Why Pakistan's largest-ever $4bn weapons deal is drawing global scrutiny

Pakistan army Field Marshal Asim Munir (File | AFP)

Pakistan, which is trying to position itself as the "net security provider", has reached a deal worth $4 billion to sell military equipment to the Libyan National Army.

According to a report in Reuters, four Pakistani officials said the deal was finalised directly under the supervision of Field Marshal Asim Munir during a meeting with Libyan deputy commander-in-chief of the LNA, Saddam Khalifa Haftar. It is said to be Pakistan's largest-ever weapons sales yet.

The report added that Pakistan will sell the Libyan outfit 16 JF-17 fighter jets, a multi-role combat aircraft jointly developed by Pakistan and China, and 12 Super Mushak trainer aircraft, used for basic pilot training.

Why the deal raises eyebrows

The deal has come under global scrutiny since it directly contravenes a longstanding United Nations arms embargo on Libya.

The embargo was imposed due to the country's civil war and instability since Muammar Gaddafi a Gaddafi's 2011 fall.

Supplying arms to the LNA, which controls eastern Libya and key oilfields but rejects the UN-recognized Tripoli government, risks prolonging conflict and invites international sanctions or diplomatic backlash for Pakistan.

It was not immediately clear whether Pakistan or Libya had applied for any exemptions to the UN embargo, as per the Reuters report.

Michael Kugelman, Director of the South Asia Institute at the Wilson Centre, said that the deal is also likely to raise eyebrows since it comes at a time when Pakistan itself is undergoing deep economic fragility.

"Pakistan continues to try to position itself as an emerging net security provider. But this massive reported deal-coming at a moment of deep economic fragility in Pak-to a force that controls only part of a fractured, faraway country will raise eyebrows," Kugelman said on X.

Moreover, from an Indian perspective, the sale will help boost Pakistan's defence coffers, potentially funding military enhancements along the LoC, especially after Munir's aggressive posture towards India.

Bid to legitimise deal

Pakistan maintains that the deal had not broken any UN weapons embargo.

One of the officials said Pakistan is not the only one to make deals with Libya; another said there are no sanctions on Haftar; and a third said Benghazi authorities are witnessing better relations with Western governments, given rising fuel exports.

However, the $4 billion deal with LNA — which is often described as Khalifa Haftar's militia or forces — is highly dubious under international law due to the LNA's status as a non-state faction.

Pakistan has been using its post-Operation Sindoor narrative to expand its defence exports to other countries.

In fact, Islamabad has cited its Air Force's "performance" in clashes with India in May.

"Our recent war with India demonstrated our advanced capabilities to the world," Munir had said in remarks broadcast by Al-Hadath last week.

The Libya deal is likely to help Pakistan expand its footprint in North Africa as regional and international powers compete for influence over Libya's fragmented security institutions and oil-backed economy.