Eight F-16s

What Pakistan needs and what US is willing to give

It was widely understood that to maintain the much-needed good relations with Pakistan the US would agree to some of Islamabad’s demands related to military and civilian support. The promise of the delivery of eight F-16s prior to the Washington talk is supposed to create a conducive atmosphere during the summit and to bolster the “tenuous partnership” between the two countries. There is a perception that the announcement is in fact meant to be a carrot to get some of Washington’s demands accepted. In case the US fails to achieve the aim, it would provide Congress an excuse to rule out the sale of the F-16s. Congress and the State Department are already in a standoff over an effort to sell used Navy cutter vessels to Pakistan since earlier this year.

The war against terrorism is Pakistan’s own war and has to be pursued relentlessly irrespective of the outcome of the Washington moot. It is in Pakistan’s own interest not to allow any terrorist network to operate from its territory against any other country. It is also in Pakistan’s interest to help Afghanistan overcome the terrorist threat as a continuing insurgency in the neighbouring country can destabilise Pakistan also. Pakistan must take action against terrorist networks banned by the UN even if they work under changed names and do not attack Pakistan.

Islamabad, meanwhile, needs to diversify its sources of arms and military equipment. The military cooperation pact with Russia should have been signed much earlier. Pakistan and Russia are currently in talks about the delivery of Sukhoi Su-35 fighter jets and previously agreed upon Mi-35M helicopters. The deals should be speeded up Currently Pakistan is relying on Chinese JF-17 Thunder fighters, submarines and patrol boats for maritime security. It also hopes to replace the aging American Cobras with Chinese Thunderbolt helicopters. The deals would hopefully have no strings attached.

While diversifying its imports of military equipment Pakistan should try to maintain the best of relations with the US without compromising its sovereignty or dignity.