Senator Rand Paul (R-KY) introduced a joint resolution of disapproval to halt sales of F-16 fighter aircraft to Pakistan.
“The U.S. and Pakistani relationship has been a troubled one. Though the government of Pakistan has been considered America’s ally in the fight on terrorism, Pakistan’s behavior would suggest otherwise. While we give them billions of dollars in aid, we are simultaneously aware of their intelligence and military apparatus assisting the Afghan Taliban,” said Paul in a press release.
Paul also slammed Pakistan’s human rights record, saying,
In addition to Pakistan’s duplicitous nature, it also has a deplorable human rights record. Pakistan often isolates and unjustly jails religious minorities and Christians to include Pakistani Christian Asa Bibi. Only after an international outcry did Pakistan commutes Asa Bibi’s death sentence. In addition to Pakistan’s support of terrorism and deplorable human rights record, it continues to imprison Dr. Shakil Afridi, who helped the U.S. locate and kill Osama Bin Laden.
If passed, the United States government would not sell F-16 fighter aircraft and other related defense articles to Pakistan.
He also took to Twitter to criticize the situation:
The United States has a complicated relationship with the Pakistan government…
— Senator Rand Paul (@RandPaul) February 25, 2016
Their gov has been considered an ally against terrorism. But they have been duplicitous, human rights abusers, and jail religious minorities
— Senator Rand Paul (@RandPaul) February 25, 2016
Enough is enough. I hope you'll stand with me against this ludicrous policy.
— Senator Rand Paul (@RandPaul) February 25, 2016
Paul had been previously blocked by procedure to halt foreign aid in 2012.
