Asaduddin Owaisi's Big Taunt to Beleaguered Pakistan, Will S Sharief & A Munir Be Able to Land Their Leased Chinese Plane at....’

In a sharp political jibe aimed at Pakistan’s economic and military dependence, AIMIM Chief Asaduddin Owaisi questioned whether S Sharief and A Munir would even be able to land their leased Chinese aircraft at Rahim Yar Khan Airbase — a remark that has sparked debate across both domestic and international circles.

Will S Sharief & A Munir be able to land their Leased Chinese Aircraft at
Rahim Yar khan Airbase ?

— Asaduddin Owaisi (@asadowaisi) May 13, 2025

The comment, made in a speech addressing India’s growing strategic independence, was widely seen as a taunt to Pakistan’s current state of economic distress and reliance on foreign defence equipment, particularly Chinese hardware.

“When you're flying leased planes from Beijing, and running on borrowed budgets, one must ask — will Sharief and Munir even get landing permission at Rahim Yar Khan without Beijing’s clearance?” Owaisi quipped during his address.

Pakistan's Mounting Dependence on China

The reference targets Pakistan’s increasing military ties with China, including leasing Chinese aircraft amid a crumbling economy and rising political instability. The question raised about Rahim Yar Khan — a key airbase in southern Punjab, Pakistan — is symbolic of Pakistan's dwindling sovereignty in decision-making, according to critics.

Sources in strategic affairs interpret Owaisi’s comments as a blunt reflection of India’s regional confidence and Pakistan’s growing struggles with defence autonomy.

Political Implications

While Owaisi is known for his strong views on both domestic and foreign policy, this latest comment signals a rare moment of alignment with nationalist sentiment, emphasizing India’s stronger global position in contrast to a beleaguered neighbour.

His remarks have ignited reactions across party lines, with BJP leaders subtly applauding the sarcasm, while some opposition figures have cautioned against using national security for rhetorical sparring.

Background: Who Are S Sharief & A Munir?

Shehbaz Sharief, Prime Minister of Pakistan, is navigating a fragile economy, IMF conditionalities, and public unrest.

Gen. Asim Munir, the Chief of Army Staff, is the de facto power centre in Pakistan’s civil-military equation.

Both are increasingly seen as dependent on China, not just for military hardware but also for political support and financial bailouts.

Regional and Global Watch

The statement comes at a time when India continues to expand its indigenous defence manufacturing, while Pakistan remains entangled in defence leases and aid-based partnerships.

Asaduddin Owaisi’s pointed question now circulates as a larger metaphor in India’s foreign policy circles — a reflection of shifting power dynamics in South Asia.