16 January 2005	Sunday	05 Zilhaj 1425

NEW YORK, Jan 15: The Association of Pakistani Professionals has termed "irresponsible" a statement by United States Congressman Frank Pallone in New Delhi in which he claimed that the F-16s which Pakistan is seeking will be used against India.

The New Jersey-based association's president Syed Asif Alam said in a statement that the recent complaint by Congressman Pallone regarding the sale of F-16 jets to Pakistan was on the pattern of typical distortions that were regularly circulated by New Delhi's friends in Washington.

"The Indian air force is equipped with a large number of fighter jets that are more capable than the F-16, specifically the Russian SU-30 MKI. Furthermore, India has imported hundreds of other highly advanced military aircraft, such as the Russian Mig-29 and SU-27, French Mirage 2000, British Jaguars and Sea Harriers, that are at least as capable as the F-16," he said.

He observed that India also had ordered the sophisticated Phalcon Awacs from Israel that used American technology, recently signed a contract to import 66 British Hawk fighter bombers and was eyeing American weapons such as the Patriot missile system.

"Pakistan remains a front-line state in the war against terrorism and requires support from the US for being a strong ally. Doubting Pakistan will only destabilize the war on terrorism.

Accusations and speculations will not eradicate terrorism but will weaken the moderates who are fighting the war against terrorism within Pakistan," he said.