F-16 deal becomes effective after end of mandatory period

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.”