India, Haqqani lobbying against F-16 deal: Asif

Defence minister says US will deliver aircraft despite opposition

ISLAMABAD:

Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has accused India and former ambassador Husain Haqqani of trying to derail Pakistan’s deal with the United States to purchase F-16 fighter jets.

While replying to a question asked by PTI’s Shafqat Mahmood in the National Assembly on Tuesday, he said certain lobbies, including Indian and Pakistan’s former envoy to the US, were behind the delay in the delivery of F-16s.



“The Obama-led administration is committed to supplying eight F-16s despite efforts by India and former Pakistani ambassador to the US Haqqani to block their delivery,” Asif said while addressing the lawmakers.

The US Congress has reportedly stalled the planned sale of F-16s to Pakistan after some lawmakers raised questions about the end use of the combat aircraft and the uneasy relationship between the two countries.

But the defence minister claimed it was the “Indian lobby” and the PPP former envoy, who approached the US House of Representatives to halt the deal.

If approved, Asif said, the aircraft will be delivered within two years. He added besides JF-17 Thunder, the F-16s were used to crush the militants and destroy their hideouts in Operation Zarb-e-Azb



No anti-Shia alliance

Asif also claimed the 34-state alliance announced by Saudi Arabia in December was not against Shias but a forum to counter negative stereotyping of Muslims across the world.

“This is not a combat alliance per se like Nato and not against any country,” he told the assembly while clarifying the concerns of lawmakers if the alliance was against any country or people.

Saudi Arabia announced its plan for a Muslim coalition against terrorism on December 15. But key details on how it would work and whether or not it would involve military forces on any front lines remain unclear. The group does not include either Iran or Syria – both Shia-ruled countries.

While Pakistan has agreed to join the coalition, there have been apprehensions if this will lead to a blowback locally. The defence minister read out Islamabad’s policy statement in the house on Tuesday.

Asif said the alliance’s role was definitive and evolving. “Prejudging or predetermining anything at this stage would not be fair as the government will keep everyone abreast,” he said.

He added the issue of counterterrorism and the role of media was among the topics discussed with the Saudi defence and foreign ministers on their recent visits.

Speaking about the premier and army chief’s visit to Riyadh, the minister said the Saudis response to the meeting had been positive and the same was expected in Iran. “This will normalise the ongoing tensions [between Riyadh and Tehran],” he said. “The nation should be hopeful and pray for the success of the visit.”

Opposition’s criticism

PPP’s Naveed Qamar asked Asif if Islamabad has decided whether Pakistan was part of the alliance or an honest broker.  “It is anti-Shia alliance and allying with a section for political purposes. It is not going to be one-sided affair,” he said.

The defence minister replied Pakistan would play the role of mediation as the country has the largest Shia population after Iran. He, however, added Islamabad would stand by the Saudis in case of any threat.



Backing the minister, the foreign affairs adviser added the situation was still developing.

In response to a query by PTI’s Shafqat Mehmood, Sartaj Aziz said Pakistan already knew about its inclusion in the 34-nation alliance. In May last year, such a regional agreement was also discussed in Kuwait, he added.

Published in The Express Tribune, January 20^th, 2016.