Pakistan’s jets in demand worldwide after military wins: PM Shehbaz

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said that Pakistan’s defence production has strengthened following last year’s military successes.

He noted that global demand for the country’s fighter jets has increased, with several countries actively engaging with Pakistan with keen interest. Further developments, he said, would bolster defence capabilities and boost the national economy.

Chairing a federal cabinet meeting on Wednesday, the prime minister said the Pakistan Air Force successfully launched the Taimoor system, while the Pakistan Navy conducted successful trials of the LY-80 system. He extended congratulations to all personnel involved in these accomplishments.

Referring to the country’s victory against India in May last year, he said Pakistan has made notable progress since its military successes. “Since our armed forces achieved success last year, global demand for our fighter jets has increased considerably. Several countries are actively engaging with Pakistan on this front, which will bolster our defence production and provide a significant boost to the national economy,” he said.

On counterterrorism, the prime minister said Pakistan’s armed forces and law enforcement agencies are taking daily action against foreign-backed terrorists in various regions, including Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. “InshaAllah, Pakistan will achieve complete success in this war, and terrorism will be eradicated permanently,” he said.

Highlighting government measures in Balochistan, the prime minister said, “During my recent visit to Balochistan, I laid the foundation stone of the 850-kilometre road, known as Khooni-Sarak, stretching from Karachi to Chaman, and work has already started at an accelerated pace.”

He added, “The Ministry of Communications has said the work will be completed in two years, but I have given them a one-year timeline, with a total cost of Rs400 billion, which will be fully funded by the federal government.”

The prime minister further said the Ministry of Finance had signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with a company, Financial Technologies, to enhance Pakistan’s digital transactions globally.

He said the country had made significant progress in a short span of time, which would facilitate transactions through data centres and cryptocurrency platforms. The initiative, he added, was expected to benefit the national economy and help establish much-needed digital infrastructure.

Addressing electricity-related issues in the province, the prime minister referred to the completion of a Rs75 billion package aimed at curbing power theft and supporting farmers. “We provided Rs50 billion of this package, which has successfully reduced power theft and enabled farmers to irrigate their lands using solar panels,” he said.

Concluding his remarks, the prime minister reiterated the government’s commitment to economic stability and growth. “We have brought stability to the economy, and now we will take further measures to ensure Pakistan’s economy grows steadily, placing the country firmly on the path of progress and prosperity,” he said.