Bush uses anti-terror funds to strengthen Pakistan air force

· Congress ringfenced cash to fight ground insurgency

·White House says upgrade of F-16s helps border fight

The Bush administration faced Congressional criticism yesterday for diverting funds from Pakistan's faltering fight against the Taliban and al-Qaida to pay instead for upgrades of its US-built F-16 combat planes.
With increased fighting in Afghanistan, much originating with forces based in Pakistan's north-west, members of Congress questioned how the switch to the planes, intended mainly as a counter to the Indian air force, would contribute to quelling the insurgency.

Speculation in Washington varied on the White House's motive, ranging from an incentive for Pakistan to pursue insurgents, to helping Lockheed.
A state department official said the timing was dictated by a need to pay Lockheed by the end of July. "This shift comes about as a result of a request from the Pakistan government, partly because of their cash-flow problems and partly because they are re-evaluating the equipment they need to fight the war on terror. Nato forces use F-16s right across the border ... in Afghanistan for similar purposes; and frankly, Pakistan has already used its F-16s in sorties against terrorist targets," an official said. "So it's a legitimate use, and it supports a democratic government."