Ambassador's interview with APP

Pakistan to get two F-16s from the US by December

WASHINGTON(US) August 13: Pakistan Ambassador to the United States, Jehangir Karamat Friday said Pakistan should be getting two F16s by December.

In an interview with Special Correspondent of Pakistan's state-run news agency Khalilur Rehman Bughio, he said after the approval of the sale to Pakistan of F16s early this year, there were a lot of stages that have passed, and things are moving smoothly. Right now, he said, the exact configuration, cost and numbers are being negotiated between the two countries. “We are looking at something like 75 F16s.”
About the state of Pakistan U.S. relations, the Ambassador said, at the moment, the relations are “very very good.” “There are no problems as such, except that there are ongoing discussions on the visa issuance to Pakistani citizens interested in visiting the United States, on formalities at the airports and border points, particularly at the Canadian border. Those kind of discussions.”

Significant Point

The important point, he said is that relations in all areas-military-to-military, military sales, in the economic sphere, at the diplomatic level, and at the political level- have broadened and deepened; and, in the ongoing process, we are addressing mutual concerns and vigorously pursuing mutual interests. “So, I would categorise relationship as particularly good,” he stated.

To a question on Fullbright scholarship scheme, the Pakistan Ambassador said: “the whole cooperation in the education sector is moving very well.”

Asked to comment on the work being done by Pakistan Embassy to facilitate and involve the community, the Ambassador said the Embassy has been very actively involved in the Pakistan American community. “Basically, we are very proud of this community for it’s many achievements in this country, which is their adopted country.”

Useful Ventures

Ambassador Karamat referred to useful ventures like Congressional Pakistan Caucus, which now has 70 members, and added it was created with the help of the community, and that there are other effective groups like ‘Rising Leaders’ and the Pakistani Students’ Associations, which are performing remarkably.

“We interact with the community, and, we are particularly interested and very helpful to the second generation Pakistani Americans- who are now part of the mainstream American society.”

“I also think that the geographic spread of our community within the United States, is particularly a useful asset for us.”

About projection of soft image of Pakistan, the Ambassador said the Embassy works closely with its Consulates in Chicago, Los Angeles, Houston and New York, and it has a consular support in Boston. “So, we work together in the projection of Pakistan and what it has achieved.”

“Pakistan’s economy is doing extremely well, that sends a strong message of confidence of the country, in a positive manner. We are on the road to democracy- that is appreciated here, and also boosts a very strong image of Pakistan.”

He said all the work that is going jointly with the United States in the war on terror, the successes that have been achieved and events like the local bodies elections that are taking place- all these events project a positive image of Pakistan.

Role of the Embassy

About the Embassy, he said: “we, of course, interact with the US Government, we interact with the National Security Council, the State Department, the Congress, the Senate-at various levels- and, in that contact we explain Pakistan’s position, policies and concerns, and how Pakistan is committed to being a moderate, liberal Islamic state, and, why want to be capable of defending ourselves.”

“So, all this is being done,” he said adding that the Embassy interacts frequently and strongly with the media here to counter negative trends, explain events which require clarification and get back to them on negative reports about Pakistan.”

To this effect, he acknowledged “the enormous help by our own media,” besides the Pakistani American community.