Defence Minister Khawaja Asif on Tuesday said Pakistan could potentially avoid seeking further assistance from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) within six months, citing a surge in defence procurement orders following the May 2025 conflict with India.

Speaking on Geo News programme “Capital Talk”, the Pakistan Muslim League-N leader said the confrontation with India had validated the country’s military capabilities, particularly its aircraft, which he said were effectively “tested” during the conflict.

“We are receiving so many orders that Pakistan may not need the IMF in six months.”

Referring to the May 2025 standoff, Asif said Pakistan had demonstrated its readiness and resolve, adding that any future aggression by India would be met with a similar response.

He said the conflict had weakened Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s standing at home and abroad.

The defence minister said India had approached the United States and also contacted China during the conflict for support but failed to secure a strategic advantage.

He maintained that Pakistan’s response was widely observed by the international community.

Commenting on regional and global issues, Asif strongly criticised Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, calling him a “major criminal against humanity.”

He said the scale of suffering inflicted on Palestinians was unprecedented and alleged that those supporting Netanyahu were equally complicit.

Asif further said that if the United States genuinely upheld human rights, it should ensure Netanyahu faced trial. He also made remarks suggesting Netanyahu should be apprehended and prosecuted.

Earlier, speaking informally to journalists, the defence minister dismissed reports of negotiations with the opposition as speculative.

He said there had been no substantive progress and described the ongoing discussion around talks as largely based on statements and rumours rather than concrete developments.