India's "serious" concerns about Pakistan's F-16 package are disregarded by the US.

On October 5, 2020, the AV 89-001 US Air Force General Dynamics F-16 Fighting Falcon ignites its afterburners and prepares to take off from RAF Lakenheath, England. -Reuters

Congress is notified by the State Department of Pakistan's F-16 programme.
Pakistan is a crucial counterterrorism partner, according to Ned Price.
India "protested" the idea of selling Pakistan F-16 spare parts.

WASHINGTON: The $450 million proposed foreign military sale to Pakistan to support the Pakistan Air Force's F-16 development has been disregarded by the Biden administration, which also informed Congress of its decision. India had voiced "serious reservations" to the deal.

India highlighted the issue during meetings with US official Donald Lu in New Delhi and was upset when the US Defence Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) gave the necessary clearance of this potential sale last week, according to a story by The Hindu.

The article claimed that despite the DSCA's clarification that "the proposed sale does not include any new capabilities, weapons or munitions" and that it "will not alter the basic military balance in the region," the Indian Ministry of External Affairs "protested" against the sale of the jet's spare parts to Pakistan.

US State Department Spokesperson Ned Price responded to a question about this by saying, "Well, we did recently inform Congress of a planned foreign military sale valued at $450 million for maintenance and sustainment services for the Pakistani Air Force's F-16 programme."

The US official emphasised Pakistan's importance as a partner in various areas, including counterterrorism.

Additionally, in accordance with our long-standing policy, we offer life cycle support and sustainment packages for platforms with US origins, the man added.

"The F-16 programme in Pakistan is a significant component of the larger US-Pakistan bilateral relationship, and this proposed sale will maintain Pakistan's capacity to address terrorism threats in the present and the future by preserving the F-16 fleet. We anticipate Pakistan will take consistent action against all terrorist organisations with the help of this fleet in support of counterterrorism operations.

Flood Destructions

When questioned about the destruction brought on by the floods, Price responded, "We are extremely grieved by the devastation and by the loss of life that these historic floods have inflicted throughout Pakistan. We support the Pakistani people during this trying period.

He said that as of September 12, a total of nine US Central Command flights had transported more than half of the 630 metric tonnes of aid that USAID's Dubai warehouse had stored for the response to these significant floods.

More than 41,000 kitchen sets, 1,500 rolls of plastic sheeting, tens of thousands of plastic tarps, and 8,700 shelter-fixing kits will all be airlifted by CENTCOM in support of USAID's flood relief efforts.

More than $53 million in humanitarian aid has already been given this fiscal year alone, including support for food, nutrition, multipurpose cash, safe drinking water, nutrition, sanitation and hygiene, as well as shelter assistance. In order to continue evaluating the harm that has been done by these floods, we will continue to work closely with our Pakistani partners. We will also continue to support our partners during this difficult period.

"Concerned by strong media limitations"

In answer to a question about press freedom in the nation, Price stated that the US remains concerned about the severe restrictions on media organisations and civil society in Pakistan and that it raises these concerns with all relevant parties throughout the world, including Pakistan.

"We're concerned that restrictions on the media and content, as well as a lack of responsibility for attacks against journalists, undercut the right to peaceful assembly, association, and speech. We think that the foundation of democratic countries around the world, the foundation of our democratic future, is a free press and an informed populace. That holds true for Pakistan just as much as it does for other nations.