Defence Minister Khawaja Asif said on Tuesday that Pakistan is witnessing a surge in demand for its defence equipment, especially aircraft, following the country’s bout with India last year.
He indicated that if all pending military orders are fully materialised, the country may no longer require assistance from the International Monetary Fund (IMF).
“Our bout with India last year came as a blessing, as our honour and prestige have increased,” said Asif, during an interview at Geo News programme Capital Talk on Tuesday.
“At the moment, the orders are coming because our equipment, including aircraft, has been tested.
If all those orders materialise in six months, we may not need the IMF. We will, with folded hands, apologise to them (IMF) if necessary, and live comfortably within our own means,” he added.
The South Asian country remains under an IMF programme.
Last year in October, the Pakistani authorities and IMF staff reached a staff-level agreement on the second review under Pakistan’s Extended Fund Facility (EFF) and the first review under the Resilience and Sustainability Facility (RSF).
Meanwhile, Asif’s remarks came following a high-level meeting between the Chief of the Air Staff, Bangladesh Air Force, Air Chief Marshal Hasan Mahmood Khan with Chief of Air Staff, Pakistan Air Force, Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu on Tuesday.
During the meeting, detailed discussions were held on the potential procurement of JF-17 Thunder aircraft.
Sidhu also assured fast-tracked delivery of Super Mushshak trainer aircraft, along with a complete training and long-term support ecosystem, the military media wing said.
Pakistan looks to capitalise on the success of its air force in the conflict with India in May last year, the worst fighting in nearly three decades between the nuclear-armed neighbours.
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