The United States (US) has said it is trying to find out whether Pakistan used US-built F-16 jets to down an Indian warplane, potentially in violation of trade agreements, as the standoff between the nuclear-armed Asian neighbours showed signs of easing. Pakistan returned the captured Indian pilot on Friday in a high-profile handover that Islamabad touted as a “peace gesture”, but both sides remain on high alert. The US embassy in Islamabad said on Sunday it was looking into reports that Pakistan used F-16 jets to shoot down the Indian pilot, a potential violation of Washington’s military sale agreements that limit how Pakistan can use the planes. “We take all allegations of misuse of defence articles very seriously.”Pakistan has denied using F-16 jets during the dogfight, but it has not specified which planes it used. “By and large the LoC was calm last night but you never know when it will become active again,” said Chaudhry Tariq Farooq, a minister in Pakistani Kashmir.

Source: Pakistan Today March 03, 2019 17:03 UTC