Asif Claims Defence Boom Could Replace IMF Aid

News Desk 

Islamabad: Defence Minister Khawaja Asif on Tuesday claimed that Pakistan may not require financial assistance from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) within the next six months, citing a sharp increase in defence procurement orders following the May 2025 conflict with India.

Speaking on Geo News, Asif said Pakistan’s military capabilities were “tested in real combat” during the brief war with India, boosting international confidence in Pakistani defence equipment. “We are receiving so many defence orders that Pakistan may not need the IMF in six months,” he said.

Asif said the conflict had damaged Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s credibility at home and abroad, adding that India sought support from the United States and China during the fighting. He warned that Pakistan would respond forcefully if India adopted an aggressive posture again.

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The minister said Pakistan downed six Indian fighter jets, including three Rafales, and multiple drones during the 87-hour conflict, which ended on May 10 with a US-brokered ceasefire.

India has maintained that the conflict followed a militant attack on tourists in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir, a claim Pakistan denies, calling for an independent investigation.

Highlighting Pakistan’s military strength, Asif said the armed forces were now globally respected, contrasting this with countries that lacked strong defence capabilities.

He also raised concerns over militant groups operating from Afghanistan and alleged links between India and the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP).

Commenting on global affairs, Asif warned that the international order was under threat, criticised Israeli actions in the Middle East, and called Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu a major violator of human rights, urging international accountability.

He concluded by saying the May 2025 conflict demonstrated Pakistan’s resolve and military effectiveness to the world.