In neighboring Pakistan, the Bush administration announced Friday it would resume selling F-16 fighter planes capable of carrying nuclear weapons to Pakistan. India protested the decision saying it could shift the balance of power in the region and spark an arms race. Sixteen years ago Congress blocked the sale of such planes in order to punish Pakistan for developing nuclear weapons. Since then both India and Pakistan have announced they have nuclear weapons. F-16 fighter planes has been used extensively by the U.S. military in Iraq and Afghanistan to carry out air strikes. But the plane also has the ability to carry nuclear weapons. Former Republican Senator Larry Pressler of South Dakota described the decision as a mistake. Pressler said “F-16’s are capable of nuclear delivery. That’s about the only reason Pakistan wants them. The only people they are in a fight with are in India. India now will have to get the same thing somehow.'’ The decision, however, will benefit the plane's manufacturer — Lockheed Martin. The company has threatened to shut down its plant in Forth Worth, Texas if it can not secure more F-16 orders from overseas. The plant employs about 5,000 workers.