Pakistan in talks with multiple countries to sell fighter jets: PM Shehbaz

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Wednesday said Pakistan was holding talks with several countries for the sale of its fighter jets, citing increased international demand following the country’s performance in the May 2025 armed conflict with India.

Addressing a meeting of the federal cabinet, the prime minister said that after Pakistan’s success in the conflict last year, interest in Pakistani fighter jets had grown significantly, with several countries actively engaging Islamabad for their acquisition.

Minister for Defence Production Raza Hayat Haraj also confirmed that Pakistan was in discussions with multiple countries regarding the export of JF-17 Thunder fighter jets. In an interview with the BBC, he said negotiations were underway for potential agreements to sell the multi-role combat aircraft, which has been jointly developed by Pakistan and China.

The minister noted that any export deal would require China’s approval due to its role in the development of the aircraft. He said several countries had shown interest, adding that such negotiations usually take time. However, he avoided naming specific countries, saying defence-related talks were classified.

Reuters, citing official sources, reported that Pakistan has held discussions with countries including Libya, Sudan, Bangladesh, Indonesia and Saudi Arabia regarding defence cooperation, particularly the sale of JF-17 jets.

Pakistan and India went to war in May 2025 after India launched attacks on Pakistan following an incident involving tourists in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir. Islamabad rejected New Delhi’s allegations linking Pakistan to the attack and called for a neutral investigation. The conflict ended after 87 hours with a ceasefire brokered by the United States.

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During the cabinet meeting, the prime minister also said that a memorandum of understanding had been signed with World Liberty Financial to explore the use of its stablecoin for cross-border transactions, terming it beneficial for Pakistan’s economy.

He said the country had achieved economic stability in a short period and that the government was now shifting its focus towards growth. Reiterating the resolve to eliminate terrorism, he said security forces were fully committed to countering the threat.

The prime minister also announced that seven Danish schools were being established in Balochistan to support education and development efforts in the province, adding that the government would accelerate measures to ensure sustained national development.