Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has sparked optimism about the country’s economic future, stating that a sharp increase in international orders for Pakistani military equipment could eliminate the need for further International Monetary Fund (IMF) support within six months. Speaking on Geo News’ Capital Talk programme on January 7, 2026, Asif linked the surge directly to the performance of Pakistan’s defence systems during the May 2025 conflict with India.
Post-Conflict Boost to Defence Exports
Asif described the 2025 India-Pakistan clash as a “blessing in disguise,” arguing it enhanced Pakistan’s global prestige by demonstrating the effectiveness of its equipment in real combat. He highlighted growing demand for Pakistani aircraft, particularly the JF-17 Thunder fighter jets and Super Mushshak trainers. On the same day, Bangladesh Air Force Chief Air Chief Marshal Hasan Mahmood Khan met with Pakistan Air Force Chief Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu to discuss potential procurement of JF-17 jets, with assurances of expedited delivery and comprehensive training support. This meeting underscores Pakistan’s efforts to capitalise on battle-tested technology to secure new export deals.
Path to Economic Independence from IMF
Pakistan currently operates under an IMF Extended Fund Facility (EFF) and Resilience and Sustainability Facility (RSF), with a staff-level agreement reached in October 2025 and board approval in December releasing around $1.2 billion. Asif confidently predicted that if pending orders materialise fully, revenues could allow Pakistan to “live comfortably within our own means” and politely decline future IMF assistance. “We will, with folded hands, apologise to them (IMF),” he quipped. While no specific order values were disclosed, the minister emphasised that the influx reflects renewed global trust in Pakistan’s defence industry, potentially transforming it into a major foreign exchange earner amid ongoing economic challenges.