Pakistan, Bangladesh Discuss JF-17 Sale

Bangladesh and Pakistan are engaged in high-level talks concerning a potential defense pact. The discussions primarily involve the sale of JF-17 Thunder multi-role combat aircraft, jointly developed by Pakistan and China, and Super Mushshak trainer aircraft from Pakistan to Bangladesh. Pakistan's Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmad Babar Sidhu and Bangladesh's Air Chief Marshal Hasan Mahmood Khan held extensive talks in Islamabad. Pakistan has also assured Bangladesh of fast-track delivery of the trainer aircraft, along with a comprehensive training and long-term support ecosystem. These defense talks are part of broader efforts to strengthen bilateral relations, which have also included discussions on expanding cooperation in trade, investment, aviation, and cultural exchanges, as evidenced by recent meetings between Pakistani High Commissioner Meeran Haider and Chairman of Pakistan's Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee Sahir Shamshad Mirza with Bangladesh's Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus.