'Cash-strapped' Pakistan minister's fanciful claim: Khwaja Asif says country may not need IMF in six months. What's behind the bizarre statement?

Despite facing economic hardships, Pakistan defence minister Khawaja Asif has claimed that the country may not need a bailout from International Monetary Funds (IMF) due to a surge in aircraft orders. The statement comes as Bangladesh and Saudi Arabia are discussing JF-17 fighter jets deals. The financially crippled nation has in recent months stepped ⁠up defence outreach.