PM hails JF-17 as major export prospect

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Wednesday highlighted rising international interest in acquiring defence equipment and military hardware from Pakistan, revealing that several countries were "actively" engaged in talks to purchase fighter jets.

Addressing the cabinet, the prime minister noted that demand for Pakistani defence equipment had risen following the country's success in Marka-e-Haq – the four-day military conflict with India in May last year.

Shehbaz said the improved performance of Pakistan's armed forces had translated into commercial interest, which would boost domestic defence production and provide tangible benefits to the national economy.

During an exchange of views on the overall political and security situation during the cabinet meeting, the prime minister paid tribute to the armed forces and law enforcement agencies for their sacrifices and sustained efforts to curb terrorism across the country.

The prime minister's remarks validated Defence Production Minister Raza Hayat Harraj's statement earlier, who had confirmed that Pakistan was in discussions with multiple countries for the sale of JF-17 Thunder fighter jets.

Harraj had told BBC Urdu that many countries had expressed interest in the aircraft but declined to name them or disclose the level of talks, saying that such negotiations were sensitive and could not be publicly detailed.

Alongside defence matters in the cabinet, Prime Minister Shehbaz announced accelerated work on the long-awaited Karachi-Chaman highway, often dubbed a "bloody road" due to frequent fatal accidents, saying construction would now be completed within one year instead of two.

He said the nearly 850-kilometre highway, costing about Rs400 billion, would be fully financed by the federal government, adding that savings generated from retaining fuel prices during a global oil slump were being redirected to transform the route into a corridor of prosperity.

Focusing on Balochistan, the prime minister said a Rs75 billion agricultural package had been completed, with Rs50 billion provided by the federal government, addressing electricity theft through solarisation and enabling farmers to irrigate their lands independently.

He also announced progress on Daanish schools in the province, saying contractors had been mobilised and that seven schools would be completed by the end of the year to expand access to quality education.

Expressing satisfaction over improving economic stability, the prime minister said the government would now move towards further development steps to place Pakistan firmly on a path of progress and prosperity.

The federal cabinet, meanwhile, took up several administrative matters, directing that the draft Private Hajj Policy for 2027-2030 be sent to the Hajj Policy Committee for further deliberation, particularly on third-party registration and scrutiny of private operators.

The cabinet also ratified decisions taken by the Cabinet Committee on Energy during its December 24, 2025 meeting, as well as approvals made by the Economic Coordination Committee in its December 23, 2025 session.