Pakistan's arms deliveries to Sudan raise regional and domestic concerns

These light armored personnel carriers are part of a reported $1.5 billion defense agreement between Port Sudan and Islamabad. Manufactured by Heavy Industries Taxila and Pakistan Ordnance Factories, the Mohafiz-V vehicles are designed for harsh terrains and provide a tactical advantage against the Rapid Support Forces' RSF technicals. The broader supply package reportedly includes Shahpar-2 tactical reconnaissance and attack drones, Yaya-3 suicide loitering munitions, spare parts for K-8 Karakorum light-attack aircraft, and Chinese-origin air defense platforms.

This acquisition aims to rebuild the SAF's conventional military advantage, though its execution relies on third-party financial channels, with SAF Commander Lt. Gen. Abdel Fattah al-Burhan engaging in diplomatic outreach in Riyadh to secure funding. India has expressed concern over Pakistan's expanding military footprint near critical maritime lines in the Red Sea and Indian Ocean, fearing technology leakage and arms proliferation. Domestically, the defense export strategy has drawn criticism in Pakistan, particularly from the Baloch People’s Congress, which highlights the humanitarian crisis in Sudan and fears that foreign currency revenues will fund internal security operations in Balochistan, Sindh, and Pashtun territories.

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