Pakistan to export arms to Middle East amid concerns over security guarantees

Pakistan’s Defense Diplomacy Expands in MENA Region

Islamabad has been strengthening its strategic presence in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region through defense diplomacy efforts. A recent visit by Libyan eastern commander Khalifa Haftar to Rawalpindi, Pakistan’s army headquarters, marked a significant development in this regard.

According to reports, Pakistan signed a $4 billion defense deal with Haftar’s Libyan National Army, which includes the acquisition of 16 JF-17 fighters and 12 Super Mushak trainer aircraft. The deal is structured over approximately two and a half years.

Pakistan has also reportedly finalized a $1.5 billion package to supply Sudanese Armed Forces with 10 Karakoram-8 light attack aircraft, more than 200 drones, and air defense systems. These deals aim to bolster Pakistan’s military capabilities in the region.

The expansion of Pakistan’s defense diplomacy in MENA is seen as a positive development for the country’s foreign exchange earnings and diplomatic access. A larger footprint can also strengthen longstanding military-to-military links with Gulf nations and beyond.

However, some analysts question whether Pakistan’s foray into the region is largely transactional, focused on exporting weaponry, or part of a coherent strategy to provide security. The Middle East example highlights a pattern of contingent, deal-driven activism, where events and short-term openings shape Pakistan’s approach rather than a durable economic base and domestic security stability.

Recent developments, including the May 2025 India-Pakistan crisis, have bolstered Pakistan’s airpower narrative and attracted high-value defense partners and customers. The Saudi Arabia-Pakistan Strategic Mutual Defense Agreement in September 2025 further reinforces Islamabad’s standing as a security partner in the region.

Despite these efforts, Pakistan’s economic weight remains limited, with net foreign direct investment from all countries totaling around $2.5 billion in 2024-25, compared to India’s $4.7 billion. The country’s total trade with GCC nations was roughly $20 billion, while India’s GCC-sourced investment alone was $4.7 billion and its GCC trade was about $179 billion.

Source: Al Jazeera