Pakistan has signed an arms deal worth more than $4 billion (about Rs 35 thousand crore) with the Libyan National Army (LNA). This is one of the biggest arms export deals of Pakistan so far. This agreement was completed after the meeting of Pakistan Army Chief Field Marshal Asim Munir and LNA Deputy Commander-in-Chief Saddam Khalifa Haftar in Benghazi city last week.
What’s included in the deal?
This deal mainly includes these weapons and equipment…
JF-17 fighter jet: Pakistan And China together made these multi-role fighter aircraft. According to reports, at least 16 JF-17 jets will be sold.
Super Mushaq Trainer Aircraft: 12 small aircraft used for basic training of pilots.
Other land, sea and air military equipment, such as armored vehicles, ammunition and naval equipment. LNA said that a new era of defense cooperation with Pakistan is starting, which also includes arms sales, joint training and military production.
Also read: Pakistan Navy commissions second Turkish-built warship PNS Khaibar
Asim Munir role of
Pakistani Army Chief Field Marshal Asim Munir himself went to Benghazi and finalized this deal. Addressing LNA officials, he said that our recent clash with India showed our capabilities to the world. Munir called Libya the land of lions and advised to strengthen the army there. Pakistan is calling it a big success in increasing its defense exports.
But why the controversy?
Libya But there has been a United Nations (UN) arms embargo since 2011. After the fall of Muammar Gaddafi’s government with the help of NATO in 2011, the country has been divided into two parts…
- The UN-recognized government of Tripoli in the west.
- In the east and south, General Khalifa Haftar’s LNA, which controls large oil fields.
This deal is being given to LNA, which is against the UN recognized government. This may prolong the civil war in Libya. According to the UN, the arms embargo on Libya has become ineffective, because many countries are already providing arms to both sides. Pakistani officials say that they are not the only ones who are selling arms to Libya. There are no personal restrictions on Haftar.
benefit for pakistan
Pakistan wants to expand its defense industry. It has cheap but effective weapons like the JF-17, which provides a supply chain beyond the expensive options of Western countries. This deal will give Pakistan new markets in Africa and the Middle East. Recently, defense relations with Saudi Arabia and Qatar have also strengthened.
What next?
This deal will be historic for Pakistan if fully implemented, but monitoring may increase at the international level. The UN Security Council is looking into this. Stabilization efforts in Libya may also be affected.
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