation in the talks, which will take stock of entire gamut of bilateral relations between the two countries.
