ISLAMABAD: Defence Minister Khawaja Asif said on Tuesday that Pakistan may not require financial assistance from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) within the next six months, citing a sharp rise in defence procurement orders following recent regional developments.
Speaking on Geo News programme Capital Talk, the minister said the May 2025 India-Pakistan conflict demonstrated Pakistan’s resolve and military capability to the world. He claimed the confrontation had significantly undermined the credibility of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi at both domestic and international levels.
According to Khawaja Asif, India sought support from the United States and China during the conflict, while Pakistan delivered a decisive response. “If India adopts an aggressive posture again, we will respond in the same manner,” he said, adding that India’s confidence was shaken after the war.
“Our aircraft and defence systems have been tested, and we are now receiving a large number of orders,” the minister said, suggesting that increased defence exports could ease Pakistan’s reliance on IMF support in the near future.
Drawing a comparison, Asif referred to Venezuela, noting that unlike Pakistan, it does not possess a large army or advanced military hardware. He said Pakistan’s armed forces enjoy global recognition and respect.
The defence minister also expressed concern over security challenges, alleging links between India, the Afghan Taliban and the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP). He further claimed that the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government had allowed TTP elements to collect extortion funds.
Responding to questions on global conflicts, Khawaja Asif said Russia had certain justifications for its actions in Ukraine, but argued that the situation in Venezuela lacked any legal or moral basis. He warned that the already fragile global order was facing serious threats.
Commenting on the Middle East, he questioned whether the United States had been misled or was complicit in Israeli actions. He recalled claims made by Israel in 2012 and again in 2018 at the United Nations regarding Iran’s nuclear capabilities, which he described as false narratives used to justify potential aggression.
Khawaja Asif termed Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu the world’s “most wanted criminal” and “the worst perpetrator against humanity,” urging that if the United States genuinely supports human rights, Netanyahu should be brought to trial.
