8 months ago
Pakistan Finalizes $4B Arms Deal with Libya
Pakistan has made a big deal to sell weapons to a group in Libya called the LNA.
The deal is worth over $4 billion and includes fighter jets, training planes, and other military equipment.
This is happening even though the United Nations has a rule that says no one should sell weapons to Libya.
Pakistan says the deal is okay because other countries are also selling weapons to Libya, and the UN rule is not strictly followed.
Libya has been in a lot of trouble since 2011, and different groups control different parts of the country.
Pakistan wants to sell more weapons and make friends with countries in the Middle East.
Pakistan finalized a $4 billion to $4.6 billion arms deal with Libya's LNA, including 16 JF-17 fighter jets, 12 Super Mushak trainer aircraft, and other military equipment.
The deal was signed after a meeting in Benghazi between Pakistan's army chief and the LNA's deputy commander-in-chief.
Pakistan claims the deal does not violate the UN arms embargo on Libya, calling it a 'paper embargo' that is not strictly followed by other countries.
The agreement covers equipment for land, sea, and air forces and will be carried out over 2.5 years.
Libya has been unstable since 2011, with the UN-recognized government controlling the west and the LNA controlling the east and south.
- Who
- Pakistan and Libya's eastern-based Libyan National Army (LNA)
- What
- A $4 billion to $4.6 billion arms deal
- Where
- Benghazi, Libya
- When
- Finalized after a meeting last week (exact date not specified)
- Why
- To expand Pakistan's presence in North Africa, boost defence exports, and align with the prime minister and army chief’s vision for an export-driven, self-sustained economy
Key facts
- Deal Value
- $4 billion to $4.6 billion
- Key Items
- 16 JF-17 fighter jets, 12 Super Mushak trainer aircraft, and other military equipment
- Duration
- 2.5 years
- Meeting Location
- Benghazi, Libya
- UN Arms Embargo
- In place since 2011
- Pakistan's Stance
- Denies violating UN rules, calls it a 'paper embargo'
- Libyan Factions
- Government of National Unity (west), LNA (east and south)
Quotes
Senior Pakistani military officials
Senior officials in the Pakistani military
“It is a paper embargo which is virtually non-existent due to multiple reasons. The move is in line with the prime minister and army chief’s vision for an export driven self sustained economy.”
firstpost.com
Saddam Khalifa Haftar
Deputy commander-in-chief of the Libyan National Army (LNA)
“We announce the launch of a new phase of strategic military cooperation with Pakistan.”
firstpost.com





