Reema Shaukat
Pak-US diplomatic relations date back from October 20, 1947. Apart from other cordial and subtle relations, Pakistan and USA relationship is more of based on economic and military support. Pakistan has always proved to be strategic partner of USA. In the Post-Cold War era, Pakistanproved to be time tested friend of USA where it had the option of being ally to either USA or Soviet Union, but Pakistan rendered all support to USA in its war with former USSR to become super power. Unfortunately, at the end of war between two powers of that time, Pakistan later had to face mess of Russian invasion in Afghanistan. Pakistan extended its full support to Afghan Muslim brethren but tactlessly it was left alone to wipe the muddle of other countries. Pakistan was not only left unaccompanied by its allies in vulnerable condition but with traumas of troubled economy, disturbed infrastructure and population burden of millions of Afghan refugees. Since 9/11 the Pak USA ties extrafabricated when Pakistan decided to be a part of alliance of USA in its war against terrorism. Unluckily here again Pakistan suffered more than the war zone and it is still paying huge price in the form of menace of terrorism and it’s after affects in country.
With the engagement in war against terrorism Pakistan mostly required economic and military support. Because of military operations in past and ongoing armed operations, it is the requirement to use best weaponry to completely exterminate all belligerent elements in the area. Presently, not only ground forces and Pak Army is involved in operations against miscreants but PAF is also extending its all-out support to eliminate terrorists from FATA and adjoining areas. PAF is standing side by side with Pak Army and it has largely supported by doing aerial operations before any ground operation to be carried in difficult zones. Its aircrafts are actively engaged in destroying militant hide-outs. In March, 2016 US finally notified the sale of eight F-16 jets to Pakistan which were part of earlier military deal. The notification of the deal highlighted “This proposed sale contributes to US foreign policy objectives and national security goals by helping to improve the security of a strategic partner in South Asia”. Pakistan in response stated, “We are grateful to the US administration and members of Congress for their acknowledgment of Pakistan’s decisive actions against extremists and terrorists and of the effective role the F-16s play in our counter-terrorism efforts.” Opposition came from US lawmakers and Indian government that selling of F-16s to Pakistan will disturb military balance between India and Pakistan. However, these apprehensions were answered by US that, “The proposed sale of this equipment and support will not alter the basic military balance in the region. The aircraft would improve Pakistan’s capability to meet current and future security threats”. It also added that “additional F-16 aircraft would facilitate operations in non-daylight environments and enhance Pakistan’s ability to conduct counter-insurgency and counter-terrorism operations”.
Later at the end of April, 2016 US Congress opposed deal and asked Pakistan to pay price of F-16s and blocked the sale by raising concerns on Pakistan’s nuclear programme, commitment to fighting terrorism and cooperation in the Afghanistan peace process.The State Department, however, maintained that the sale of eight F-16s to Pakistan would assist counterterrorism and counterinsurgency operations.The F-16 sale faced rigid confrontation in the US Congress when lawmakers stirred resolutions both in the House and the Senate, pursuing to block the sale. After announcement from US Congress to block sale, Pakistan cautioned that it will acquire jets from elsewhere if the USA does not arrange funding for a previously agreed upon F-16 fighter jet sale. The US gives Pakistan $265 million as part of foreign military assistance which was previously $300 million. The amount received is split between the three branches of the armed forces. Pakistan Air Force share is $80 million, which they had allocated for the last three years to buy the jets.
The funding which Pakistan received was part of normal military funding from US, and not specifically meant for the purchase of F-16s. Pakistan had earlier reached an understanding with the US for buying eight F-16 planes. Under the deal, Pakistan was required to pay about $270m from its national funds. The US was supposed to provide the rest from its Foreign Military Financing (FMF) fund.But Congress had placed a hold on the deal, forbidding the Obama administration from using US funds for enabling Pakistan to buy the planes saying Pakistan will have to use its own funds if it wants the planes. Advisor to Prime Minister on Foreign Affairs, Mr Sartaj Aziz on the stance of US said that we have rejected American pressure on Pakistan regarding Afridi, who helped the US trace Osama bin Laden. For the US he is a hero but for Pakistan he is a criminal. Afridi’s case is under review by a tribunal, and he is also suspected of links with terrorist organisations.
Apparently, it seems that some Indian lobby in US is blackmailing Pakistan and US also using Pakistan to play its political ploys for Presidential elections. US must acknowledge great role played by Pakistan and understand its military requirements for eradicating terrorism. Ironically, nuclearisation of Indian Ocean by India goes unnoticed by US but any military purchase by Pakistan disturbs South Asian military balance. USA needs to comprehend dynamic role of Pakistan in war against terrorism. International community must understand Pakistan’s role as front liner and know that failure to achieve desired objective to root out terrorism from the area, would be equally shared by entire international community as well as USA. USA needs to re-look on its carrot and stick policy towards Pakistan where few rotten carrots are offered to Pakistan in return to more sticks. Pakistan must not rely on US for assistance but should focus on better impeccable ties with all states to prove to world as a nation standing strong despite all challenges.
