Pakistan's Khawaja Asif Says It Might Soon Stop Taking IMF Loans In 6 Months

Pakistan: Pakistan's Defence Minister Khawaja Asif stirred up headlines on Tuesday by saying the country might not need any more financial help from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) within the next six months. 

Asif pointed to a surge in global orders for Pakistan's military aircraft as the reason behind his optimism. 

Why Is He So Confident?

Asif told a local TV channel that Pakistan's fighter jets and other defence equipment have drawn strong interest from abroad after being "tested" in a brief military standoff with India last year. He said that if all pending orders are finalised, the revenue could be big enough to reduce Pakistan's dependence on IMF bailouts. 

"Right now, the number of orders we are receiving after reaching this point is significant because our aircraft have been tested," defence minister Asif told Pakistan's News channel.

India struck multiple targets in Pakistan and Pakistan-administered Kashmir in the aftermath of the Pahalgam attack, which killed 26 innocent civilians mostly Hindu tourists.

"We are receiving these orders, and it is possible that after six months we may not even need the IMF," he said.

Pakistan's Defence Minister also referenced recent talks with countries like Bangladesh and Saudi Arabia about buying Pakistan's JF-17 Thunder fighter jets. 

The minister suggested that these deals could bring in much-needed cash and strengthen the country's defence export profile.

Is the Economy Really Improving?

Pakistan has turned to the IMF many times in the past to steady its economy. It is currently part of a multi-billion-dollar IMF programme that came with strict conditions on taxes, subsidies, and economic reforms. 

In September 2024, the IMF approved a $7 billion bailout for Pakistan under its Extended Fund Facility (EFF), followed by a separate $1.4 billion loan under its climate resilience fund in May 2025, aimed at bolstering the country’s economic stability and climate resilience.