Sale of F-16s: Pakistan concerned over blocked funds
Nisar tells Olson that planes are essential to fight terrorism
Nisar tells Olson that planes are essential to fight terrorism. PHOTO: REUTERS
ISLAMABAD:
Interior Minister Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan Thursday told a US Special Ambassador that Pakistan has reservations over Washington’s policy on blocking funding for eight Lockheed Martin F-16 fighter-jets.
“We have reservations on United States policy for stopping funding to Pakistan for F-16 planes,” Nisar told US Special Representative for Afghanistan and Pakistan Richard G Olson in a meeting in Islamabad.
Pakistan should pay if it wants F-16 deal to go through: US
“In spite of this, all issues between Pakistan and US [should] be resolved through dialogue," he added.
Nisar further highlighted how the F-16 fighter jets were a strategic requirement for Pakistan to fight terrorism and militancy.
Late last month the US During their meeting on Thursday, Nisar and Olson further talked about the overall security situation in the region with reference to Afghanistan and Pakistan. Key issues related to security, stability, and peace in both countries also came under discussion.
"Stable and peaceful Afghanistan is not only in favour of Pakistan but the entire region. The only solution to Afghanistan issue is dialogue," Nisar said.
Olson, who had attended Wednesday’s four-nation talks on Afghanistan, appreciated Pakistan’s role.
F-16s sale delay: Disquieted Pakistan conveys concerns to US
"US appreciates the effort and role of Pakistan for durable peace in Afghanistan."
Speaking on bilateral relations between Pakistan and US Nisar stressed upon the need for both countries to address issues affecting their ties through continued dialogue and greater engagement.
He said that Pakistan desires to further cement its multifaceted ties with the US but for this its point of view should be considered at all levels.
“Pakistan is a sovereign state and its point of view and sovereignty should be respected,” the interior minister insisted.
Olson responded by saying that the US government gives importance to Pakistan despite difficulties and issues faced by both the countries.
US ambassador to Pakistan David Hale was also present during the meeting with the interior minister.
Later, the US special representative also met with Finance Minister Ishaq Dar.
Pakistan has other options if US cancels F-16 deal, says Asif
Meeting with Army Chief
Ambassador Richard Olson also called on Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Raheel Sharif at General Headquarters in Rawalpindi on Thursday.
“During the meeting overall regional security situation with particular reference to situation in Afghanistan came under discussion. Ambassador also appreciated the efforts of Pakistan in fight against terrorism,” said a statement issued by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR).
Published in The Express Tribune, May 20th, 2016.
Interior Minister Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan Thursday told a US Special Ambassador that Pakistan has reservations over Washington’s policy on blocking funding for eight Lockheed Martin F-16 fighter-jets.
“We have reservations on United States policy for stopping funding to Pakistan for F-16 planes,” Nisar told US Special Representative for Afghanistan and Pakistan Richard G Olson in a meeting in Islamabad.
Pakistan should pay if it wants F-16 deal to go through: US
“In spite of this, all issues between Pakistan and US [should] be resolved through dialogue," he added.
Nisar further highlighted how the F-16 fighter jets were a strategic requirement for Pakistan to fight terrorism and militancy.
Late last month the US During their meeting on Thursday, Nisar and Olson further talked about the overall security situation in the region with reference to Afghanistan and Pakistan. Key issues related to security, stability, and peace in both countries also came under discussion.
"Stable and peaceful Afghanistan is not only in favour of Pakistan but the entire region. The only solution to Afghanistan issue is dialogue," Nisar said.
Olson, who had attended Wednesday’s four-nation talks on Afghanistan, appreciated Pakistan’s role.
F-16s sale delay: Disquieted Pakistan conveys concerns to US
"US appreciates the effort and role of Pakistan for durable peace in Afghanistan."
Speaking on bilateral relations between Pakistan and US Nisar stressed upon the need for both countries to address issues affecting their ties through continued dialogue and greater engagement.
He said that Pakistan desires to further cement its multifaceted ties with the US but for this its point of view should be considered at all levels.
“Pakistan is a sovereign state and its point of view and sovereignty should be respected,” the interior minister insisted.
Olson responded by saying that the US government gives importance to Pakistan despite difficulties and issues faced by both the countries.
US ambassador to Pakistan David Hale was also present during the meeting with the interior minister.
Later, the US special representative also met with Finance Minister Ishaq Dar.
Pakistan has other options if US cancels F-16 deal, says Asif
Meeting with Army Chief
Ambassador Richard Olson also called on Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Raheel Sharif at General Headquarters in Rawalpindi on Thursday.
“During the meeting overall regional security situation with particular reference to situation in Afghanistan came under discussion. Ambassador also appreciated the efforts of Pakistan in fight against terrorism,” said a statement issued by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR).
Published in The Express Tribune, May 20th, 2016.