Washington: Amid India opposing the F-16 deal, Pakistan today said sale of US fighter jets would strengthen its ability to mount counter-terrorist operations and promote regional stability.
The US government this month approved the sale of the aircraft, radar and electronic warfare equipment to Pakistan in a deal worth nearly $700 million.
Pakistani Foreign Affairs Adviser Sartaj Aziz spoke of the proposed sale at opening of the US-Pakistan strategic dialogue. Secretary of State John Kerry, however, did not comment on the issue.
Kerry welcomed Pakistan's commitment to not differentiate among terrorist groups. He said groups like the Haqqani network and Lashkar-e-Taiba seek to undermine Pakistan's relations with its neighbours.
India has opposed the aircraft sale, which has drawn criticism even in the US Congress. US lawmakers could block the deal, although such action is rare.
