Aircraft orders could make IMF assistance unnecessary by Mid‑2026, Khawaja Asif

Defense Minister Khawaja Asif, has asserted that the country is fully prepared to respond to any external aggression, citing the events of May as a demonstration of the nation’s military readiness.

Speaking in an interview with a private TV channel, Khawaja Asif emphasized that Pakistan’s timely response to May’s conflict showcased the strength and preparedness of its armed forces. “The world saw how Modi was put in his place. India’s confidence was shaken, and even immediately contacted the United States and China,” he said, warning that any future aggression would be met with the same firm response.

Highlighting Pakistan’s military capabilities, the Defense Minister said, “Our aircraft were successful in May, and now we are receiving orders. It is possible that in six months, we may not even need IMF support.” He also contrasted Pakistan’s military strength with Venezuela, noting that India cannot be compared to Venezuela due to its robust armed forces.

On domestic security, Khawaja Asif raised concerns about the Taliban, stating they cannot be trusted and alleging links with India. He claimed that some officials within the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) government provide extortion money to the group, undermining local security efforts.

The Defense Minister also criticized the PTI’s governance in KP, saying, “Everyone saw the state of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa during PTI’s 13-year rule. Historically, KP has always been a prosperous province, but PTI tried to distort its identity.” He added that KP officials have failed to properly support martyrs’ families, citing a lack of condolences and ongoing extortion.

Addressing the PTI founder’s alleged connections with the Taliban, Khawaja Asif accused him of supporting the group’s settlement in Pakistan. “When questions were raised in the assembly, we were told not to worry about the Taliban. There were serious disagreements in discussions with Faiz and Bajwa about the Taliban’s return,” he said, alleging that leadership aligned with Taliban ideology was being led by the PTI founder.

Khawaja Asif concluded by stressing that Pakistan’s armed forces are respected globally and ready to defend the country against any threat, both external and internal.