US Senate’s attitude on F-16 deal 'not appropriate', says Pervaiz Rashid

E-Paper | August 01, 2026

ISLAMABAD: Information Minister Pervaiz Rashid said the attitude of United States Senate Committee regarding the sale of F-16 fighter jets is “not appropriate” and it is creating more trouble for Obama administration.

US should realise that Pakistan is fighting their war against terrorism to ensure peace in the world, he said on Friday during a programme aired on Radio Pakistan.

Senator Nehal Hashmi, Defence analyst Air Marshal (retd) Shahid Latif and other senior experts also expressed their views in the programme.

Rashid said the United States agreed to give subsidy on the purchase of F-16s, but it has backed out of the agreement because of Congress’ pressure.

“Pakistan is sacrificing lives of its citizens and suffering economic losses for the global peace.”

The F-16 fighter jets are playing a vital role in continuing war against terrorism, he added.

Shahid Latif said Pakistan should look for other options other than the United States to strengthen its defence.

“We already have developed JF-17 Thunder with the support of China and these are reliable and affordable jets which are becoming backbone of our air force.”

Defense analyst Lt Gen (retd) Amjad Shoaib said Pakistan was interested in purchase of F-16 fighter jets from the United States because our pilots are familiar with the aircraft.

However, our pilots are very competent and capable to operate all kinds of fighter jets.

“US Congress is under the strong influence of Indian lobby. Therefore, we should not depend on United States.”

Senator Nehal Hashmi said the government will try to mature the F-16 deal till the last moment.

Washington is aware of this fact that Pakistan is not its colony. We can purchase fighter jets from other countries as well, the Senator maintained.

Pakistan will consult with other suppliers of F-16s regarding the alternatives of financing, he added.

Pakistan

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Krishna

May 06, 2016 08:27pm

Who stopped you to buy from outside? USA? India? No. Go ahead and buy. Why blame USA for subsidies?

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M. Malik

May 06, 2016 08:28pm

What is his role in this deal? The FO and PM, and perhap, the Minister of Defense are better sources on the matter. Nevertheless, Pakistani government's obsession over handful of out-dated F-16s is remarkable!

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DEV

May 06, 2016 08:47pm

There is something wrong here, it seems Pakistan was expecting the F-16 as gifts, US it seems is selling them as a trade deal and demanding money.

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Ramesh krishnan

May 06, 2016 08:46pm

USA is not refusing to sell F16's, just saying you have to pay for it..Its so cheap to complain that a foreign country is not giving you any subsidy...Is there no honour left among Pakistani rulers...

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Tamil Guru

May 06, 2016 08:47pm

Mr Pervaiz Rashid says "Pakistan is fighting a war on behalf of the US to eliminate terrorism". Who are these terrorists?, What nationality are they?, where were they born, raised and trained?. Why can't they be contained by a powerful army?. It seems illogical to keep hearing that specifically 8 more F16 jets can only do the job. US congress and the US people need better reasons to be swayed. Pakistan lobbying is not visible anywhere.

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NHA

May 06, 2016 08:51pm

In the long and medium term, the US will regret its decision to be influenced by Indian inputs and pursuasion. Indians are not going to sacrifice lives for US interests as it has already declined to join in Navy Excercise in South China sea for fear of China's displeasure. What else the US wants to see in India's conduct as proof. More and more countries are becoming upset over US behaviour . It is time for Pakistan to diversify its options for security equipment t and services.

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Ayub

May 06, 2016 08:52pm

Are we fighting their war?

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Tamil Guru

May 06, 2016 08:55pm

The promised 8 F16s have now become a matter of prestige and the world is watching the outcome. Let us see what the Pakistani Foreign Office and the lobbyists do to get them.

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Jamrukh

May 06, 2016 09:07pm

Only a colony has to clarify every other day that its not a colony.....

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Ali

May 06, 2016 09:11pm

United States helped build PAF by providing aircraft and training since its inception. eg. T-6, T-33, T-37, H-19, H-43, F-86, F-104, F-16 and C-130s. PAF has been flying F-16 for thirty years. They were upgraded with advanced avionics. Therefore, getting additional F-16s is logical. President Obama "approved" the sale, yet some law members of US Congress influenced by Indian lobby are opposing to partly finance them? We should pay the difference and get these jets as they are ideal for night precision strikes against terrorists in the mountains of Pak-Afghan border region. Security is supreme.

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optimist

May 06, 2016 09:12pm

Any government is known by the ministers it keeps, and Pervez Rashid is one minister.

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Abraham haque

May 06, 2016 09:23pm

@M. Malik it is not about the planes it is about the graft they are about not to get if there is no subsidy, starting with services chiefs and the rest

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Santosh Menon

May 06, 2016 09:23pm

I agree with the US congress!. I am paying taxes to the US treasury & I don't want my tax $ going into subsidizing fighter planes. I am not against the sale BUT if Pakistan can give the entire amount (~750 mill $), so be it!!!.

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Raja Hindustani

May 06, 2016 09:26pm

"We can purchase fighter jets from other countries as well, the Senator maintained." If you have money to buy jet from other country; why dont use that money in buying F16 from US??

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Things changing

May 06, 2016 09:39pm

Plz wait you will get these.

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Zahid jaygar wala

May 06, 2016 10:13pm

I think it is not appropriate to say that Pakistan is fighting the US's war. It is fighting the war for its own survival. This war was created by the idiotic super powers games. In the seventies you could travel from England to east Pakistan without a problem. There was no reason to mess with this tranquility. Leaving all that aside I think America has a right to ask for full payment. After all Pakistan is the one that did the fighting there was no need to accede to anyone's will. I also feel that this is a small amount and both our honorable prime minister and the previous honorable prime minister Zardari should pay up

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tasleem ulhaq

May 06, 2016 10:16pm

according to today news dr asim is indicted in 462 billion rupees corruption which is around 4.62 billion dollars and plea bargain with asim hussan that he should returned at least 2 billion dollars and with these 2 billion dollars ,pakistan can buy at least 25 f16s.

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Zahid jaygar wala

May 06, 2016 10:17pm

@M. Malik f16 are far from outdated. They are top of the line. I'm not sure why you said that. No offense.

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ZI AHMED

May 06, 2016 10:28pm

@Krishna - There are commitments and understandings between soverign countries. The way you commented one can mention it is between Pakistan and USA, you do not poke your nose and we donot need your advice. We will decide according to the subsequent events.

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LafangaTaimoorAkzakZak.

May 06, 2016 10:39pm

What if America stops caring whether you fight terrorism or not? Please do not fight terrorism for the sake of America. It is your problem, created by you. The world including China will unite against those who export terror. Terror will not be allowed to be used as means of blackmail to get money by any country, least of all the USA.

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May 06, 2016 10:55pm

Don't fight somebody else's war!

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Arsalan

May 06, 2016 10:54pm

We are making fools of ourself. Our obsession for outdated western military must stop. Build and Use armed Jet drones for rapid deployment and precision strike. We have the technology, manpower, and armament.

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Suraj

May 06, 2016 11:24pm

Its very illogical for Pakistan to ask from American tax payer to subsidize the purchase of F-16 or else they will go somewhere else. Things have changed and no country will pay for something that Pakistan needs. If Pakistan needs jets then it should pay for them like every other country.

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Laila

May 06, 2016 11:25pm

US does not care what you do or not think is appropriate. They are the sellers and donators even so can determine what conditions to put forth. Pakistan is less of a buyer and more of a beggar being financed for the purchase of the planes as it cannot foot the bill despite billions belonging to fraudsters mentioned in Panama Papers, hence Pakistan should not be choosy.

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Sooraj

May 06, 2016 11:51pm

So the already present 74 F-16s are not enough to fight the terrorists? May be these 8 new ones are specially designed to fly inside the caves and underground tunnels.

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Kala Ingrez - کالا انگریز - काला अंग्रेज - কালো ইংরাজি

May 06, 2016 11:54pm

Mr. misinformation Minister Pervaiz Rashid, where have you been with your vehicle broke down on the information highway ? America has been towing Pakistan for so long and you are demanding - wake up and do some ting good for the country - resign. Remember, Public schools are dying need money in Pakistan.

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Javed

May 06, 2016 11:59pm

Pervaiz Rashid is supposed to be the Mouth Piece of the government, but all you hear is static.

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Azlan

May 07, 2016 12:06am

@Krishna What worries you. The corruption that has once again stopped the Rafale deal?

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SyedChaudhryGangaDinKhan

May 07, 2016 12:11am

With Trump in the white house, you will have no where to go. Keep some contacts alive instead of criticizing the whole senate. You hardly have any friends left. Don't be Imran Khan.

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SAEED MASOOD

May 07, 2016 12:23am

We have to understand who is our friend and who is not....

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Simple man

May 07, 2016 12:26am

Funny, how first all the army chiefs and Politicians START the war due to the greed of putting $$ in their already filled pockets. So plz save the big talk and remember USA is only USing pakistan because they are allies with India!!!

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Cyrus

May 07, 2016 12:46am

After the San Berdardino massacre by Pakistani - Pakistan is now behind the eight ball. This kind of rhetoric is doing nothing to heal that gapping wound with Americans. You can say, "It wasn't us" - but it was you. The people elect the senators and if they want to be returned to office the have to do what the American people want. The US Senate position reflects the mood of Americans (against Pakistan right now). The US State Department and the Pentagon want to kiss up to Pakistani leaders, but they don't make the financial decisions. When you mess up with the American people your leaders will soon find out Pakistan messed up bad. Right now Pakistan is on the black list with Iran.

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omair

May 07, 2016 12:51am

i find it difficult to digest, when a person of his stature says about someone being inappropriate. it's a norm for him to abuse or threaten or malign oppositions character when they confront him or his govt. Talking about the deal it's just time pass they do with each other when extra characters come into the picture. US insisting to buy out f16 doesn't make sense. they were buying bcoz they were saving, using your money. In few days the aid money will be approved and back on track.

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INDIAN LOVE

May 07, 2016 12:56am

Pakistan should go ahead for J-17 deal . Pakistan is only country that use J-17 , even China don't use it . It is best experience of having solo fighter aircraft that none country uses besides you.

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Cyrus

May 07, 2016 12:56am

To Pervaiz Rashid: Sir, Do you understand the American political term "lame duck"? There is no more Obama administration. He is coasting home and has no more time to propose any new legislation to Congress. He cannot issue an executive order to sell Pakistan those F-16. It is out of Obama's hands. All he can do is to attempt to change the senators' minds on the sale. So you can talk to Obama (or whoever is listening) until you are blue in the face. It won't make a difference. The Pakistan government does not work the same way as the American government.

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RIZ

May 07, 2016 01:13am

If your boss return all the money he took from Pakistan these can be bought on cash.

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VoiceOfReason

May 07, 2016 01:18am

Not appropriate he says. This coming from a representative of a corrupt government whose head is involved in money laundering. A bit whimsical I must say. Why not get all the loot money back in Pakistan and use that to actually pay for it instead of begging for handouts while your PM buys expensive suits in London. How does that sound Mr. Pervaiz Rasihd? Hope you read this.

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A Ali

May 07, 2016 01:32am

Parvez Rasheed, everyone and every issue is 'inappropriate' as long as its against PMLN.... why don you work straight, rather you and your leader is working to iron out others.... by the way how come you poke in international forum ?....

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Ghaznavi

May 07, 2016 01:52am

@Krishna "Who stopped you to buy from outside? USA? India? No. Go ahead and buy. Why blame USA for subsidies?" really! for a moment it looked as if the whole Indian nation(s) were scared by our mere 8 plane purchase. Don't worry we will now manufacture these.

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Derrick Smith

May 07, 2016 02:22am

This Minister seems to have got it all wrong; the war with the Baddies; is NOT with America; it is very much with you (Pakistan) Talibans and the ISIS are desperately wanting your nuclear weapons; and it is then that they will take on America, How on earth can these Fighter planes deter this lot? Its mud in the stupid eyes of the Americans!

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KAHN

May 07, 2016 02:23am

We ca defend our country without these eight F-16. If weapons were the only source of strength, USA and USSR would never had been defeated in Vietnam and Afghanistan.

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Zak

May 07, 2016 02:39am

It's USA's planes and USA's money. So why is their attitude not appropriate? Lets stop expecting favours from that country and buy with our resources and maintain our pride. Otherwise use the money for JF-17s which is after all a newer plane.

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Rational

May 07, 2016 02:51am

"Washington is aware of this fact that Pakistan is not its colony. We can purchase fighter jets from other countries as well, the Senator maintained." yes, that is correct. also it is equally correct that F-16 are American planes and the money to purchase (that was proposed to be given to Pakistan) is also American money. USA is sovereign country and cannot be dictated.

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Azm Khan

May 07, 2016 03:37am

Minister of information giving comments on Foreign Policy.

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Gullu Badsha

May 07, 2016 03:44am

This man has to comment on every wrong thing.

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Real Indian

May 07, 2016 05:06am

If you think Pakistan is fighting America's war on terrorism then don't fight. Aren't you a sovereign nation which takes its own decisions based on its own interests?

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Zulfikr Ali Khan(ZAK)

May 07, 2016 05:07am

Pakistan is fighting terrorists within its border, don't expect someone else to foot the bill.

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Vikram

May 07, 2016 06:42am

@Krishna Most Indians hate giving up subsidies on LPG gas cylinders even when they can afford them many times over in Full Rate... so why do you expect Pakistan to wish to pay Full for fighter jets? Bottom-line is most people want something for nothing (or as a less rate as possible) - esp when the latter becomes a habit. They will crib and cry and do everything in their power to prevent any change. I can understand the mentality of our neighbors, to be honest.

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pakii

May 08, 2016 10:21pm

@Ghaznavi scared???? india has su 30 mki aircrafts whose specifications are equivalent to russian F-35s.....check it on google.

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