Pervez 'very happy' to have F-16s

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan President Gen Pervez Musharraf has said he is happy that the US has met an old demand allowing Islamabad to purchase of F-16, his first reaction since Washington decided to allow the sale of jet fighters to its key ally against war on terror.
"It was a wish and an old demand that they (the US) have met now. It will enhance our defence capability and the strategy of defensive deterrence," Gen Musharraf said after attending a naval programme in Karachi.
"I feel very happy that they have not put any limit (on the sale of F-16)," he said, adding Pakistan would determine it in accordance with its requirements.
In Pakistani mainstream and regional languages press too, the decision was highlighted in screaming headlines. The reports also carried New Delhi''s initial reaction of expressing ''great disappointment'' over the decision and then Indian defence minister''s statement that India will consider buying military equipment from the US.
Pakistan''s foreign minister, Khurshid Kasuri, termed India''s reaction as ''surprising'' and said the purchase of F-16 must be seen in the context of the conventional asymmetry between Pakistan and India.
"India has a 1,150,000-strong army while Pakistan has half that strength. India is ahead of Pakistan in terms of defence expenditure and personnel numbers."
"We are very serious about peace with India, but the balance of strength is also necessary," Kasuri said.
On Monday, the Pakistan''s foreign office spokesman while responding to a question about reports suggesting that the US has offered more latest jet fighters to India, said: "We are only concerned with Pakistan-US ties. We are not bothered about the US-India relationship."