Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has said that Pakistan may no longer require financial assistance from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) after six months, citing a surge in defence procurement orders following the May 2025 conflict with India.
Speaking on a private news program, Asif said the country’s armed forces had proven their effectiveness during the 87-hour confrontation, leaving India’s Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi politically weakened at home and internationally.
“Our aircraft have been tested, and we are receiving so many orders that Pakistan may not need the IMF in the next six months,” he said.
“InshaAllah, we will live comfortably on our own resources.”
Pakistan and India were drawn into a conflict in May after India carried out an unprovoked attack blaming Pakistan for the killing of tourists in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK). During the 87-hour conflict, Pakistan downed six Indian fighter jets including three Rafales and dozens of drones.
The conflict ended on May 10 with a United States-brokered ceasefire.
On Tuesday, Asif highlighted that the conflict had forced India to approach the US and even China for support as Pakistan responded decisively. “If India acts aggressively again, we will respond in the same manner,” he added.
He compared Pakistan’s military strength to other nations, saying, “Venezuela does not have a large army or advanced weaponry. Our armed forces are recognised globally”.
The defence minister also spoke of the Afghan Taliban and Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), alleging their links with India and claiming that elements in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) government were allowing TTP members to collect extortion in the province.