Pakistan may not need IMF as defence orders rise: Asif

Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has said that Pakistan is "ready" to confront aggression simultaneously on its eastern and western borders - a reference to India and Afghanistan.

- Tariq Butt | Associated Press

He also told a TV channel that Pakistan may not require financial assistance from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) within six months as defence procurement orders continue to rise.

"Our aircraft have been tested, and we are receiving so many orders that Pakistan may not need the International Monetary Fund in six months," Asif told broadcaster Geo News.

"Absolutely, we are ready, by the grace of God," Asif said when asked if Pakistan was prepared and capable of handling a war of aggression on its eastern and western borders.

The defence minister said the country and its armed forces had demonstrated proof of this preparedness during the May 2025 conflict with India. "The way we gave them a crushing response is the strongest evidence that we were prepared and responded in time."

The minister further said that following the befitting response by the Pakistan armed forces, India "approached the US" for a ceasefire. "You can determine from that how badly they were shattered-to the point that they had to call China."