Pakistan's Arms Exports: A Geopolitical Strategy, Not Economic Breakthrough

• Pakistan's Defence Minister Khwaja Asif claimed arms exports could negate IMF reliance, despite the country's frequent need for IMF bailouts.
• Pakistan's defence industry, particularly the JF-17 Thunder and Super Mushshak, has seen increased visibility due to inexpensive, no-strings-attached deals.
• Recent deals include a potential $2 billion debt-to-defence conversion with Saudi Arabia and a $4-4.6 billion package with Libya, undermining the UN arms embargo.
• Pakistan is finalizing a $1.5 billion arms deal with Sudan and is actively pursuing Bangladesh as a new market for its defence products, raising concerns for India.
• Pakistan's strategy monetizes military confrontation, using its 'battle-hardened' narrative against India as a marketing tool, despite past issues with the JF-17.

Why It Matters: Pakistan's arms exports are a strategic geopolitical project to challenge India, not a true economic solution.