Islamabad/New Delhi, Jan 27 (NationPress) Pakistan is grappling with fundamental economic challenges amid its latest $7 billion International Monetary Fund (IMF) agreement. Observers contend that these issues cannot be addressed solely through revenues generated from arms exports.

Defence exports, particularly aircraft, are contingent on strong production capabilities, adequate training, and reliable post-delivery support for spare parts. However, the Chinese-manufactured JF-17 aircraft, central to Pakistan's defence export ambitions, has shown significant shortcomings, as detailed in a recent report by India Narrative.

“Myanmar has grounded its JF-17 aircraft purchased from Pakistan and China in 2015 due to technical difficulties and lack of spare parts. Additionally, the aircraft has faced numerous incidents, including crashes linked to cracks in guide vanes, exhaust nozzles, and flame stabilizers. Pakistan’s economic hurdles and foreign exchange constraints may further complicate long-term commitments for spare part exports, maintenance, and operational support,” the report indicated.

“Moreover, the viability of this defence business is questionable. Potential contracts remain undisclosed, with most information emerging through anonymous official sources instead of formal agreements. A robust defence export capability necessitates a strong domestic defence industry adept at developing complex weapon systems, a stage Pakistan has yet to reach. Historically, the defence production sector has not prioritized research and development, relying predominantly on foreign technology,” it continued.

The India Narrative report further highlighted that Pakistan's unemployment rate stands at 7.1 percent, and failing poverty alleviation initiatives, exacerbated by the Covid-19 pandemic and devastating floods in 2022, have placed a significant strain on the fragile economy. Furthermore, the conditions attached to IMF loans necessitate budgetary restrictions. Yet, the 'ageing' civil-military leaders of Pakistan persist in their delusions, “fantasizing” about economic recovery through arms sales without adequate groundwork.

“However, beyond economic rejuvenation, the ‘project JF-17’ appears to carry strategic implications. For the past decade, China has unsuccessfully attempted to market the aircraft as a cost-effective, multi-role fighter to nations in the Global South. Now, with Pakistan, its 'all-weather friend,' taking the lead, there are suspicions that this is part of China's 'backdoor' strategy to promote these sales to 'neutral' countries,” the report stated.

“In this light, Field Marshal Asim Munir’s push for a propaganda framework surrounding JF-17 fighters is understandable. The Pakistani military's compliance with Chinese 'requests' is evident. Moreover, this arms sale initiative provides a facade of rescuing Pakistan’s struggling economy, which the military seems indifferent towards. This effort appears to be more about deceiving the dissatisfied populace than a genuine effort to revive the nation’s economy,” the report concluded.