Recently, the United States Foreign Relations Committee blocked funding for the procurement of new generation F-16 jets to Pakistan. The decision came weeks after the committee, under its chairman Senator Bob Corker, was concerned that these jets could be allegedly used against India rather than fighting terrorists. In addition, the committee was also concerned that Pakistan’s resolve for the peace process in Afghanistan is half-hearted. On the contrary, President Barack Obama and the US State Department are still willing to sell the jets to Pakistan. Furthermore, the State Department has publicly stated that these jets shall help Pakistan achieve the desired goals to root out the menace of terrorism and it also stated that Pakistan’s efforts to curb terrorism has borne fruitful results.
However, the Republican controlled Congress has slightly dented US-Pakistan relations by forcing Pakistan to pay the entire amount of fee for procuring one of the most advanced fighter jets in the world. This is unfortunate since the bilateral relations had somewhat improved over the years, and Pakistan was also given a central role in the Afghan peace process. Withholding the funds for the F-16s is eerily reminiscent of the Pressler Amendment that was proposed by Senator Larry Pressler in the early 1990s.
The adoption of this amendment by the US Congress stopped all military and financial aid to Pakistan over its role in developing nuclear weapons. Moreover, the amendment also affected the procurement of F-16 jets during the era as Pakistan was already cash-strapped to possess them on its own. Nevertheless, the mistrust still remains owing to shaky historical ties that go back to the days of the Cold War. Financial and military aid was blocked a number of times in the past due to which Pakistan had to rely on countries such as China.
The role of the Indian lobby is also a contributing factor in trying to isolate Pakistan within Washington’s power corridors. Senator Bob Corker is known to be close to India and his anti-Pakistan stance is directly influenced from Indian lobbyists. These lobbyists, in the form of diplomats, congressional committee members and think tanks, also played a pivotal role in acquiring the civil nuclear deal for India back in 2006. The incumbent Foreign Secretary of India Subrahmanyam Jaishankar is considered to be the key architect for strengthening the lobbyists that were, supposedly, further influenced by Indian diplomats such as Nirupama Rao, who also served as Indian ambassador to the United States.
Containing India’s influence in Washington shall be a hectic task for Pakistan given its global importance. However, should the F-16 deal get jeopardized then Pakistan should seek Sukhoi Su-35 fighter jets that are far more advanced than the F-16s. The Russian-made jets can be a great asset for Pakistan Air Force, and it already has newer generations of JF-17 jets, which are being considered for induction. Pakistan, being an exporter of military hardware, should make the right choice for the future of its security needs.*