ISLAMABAD: Pakistan said on Monday that the new F-16 fighters that it intended to buy from the United States after the deal was approved by the U.S. Congress were a "legitimate defence requirement."

Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Tasnim Aslam said at a briefing that Pakistan had received assurances from the U.S. leadership and the State Department that they were committed to the deal.

"It is very clear that there is a consensus that it is a legitimate defence requirement. The administration has notified Congress, which needs a 30-day period. We are sure the deal will go through and be approved. We understand that the public hearing has been approved. We do not think there will be any negation of this deal," she said.

In its June 28 notice to the Congress about the intended sale, made public on Monday, the Pentagon Defence Security Cooperation Agency said Pakistan would use the new F-16s to provide close air support to the U.S in the "war on terror."

Addressing troops in the so-called Northern Areas, President Pervez Musharraf said Pakistan had strategised its defence requirements for the next 15 years and pledged to make the defence of the country impregnable.

The state-run Associated Press of Pakistan reported that Gen. Musharraf said a strong defence capability was a guarantee for strength and security.

`Commitment '

PTI reports from Washington:

The Bush administration has said the proposed sale was in keeping with the U.S. desire for a "long-term relationship" with Pakistan.

"Pakistan is a major non-NATO ally, which has cooperated closely with us in the global war on terror. This proposed sale demonstrates our commitment to a long-term relationship with Pakistan," White House spokesman Tony Snow told reporters on Monday.

Senior lawmakers have welcomed the deal as it benefited the jet manufacturer.

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