Pakistan’s Defense Minister, Khawaja Muhammad Asif, has made a bold claim that increasing international orders for the country’s defense equipment could improve the economy and reduce reliance on the International Monetary Fund (IMF). The statement comes in the wake of Pakistan’s heightened global attention following the May 2025 conflict with India.
Speaking on a private television program, Asif highlighted the strong performance of the Pakistan Air Force during the May confrontation, noting that it had drawn significant international interest. According to the minister, this has translated into growing demand for Pakistani defense systems, including aircraft and other military equipment.
“The performance of our aircraft demonstrated advanced technological capabilities and effectively validated Pakistan’s defense systems under real conditions,” Asif said. He emphasized that the incoming international orders serve as recognition of Pakistan’s military strength on a global scale.
The minister went on to suggest that if these orders are fully executed, Pakistan may not need financial assistance from the IMF in the next six months. While the claim has sparked interest, analysts note that the full economic impact will depend on the timely fulfillment of these defense contracts and broader macroeconomic conditions.
This development, if realized, could mark a significant step toward strengthening Pakistan’s economic independence, leveraging its defense sector to attract foreign revenue and international partnerships.
