Pakistan Defence Exports: Bilawal Seeks Karachi’s Role in Production Sector

Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari – (Web Desk) – Pakistan defence exports have seen a historic rise in international demand, following the country’s decisive victory in the May 2025 war against India. PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari highlighted this growing opportunity while speaking at the inauguration of Karachi’s Shahrah-e-Bhutto.

Bilawal called on Karachi to play a bigger role in the “Made in Pakistan” defence production sector. He said countries across the world now prefer military equipment that has been proven in real combat conditions.

“We want Karachi to contribute to Made in Pakistan defence production as well,” he said.

The four-day conflict began on May 7, 2025, after India launched an attack on Pakistan. During the war, Pakistan successfully shot down eight Indian fighter jets, including French-made Rafale aircraft, along with dozens of drones.

After the military success, several nations — including Iran, Bangladesh, and Libya — reportedly expressed interest in buying Pakistan’s weapons. In January, Defence Production Minister Raza Hayat Haraj confirmed that Pakistan was in active talks with multiple countries about selling JF-17 Thunder fighter jets.

Pakistan’s global standing also strengthened after the war, with Islamabad stepping in as a key mediator between the United States and Iran.

Bilawal also raised concern about the ongoing Middle East conflict, which began on February 28 after coordinated strikes by the US and Israel on Iran. Tehran’s response closed the Strait of Hormuz, pushing global oil prices sharply higher.

He warned that ordinary citizens — already struggling with rising electricity and gas bills — would suffer further if the conflict continued.

“If the war does not end, the economic situation will become more serious,” Bilawal said.