With nuclear-test imposed sanctions being lifted and being conferred a major non-NATO ally status Pakistan is being viewed as a serious emergent buyer as it now has access to weapons, aircraft, and missiles. Its export in the USD 3 trillion arms market is only USD 200 million but is expected to grow.

While during the sanction era, Islamabad could collaborate only with Beijing, its changed status as a frontline state in the war on terror is now gaining it access to collaborations with other nations too. Analysts are keenly watching its arms exhibition International Defence Exhibition and Seminar (IDEAS) 2006.