WASHINGTON: Pakistan’s deal to purchase eight F-16 jet fighters from the United States became effective on Friday, a day after the US Senate rejected a measure to block the sale.

“We appreciate the leadership of the US Congress in consistently supporting Pak-US counter-terrorism partnership,” said Pakistan’s Ambassador Jalil Abbas Jilani while commenting on the Senate vote. “The vote is a demonstration of the strength and resilience of Pak-US Relationship.”

On Feb12, the US State Department notified Congress of its intention to sell $700 million worth of weapons to Pakistan, which included eight Block-52 F-16s. The department argued that the jets were critical to Pakistan’s efforts to deny terrorists a safe haven within its borders.

Congress had 30 days to convey its objection to the administration. After this mandatory period the deal would automatically become effective.

On Thursday, the US Senate rejected a measure to block the proposed sale by 71 to 24 votes

Although the mandatory period expires on March 12, the Senate adjourned on Friday and would not resume until Monday, which leaves no room to mount another measure for blocking the deal.

On Thursday, the Senate rejected a measure to block the proposed sale by 71 to 24 votes but Pakistan has to overcome another hurdle before the deal is finalised: Getting partial US financing, a little more than 50 per cent of the total, for the weapons.

Last month, the Obama administration earmarked $860m in aid for Pakistan for the next fiscal year, including $265m for military hardware.

Published in Dawn, March 12th, 2016