Pakistani fighter Jet JF-17 ‘star attraction’ at Pairs air fair

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JF-17 Thunder from the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) was displayed at the 53rd International Paris Air Show held at Le Bourget Airport near Paris, France, June 23, 2019. The JF-17 Thunder was jointly developed by China and Pakistan. (PAF)
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A large number of people witnessing the static display of JF-17 Thunder on the last day of Paris Air Show on June 23, 2019 at Le Bourget Airport near Paris. (PAF)
Updated 24 June 2019
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Pakistani fighter Jet JF-17 ‘star attraction’ at Pairs air fair

  • Participation in the show provides an opportunity to attract potential buyers in International market
  • JF-17 Thunder is a joint project of Pakistan and China

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Air Force (PAF) fighter jet JF-17 Thunder witnessed hordes of aviation enthusiasts during 53rd Paris Air Show which concluded on 23 June at the Le Bourget Airport, Paris, the PAF said in a statement.
“Being a weekly holiday, the vast venue was filled with the excited spectators of all ages as the gates opened for the general public,” PAF said in a statement on Sunday adding that elegantly displayed alongside other aircraft and defense equipment “JF-17 Thunder remained the star attraction of the show.”
PAF said that the crowd was briefed about fighter jet’s operational capabilities and its sophisticated weaponry. 
Apart from the static display, the PAC manufactured aircraft also presented a farewell aerobatics performance.
“Participation of PAF contingent in the largest air show of the world has provided an excellent opportunity to showcase its cutting edge capabilities. “It has also given an opportunity to the potential buyers to assess its immense potential in the international market,” PAF statement read.
The JF-17 Thunder is a joint project of Pakistan and China and began over a decade ago. 
In February this year, the JF-17 Thunder received international attention after it shot down an Indian Air Force IAF MiG-21 during a military engagement.


Pakistan stocks recover as oil supply fears ease after Islamabad seeks Red Sea route— analyst

Updated 05 March 2026
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Pakistan stocks recover as oil supply fears ease after Islamabad seeks Red Sea route— analyst

  • Pakistan has sought Saudi help to secure oil supplies via Red Sea port after Iran’s closure of Strait if Hormuz
  • Analyst says higher crude oil prices, expectations of IMF releasing next loan tranche also triggered bullish activity

ISLAMABAD: Pakistani stocks marked a sharp recovery when trading closed on Thursday, as institutional activity increased following Islamabad’s move to seek crude oil supplies through the Red Sea port eased oil supply fears, a financial analyst said. 

Pakistani stocks have recorded a sharp decline this week, with the benchmark KSE-100 index recording its largest-ever single-day decline on Monday when it plunged 16,089 points. Escalating conflict in the Middle East triggered panic selling at the Pakistani bourse, forcing a temporary trading halt on Monday. 

The KSE-100 index, however, gained 3.49 percent or 5,433.46 points to close at 161,210.67 when trading ended on Thursday, up from the previous close of 155,777.21 points, according to Pakistan Stock Exchange’s (PSX) data.

Pakistan’s Petroleum Minister Ali Pervaiz Malik met Saudi Ambassador Nawaf bin Said Al-Malki on Wednesday to discuss Iran’s closure of the key Strait of Hormuz, which has threatened Pakistan’s energy supply. Roughly 20 percent of the global oil and gas supply passes through the route. Saudi Arabia indicated it could facilitate shipments through the Red Sea port of Yanbu, offering an alternative route if Gulf shipping lanes remain disrupted, the petroleum ministry said on Wednesday. 

“Stocks staged a sharp recovery at PSX amid institutional activity on easing fuel supply fears after KSA [Kingdom of Saudi Arabia] commits oil supplies through the Red Sea port,” Ahsan Mehanti, chief executive officer at Arif Habib Commodities, told Arab News.

He said higher global crude oil prices and expectations of the International Monetary Fund releasing its next tranche of the $7 billion loan for Pakistan also helped bullish activity at the PSX.

An IMF mission was in Pakistan to hold talks on the third review of a $7 billion Extended Fund Facility multi-year program, and for the second review of the $1.4 billion Resilience and Sustainability Facility this week.

However, the delegation left for Türkiye amid tensions in the Gulf. Pakistani officials have said talks are likely to continue virtually in the coming days. 

Pakistani brokerage Topline Securities said in its daily market review report that strong institutional buying “turned the tide” on Thursday after the market’s recent overreaction to regional issues.

The report added that Hub Power Company (HUBC), Oil & Gas Development Company (OGDC), Fauji Fertilizer Company (FFC), Engro Corporation (ENGROH), and Meezan Bank Limited (MEBL) collectively contributed 2,197 points to the KSE benchmark’s gain.

Topline Securities said 723 million shares were traded on Thursday, with K-Electric Limited (KEL) stealing the spotlight as more than 1.17 billion shares changed hands.

Pakistani investors are closely monitoring developments in the Gulf, particularly around energy routes and further retaliatory actions, as the conflict’s trajectory remains uncertain.