ISLAMABAD: Federal Minister for Defence, Khawaja Asif on Tuesday accused an Indian lobby in the US and Pakistan People’s Party’s former ambassador to Washington Hussain Haqqani of running a campaign against the sale of US F-16 aircraft to Pakistan.
Khawaja Asif expressed these views while speaking from the floor of the National Assembly.
However, Hussain Haqqani refuted Khawaja Asif’s claims, saying instead of accusing him, the incumbent government should focus its attention towards setting the country’s foreign policy right.
Haqqani said is the former ambassador still so powerful that the representatives of the incumbent government are helpless before him.
Khawaja Asif said the US administration is bound to supply F-16 aircraft to Pakistan. “The US has promised Pakistan to supply eight F-16 aircraft,” he added.
He said F-16s have a significant role in the ongoing operation against terrorists – Zarb-e-Azb. The US will provide the aircraft to Pakistan on a two-year lease.
Commenting on Saudi made 34-state alliance, he said neither it is a military coalition nor it is against any country or alliance.
He said Pakistan does have agreements with the Saudi Arabia, adding, ‘our people do provide training to the Saudi troops.’
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