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News18
17-07-2025
- Business
- News18
Military ‘Modernisation' Drive Is Disastrous For Pakistan's Economy & Polity
Last Updated: The Pakistan Army's recent procurement ambitions underscore the militarised perspective through which national priorities are frequently shaped Amidst deteriorating economic conditions, the Pakistan Army is embarking on an assertive and ambitious course of military modernisation, channelling significant resources into advanced weaponry despite pervasive poverty, escalating inflation, and crumbling public infrastructure. This determined enhancement of military capability—highlighted by the prospective acquisition of China's HQ-19 air defence system, the untested and unproven Shenyang J-35s (derived from the Shenyang FC-31 'Gyrfalcon"), and KJ-2000 aircraft—aims to counter India's conventional military superiority, but has sparked serious apprehensions both domestically and internationally. While this build-up is officially framed as a strategic necessity in response to regional threats, critics increasingly interpret it as a disquieting sign of the military establishment's growing dominance over Pakistan's political and economic landscape. With civilian institutions collapsing under the strain of chronic underfunding and disregard, a critical question arises: is this arms buildup genuinely about safeguarding national security, or is it fundamentally about consolidating power? The HQ-19, an advanced anti-ballistic missile system, represents more than just a military upgrade—it reflects Pakistan's increasing prioritisation of militarisation, a trajectory that appears increasingly misaligned with its economic circumstances. Pakistan's external debt has exceeded $130 billion, and its foreign exchange reserves remain critically low. The nation has been compelled to depend on financial support from the International Monetary Fund (IMF), Gulf nations, and China, often subject to stringent austerity measures. These economic pressures have resulted in substantial reductions in public services, leading to a pronounced deterioration in the quality of education, healthcare, and essential infrastructure. The disparity is striking: while children in rural Sindh attend schools without furniture or textbooks and hospitals in Balochistan lack vital medicines, the government continues to allocate billions towards radar systems, drones, and missile defence technology. According to the World Bank's latest estimate, nearly 45 per cent of Pakistan's population lives in poverty, with an additional 16.5 per cent enduring extreme poverty. In sharp contrast, India—the regional rival Pakistan seeks to match—has lifted a record number of people out of poverty. Within the past year alone, 1.9 million more individuals in Pakistan have slipped below the poverty line. This trend towards militarisation has not escaped scrutiny. Public discourse—particularly among independent journalists and policy analysts—is increasingly centred on the imbalance between military expenditure and investment in social development. Critics contend that these acquisitions are less about safeguarding national borders and more about preserving the military's institutional dominance. Historically, the Pakistan Army has wielded considerable autonomy and influence, frequently operating outside the bounds of civilian control. Its presence extends into major economic sectors—including construction, agriculture, and real estate—largely via military-operated conglomerates such as the Fauji Foundation and the Army Welfare Trust. This deep-rooted economic involvement has fostered a system in which the distinction between national interest and military interest is progressively obscured. Pakistan has, in effect, become a garrison state—one in which military imperatives dominate the allocation of economic resources. The repercussions of this imbalance are acutely experienced by ordinary Pakistanis. Inflation—fuelled by currency depreciation and rising global costs—has rendered basic goods unaffordable for millions. Unemployment continues to climb, particularly among the youth, while the informal labour sector—already fragile—has expanded further due to the decline in formal employment opportunities. Simultaneously, power outages remain commonplace, water scarcity persists across numerous regions, and urban infrastructure—from roadways to drainage systems—is deteriorating under increasing strain. Within this setting, announcements of fresh military procurements are frequently met with a mix of disbelief, resentment, and growing public discontent. The government's rationale centres on national security and maintaining regional equilibrium. With India continually advancing its military capabilities and longstanding tensions over Kashmir persisting, Pakistani defence officials maintain that remaining technologically competitive is imperative. The HQ-19 system, designed to intercept ballistic missiles at high altitudes, is portrayed as a strategic counter to India's expanding missile defence infrastructure. However, this narrative avoids addressing a deeper concern: at what cost? While achieving regional parity is a legitimate objective, is it more urgent than feeding children, providing medical care, and educating future generations? Similar doubts emerge regarding the anticipated acquisition of J-35 fighter jets by the Pakistan Air Force. The ongoing maintenance costs of such advanced aircraft could significantly strain Pakistan's annual budget. Critics argue that this fixation on military rivalry ignores the fundamental pillars of national security—economic resilience, social welfare, and human capital development. Furthermore, the secrecy and lack of transparency surrounding these procurements have heightened anxieties over accountability. In contrast to defence budgets in many democratic states—where military expenditure undergoes parliamentary oversight and public discussion—Pakistan's defence spending remains predominantly exempt from such scrutiny. Civilian administrations frequently possess minimal influence over these decisions, resulting in a democratic shortfall that weakens institutional checks and balances. The military's disproportionately large claim on national resources is not merely a fiscal concern—it signifies a more profound structural issue regarding the distribution of power within Pakistan. The strategic alliance with China introduces an added layer of complexity. China has emerged as Pakistan's principal supplier of military hardware, and while the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) holds theoretical promise, it has yet to deliver widespread economic transformation. Instead, there is growing apprehension over rising debt dependency and the minimal involvement of local stakeholders in these large-scale initiatives. The provision of the HQ-19 system, therefore, may extend beyond defence purposes—it could serve as a tool for strengthening geopolitical alignment and advancing debt diplomacy. While the military leadership may perceive this as a strategic gain, the long-term consequences for national sovereignty and economic autonomy are considerably less encouraging. Simultaneously, the J-35's elevated costs and demanding maintenance requirements risk further burdening Pakistan's already fragile financial position, especially as it endeavours to modernise its air force. Moreover, China's decision to export the J-35 before its integration into the People's Liberation Army Air Force introduces considerable strategic uncertainty. Another deeply concerning aspect is the impact of militarisation on democratic governance. When the military assumes control over key areas of national policy, civilian authorities are frequently reduced to symbolic roles. This dynamic undermines democratic institutions, erodes policymaking competence, and cultivates a culture of impunity. The pattern becomes self-perpetuating: as military dominance increases, civilian institutions become progressively less capable of exercising oversight, while public perception shifts to viewing the military as the sole effective institution within a deteriorating state. This sentiment further weakens confidence in democratic mechanisms and complicates efforts to promote alternative national priorities. The social cost is immense. Public health metrics continue to worsen, with malnutrition, maternal mortality, and preventable illnesses remaining widespread. The education sector, particularly in rural regions, suffers from chronic underfunding, staffing shortages, and systemic dysfunction. Literacy rates show little improvement, and Pakistan performs poorly on international human development rankings. Within this context, the imagery of cutting-edge missile defence systems appears especially incongruous. What message is conveyed to citizens when their government places a higher premium on armaments than on essential public welfare? There is also a significant risk of heightened regional instability. Arms races, by their very nature, tend to escalate the probability of conflict rather than prevent it. As India and Pakistan simultaneously expand their defence capabilities, opportunities for diplomacy and mutual confidence-building diminish. The deployment of technologies such as the HQ-19 and J-35 fighter jets could trigger reciprocal measures by India, fuelling a perilous cycle of provocation and response. At a time when South Asia confronts shared challenges—ranging from climate change and water scarcity to terrorism—the diversion of vital resources into military build-ups undermines the region's collective capacity to address these pressing threats. Voices from civil society are increasingly urging a realignment of national priorities. Economists, educationists, and public health experts argue that genuine security is rooted in human development. A population that is well-educated, healthy, and economically empowered is considerably more resilient against external threats than any missile defence system. Moreover, reallocating resources towards social sectors could foster inclusive economic growth, alleviate inequality, and strengthen social cohesion—outcomes that are essential for achieving sustainable peace. The way ahead demands political will and comprehensive institutional reform. Civilian authorities must reassert control over policymaking and insist on greater transparency in defence expenditure. Parliamentary scrutiny must be reinforced, and budgetary priorities should align with the genuine needs of the populace. International stakeholders also share responsibility. Donor nations and financial institutions should refrain from facilitating unregulated military spending through aid or loans that do not impose conditions promoting investment in social development. The Pakistan Army's recent procurement ambitions—exemplified by the prospective acquisition of the HQ-19 missile system and J-35 fighter jets—underscore the militarised perspective through which national priorities are frequently shaped. While strategic defence undeniably holds significance, it must not come at the cost of essential human development. In a nation where millions lack access to clean water, quality education, and adequate healthcare, investing in advanced weaponry cannot be seen as a comprehensive solution to security challenges. top videos View all The true measure of a nation's strength lies not in its arsenal, but in the well-being of its citizens. Ultimately, the arms race may not only fail to enhance Pakistan's security—it risks deepening internal vulnerabilities and widening the disconnect between the state and its people. Can Pakistan continue to sustain this pattern of militarisation in South Asia? India, the world's fourth-largest economy, reserves the right to respond with acquisitions of its own. The short-term 'advantages" sought by Pakistan's militarised leadership will prove unsustainable if the state persists in acting like a revisionist power under the mistaken belief that it can contend with a nation of India's scale. The writer is an author and a columnist. His X handle is @ArunAnandLive. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect News18's views. view comments Location : New Delhi, India, India First Published: June 24, 2025, 15:27 IST News opinion Global Watch | Military 'Modernisation' Drive Is Disastrous For Pakistan's Economy & Polity Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
AllAfrica
12-06-2025
- Business
- AllAfrica
New heights for China's arms diplomacy in South Asia
China is arming Pakistan and Azerbaijan with high-tech fighter jets, missile shields and surveillance aircraft — a bold play to redraw the balance of power in South Asia and the Caucasus. This month, Breaking Defense reported that Pakistan confirmed China's offer of 40 fifth-generation Shenyang J-35 stealth fighters, KJ-500 AEW&C aircraft and HQ-19 air defense systems. The deal was first leaked in December 2024 and now publicly credited by Islamabad to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif's diplomacy. Also known as the FC-31, the J-35 is developed for both China's air force and navy and made its debut at Airshow China 2024. It features stealth shaping similar to that of the US F-35 Lightning II. Deliveries to Pakistan are expected within the next few months. The announcement follows a separate US$4.6 billion agreement between Pakistan and Azerbaijan, in which Baku will procure 40 JF-17 fighter jets co-manufactured by Pakistan Aeronautical Complex (PAC) and China's Chengdu Aircraft Corporation (CAC). China's defense exports to Islamabad signal deeper strategic alignment amid growing regional competition. As Pakistan pursues advanced capabilities, the deal highlights China's growing presence in global arms sales, particularly among states seeking alternatives to Western defense suppliers. Defense Security Asia notes in an article this month that the J-35, HQ-19 and KJ-500 represent a considerable leap in Pakistan's air defense capabilities. According to the report, the J-35 fifth-generation fighter armed with PL-17 missiles boasting a range of over 400 kilometers enables Pakistan to target high-value Indian aerial assets from beyond visual range. It also states that the HQ-19 system, dubbed the 'Chinese THAAD,' is designed for the high-altitude interception of intermediate-range ballistic missiles (IRBMs) and hypersonic threats up to 150 kilometers above the ground, utilizing hit-to-kill technology and promising exoatmospheric defense with tracking radars that reach 1,000 kilometers. Meanwhile, Defense Security Asia mentions that the KJ-500 provides 360-degree radar coverage with its active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar, tracking up to 100 targets over a 470-kilometer range while coordinating air operations through advanced electronic intelligence. China's transfer of interoperable systems reflects its approach to systems warfare, as explained by Michael Dahm in a May 2025 article for Air & Space Forces Magazine. According to Dahm, one of the most essential takeaways from the April 2025 Kashmir clash is how Pakistan integrated its Chinese-origin weapons and air defenses against India, forming an effective kill chain. Dahm says that Pakistan's J-10 downing of a prized Indian Rafale jet says more about the quality of intangible factors between the opposing sides, such as system-of-systems integration, training and tactics, rather than the capabilities of either aircraft. Azerbaijan's decision to purchase JF-17 jets co-produced by China and Pakistan marks a significant departure from its traditional arms purchases from Russia. Paul Iddon notes in an April 2024 Business Insider article that while Russia has previously marketed the Su-30SM, Su-35 and MiG-25 fighters to Azerbaijan, the former's arms exports to the latter ceased in 2019, creating a vacuum for other arms exporters, such as Turkey, Pakistan, and China, to fill. In the same article, Federico Borsari notes that, as a result of Russia's invasion of Ukraine and subsequent sanctions, Russia's arms exports have dropped as much as 64%, according to 2024 data from the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI). Borsari also notes that the poor performance of Russian aircraft in the Russia-Ukraine war may have prompted Azerbaijan to reconsider its arms purchases from Russia. Highlighting the political aspect of Azerbaijan's decision to purchase JF-17 jets, Sebastien Roblin notes in the same article that Russia's unreliability as a supplier, along with Western concerns over Azerbaijan's human rights record and potential future conflicts with Armenia, has made Turkey, Pakistan and China ideal partners. In terms of capability, Roblin says the JF-17 is a substantial upgrade over Azerbaijan's Soviet-era MiG-29 jets, with its newer electronics and the PL-15 missile possibly giving it an edge over Armenia's Russian-made Su-30SM fighters. China's arms sales to Pakistan and Azerbaijan tie into its larger military-economic interests. Jake Rinaldi mentions in a November 2024 article for the US Army War College that China's arms exports are driven by the need to protect its economic interests, gain influence in conflict zones, enhance the capabilities of its partners, build diplomatic relationships and offset research and development costs. Importantly, Pakistan and Azerbaijan are part of China's Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), a global land-and-sea infrastructure project that aims to offset the latter's 'Malacca Dilemma,' a strategic weakness wherein most of its trade and fuel imports passes through the narrow waterway, leaving it vulnerable to a US blockade in the event of a conflict. In line with that, Mohit Choudhary mentions in a February 2023 article for the Journal of Indo-Pacific Affairs that as China's sea lanes of communication (SLOCs) straddle the Indian Ocean, China leverages economic, diplomatic and security influence in a region fraught with fragile states such as Pakistan, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh. Choudhary notes that India views the Indian Ocean as its sphere of influence, and China's increasing presence in the region through dual-use port infrastructure and arms exports heightens India's sense of insecurity. Likewise, Emil Avdaliani mentions in an April 2025 South China Morning Post (SCMP) article that China's ambitions in West Asia and the Black Sea region have grown in the past years, with the strategic goal of developing the Middle Corridor, a trade route that connects Europe and China via Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan, Georgia and Turkey, requiring significant economic and security investment. Avdaliani states that while Russia remains a significant source of military technology for Central Asia and, by extension, the Caucasus, the space for Russian arms exports is narrowing while China opens its defense industry, thereby eroding Russia's regional sphere of influence. China isn't just selling weapons. It is building alliances, projecting power and rewriting the rules of the global arms game. It is transforming arms sales into strategic tools of influence — building alliances, displacing rivals and reshaping the rules of power projection from the Indian Ocean to the Black Sea.
Business Recorder
09-06-2025
- Business
- Business Recorder
Chinese defence stocks surge as Pakistan signals major arms deal: report
Shares of Chinese defence firms soared on Monday after Pakistan announced plans to acquire a significant package of military equipment from Beijing, including one of China's most advanced stealth fighter jets, according to a Bloomberg report. The government of Pakistan, in a social media post last Friday, said it would purchase 40 J-35 fifth-generation stealth fighter jets, KJ-500 airborne early warning and control (AEW&C) aircraft, and HQ-19 ballistic missile defence systems. China's Ministry of Defence has not officially commented on the announcement. Bloomberg reported that AVIC Shenyang Aircraft Company, which manufactures the J-35 fighter, surged by its 10 percent daily limit in Shanghai, marking the third straight session of gains. The rally extended to other defence companies, including Aerospace Nanhu Electronic Information Technology Co., which saw its shares rise as much as 15 percent. The rise in Chinese defence stocks comes amid growing confidence in the effectiveness of Chinese military hardware following recent border clashes between Pakistan and India. Last month, Pakistan claimed that its Chinese-supplied J-10C fighter jets were involved in successfully shooting down six Indian aircraft, including French-built Rafale jets. While India dismissed those claims and downplayed the performance of foreign-supplied weaponry, it later confirmed that it had lost an unspecified number of fighter jets in the early May conflict. Indian Chief of Defence Staff Anil Chauhan acknowledged the losses during a May 31 interview, without providing further details. Military tensions between the two nuclear-armed neighbours flared up in early May, with both sides reportedly engaging in air, drone and missile strikes, along with cross-border artillery and small-arms fire, particularly along the Line of Control (LoC). Previous reports had highlighted the effectiveness of Chinese-made platforms like the J-10C in active combat has significantly raised their credibility in the global arms market. According to Bloomberg, this latest deal would mark China's first-ever export of the J-35 stealth fighter, first publicly unveiled at the 2024 Zhuhai Airshow. The inclusion of KJ-500 AEW&C aircraft is expected to substantially improve Pakistan's radar coverage, given the system's advanced electronic warfare capabilities and operational agility. The HQ-19 surface-to-air missile system would enhance Pakistan's air defence, particularly against ballistic missile threats. Defence analysts say the procurement reflects Pakistan's ongoing efforts to upgrade its military preparedness amid sustained regional volatility. At the same time, China continues to expand its influence as a global arms exporter by offering cutting-edge technology at relatively lower costs than its Western counterparts. Despite facing periodic scrutiny over corruption in its military-industrial complex, China has accelerated the development of advanced defence platforms. In December 2024, Beijing launched the world's largest next-generation amphibious assault ships, drawing international attention. Business Recorder also recently reported that Indonesia, traditionally reliant on military equipment from the United States and Russia, is now considering China's offer to sell J-10 fighter jets, signalling a shift in regional defence procurement trends. In a broader context, China's military-industrial progress appears to be part of a strategic vision to extend influence not just in the arms sector but also in dual-use domains. The J-35 sale, if confirmed, could further boost investor confidence in China's ability to compete in the high-end defence export market dominated by the United States and European powers. While formal details of the deal are still awaited, analysts say the announcement marks a milestone in Sino-Pakistan defence cooperation, with implications for both regional stability and global arms dynamics.
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First Post
09-06-2025
- Business
- First Post
Pakistan's unverified claims & move to buy J-35 5th-gen jets see Chinese maker's shares soar high
Pakistan's government said Friday on social media that it intends to acquire 40 J-35 fighters, KJ-500 airborne early warning and control aircraft, and HQ-19 ballistic missile defence systems. read more Shares of the company that makes China's J-35 fighter aircraft have soared, courtesy Pakistan. Reuters Shares of Chinese defence firms surged Monday (June 9) after Pakistan announced plans to purchase a fleet of advanced Chinese-made fighter jets, a move that could mark China's first export of its fifth-generation stealth aircraft. AVIC Shenyang Aircraft Company, the manufacturer of the J-35 stealth fighter jet, hit its 10 per cent daily trading limit in Shanghai, building on a three-day rally. Other defence stocks also jumped, with Aerospace Nanhu Electronic Information Technology Co. climbing as much as 15 per cent, Bloomberg reported. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Interestingly, this is not the first time defence stocks in China have soared following India-Pakistan tensions. Pakistan government's signalling Pakistan's government said Friday (June 6) on social media that it intends to acquire 40 J-35 fighters, KJ-500 airborne early warning and control aircraft, and HQ-19 ballistic missile defence systems. The J-35, which is claimed to feature advanced stealth capabilities, was developed by Shenyang Aircraft Corporation and was first unveiled publicly at the 2024 Zhuhai Airshow. If finalised, the deal would mark the first known foreign sale of the aircraft. Tensions between Pakistan and India remain high following clashes in early May that involved air, drone and missile strikes, along with artillery and small arms fire. In a May 31 interview, India's Chief of Defence Staff Anil Chauhan confirmed India had lost fighter jets during the conflict, though he did not provide details. Last month, Pakistan claimed that Chinese-made J-10C fighters helped shoot down six Indian jets, including French-built Rafales. India has denied the effectiveness of the weapons systems used by Pakistan, saying its forces successfully carried out retaliatory strikes deep inside Pakistani territory. The reported deal also comes amid growing interest in Chinese military hardware in Southeast Asia. Indonesia is considering a Chinese offer of J-10 jets after traditionally relying on aircraft from the United States, Russia and other suppliers. China's defence industry has continued to advance despite domestic corruption scandals. In December, Beijing launched its first next-generation amphibious assault ships, which analysts say are the largest of their kind. Last year, a video purportedly showing a test flight of a sixth-generation Chinese fighter jet went viral online, prompting another wave of gains in defence stocks. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD
Time of India
09-06-2025
- Business
- Time of India
China's defence stocks jump up to 10% led by AVIC Shenyang as Pakistan announces arms purchase
Shares of Chinese defense companies rallied on Monday after Pakistan said that it intends to buy one of the Asian power's most-advanced fighter jets as a part of major arms purchase. Among the top gainers was AVIC Shenyang Aircraft Company, whose stock surged over 10% following Pakistan's announcement that it plans to buy J-35 stealth fighter jet from the Chinese company. Touted as one of the country's most-advanced fighter jets, the deal is seen as a part of major arms purchase by India's western neighbour. On Friday, the government of Pakistan in a social media post said that it would acquire 40 J-35 fifth-generation fighter jets, KJ-500 airborne early warning and control aircraft, as well as HQ-19 ballistic missile defense systems. Shares of AVIC Shenyang Aircraft have remained unbeaten for the past three trading sessions, Today's rally has extended stocks gains to 13% in the past five sessions. While it is a month since the ceasefire between India and Pakistan was implemented, AVIC Shenyang Aircraft shares have jumped 18% in this period. An armed escalation broke out between India and Pakistan between May 7 and May 10 as India hit several targets in Pak Occupied Kashmir (PoK) to avenge the killings in Pahalgam where 26 innocent tourists were killed. Live Events AVIC Shenyang Aircraft has been in the thick of action owing to its J-35 stealth fighter jet Meanwhile, other Chinese defence stocks also saw a positive rub-off impact as Aerospace Nanhu Electronic Information Technology Co., whose shares jumped as much as 15% on the intraday basis. This counter has rallied 10% in the past five trading sessions. Aerospace CH UAV Co shares were up by over 1% while Inner Mongolia First Machinery Grp Co was 4% higher. The J-35 sale to Pakistan would mark China's first export of the fifth-generation jet, which has advanced stealth capabilities for penetrating the airspace of an adversary, a Bloomberg report said. The fighter was developed by Shenyang Aircraft Corporation and publicly unveiled at the 2024 Zhuhai Airshow, it added. The KJ-500 aircraft would improve Pakistan's radar coverage and its smaller size allows for nimbler use in regional clashes. The HQ-19 surface-to-air missile systems would enhance the country's ability to intercept ballistic missiles. The deal comes amid persisting tensions between Pakistan and India. The nuclear-armed neighbors clashed several weeks ago, with both sides trading air, drone and missile strikes, as well as artillery and small arms fire along their shared border in early May. ETMarkets WhatsApp channel )
