US holds back F16 fighter jet sale to Pakistan

Washington: The sale of eight new F-16 fighter jets to Pakistan has been held by the US Congress which reflects the growing anti-Pakistan sentiments on Capitol Hill.

Obama administration has been keen on selling these aircrafts to Pakistan and it may ultimately succeed in scrapping the hold.

The administration notified Congress of its intention to sell eight F-16s to Pakistan during the country's Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif's visit to Washington last October, reported the Dawn.

The administration also received a 'hold' notice from the Senate, using the legislative process to delay the proposed sale. Lawmakers used clarification and information notices to delay the sale.

Both lawmakers belong to a growing lobby in Congress which not only opposes arms sales to Pakistan but often urge the US administration to severe its ties with the country.