The US government has formally issued federal notification for the sale of eight F-16 fighter jets to Pakistan. India and top American lawmakers are in opposition of  this deal.

The notification published by the federal register, said that, \"this proposed sale contributes to US foreign policy objectives and national security goals by helping to improve the security of a strategic partner in South Asia.\"

According to the federal notification, the estimated cost of these F-16 is USD 700 million. The government of Pakistan requested for this sale, it added.

The government of India has criticized the sale of F-16 to Pakistan. India disagrees with  rationale of Washington that such arms transfers will be helpful to combat terrorism.

Republican Senator Rand Paul criticized the deal and  asked colleagues in the Senate to join him in opposing the sale of F-16s to Pakistan.

Pakistan Foreign Affairs Adviser, Sartaj Aziz, said that, \"in the last five years, Pakistan air force has been saving US assistance to be able to finance these F-16. That is why, the administration has recommended that these should be sold because it is a very critical part of our counterterrorism operation.\"

\"This is part of our fleet. For the last two-three years they have extensively been used in tribal areas,\" Aziz said.

 \"Right now the specialized need is the counterterrorism operation, for which we are heavily dependent of F-16.\"

The federal register, said that, \"this sale will increase the number of aircraft available to the Pakistan Air Force to sustain operations, meet monthly training requirements, and support transition training for pilots new to the Block-52. Pakistan will have no difficulty absorbing these additional aircraft into its air force.\"

Nandini