KARACHI-
Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif has expressed the resolve, to equip the military with modern equipment for protection of country’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
He was inaugurating the four day 8th international defense exhibition and Seminar IDEAS 2014 at Expo Centre today.
He said, the nation is committed to provide its defenders with all the necessary resources for this vital mission.
“When resources were hurdled, our designers relied on innovation. Our endeavor was to consistently improve upon the basis technologies employed in a weapon system and to give it added dimensions and capabilities,” the premier said.
“I take this opportunity to note with satisfaction that IDEAS has emerged as a major defense industry show in the region,” he said. “It showcases a wide spectrum of defense systems, ranging from widely-improved versions of the equipments used and while also inviting attention to prospective developments in the times to come. I have been presently told that there are more than 2,000 weapon systems displayed here today; many of these designed, developed and manufactured in Pakistan.”
Nawaz Sharif said that Pakistan’s unique geo strategic location and proximity calls for unceasing efforts towards protecting the sovereignty of the country. He said threat to national security has multiplied with emergence of non-state actors, including terrorists and computer hackers. He said we need to develop new tools and gadgets to effectively deal with these threats. “Pakistan’s security and severity should be the first requirement in the wake of this country’s prime location in the region. In present times, the states must take into account the activities of non-state actors as well as hackers while keeping an eye on the frontiers,” the PM said in his opening speech at Karachi Expo Center.
Appreciating the sacrifices rendered by the armed forces in the war on terror, the Prime Minister reaffirmed the commitment to make Zarb-e-Azb operation successful to rid the country of terrorism. The PM stressed upon the need of sophisticated equipments and adoption of modern defense capabilities for the armed forces battling terrorist in the tribal belt, hoping that ongoing Zarb-e-Azb offensive would help purge the country of terrorist elements. “I am pleased to witness the remarkable display of modern defense equipments and technology here. Pakistan can now claim to have sophisticated defense capability,” he said. “We must be prepared to face the challenges of national security as we have proved that having modern defense systems isn’t only the right of developed countries” he said.
Nawaz Sharif said the government is also mindful of other challenges faced by Pakistan including poverty, illiteracy, under development. He said we will lay the foundation of a competitive economy and infrastructure to put the country on the path of sustainable development.
On arrival, Governor Sindh Dr Ishratul Ibad welcomed the premier. Defence Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif and Commerce Minister Khurram Dastgir Khan were also accompanying the PM. Director General of Pakistan Aeronautical Complex Air Commodore Mansoor Hussain Khan has said that the construction of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) will soon be completed.
He also said that Russia will participate in the military exhibition for the first time. It should be noted that Pakistan is expected to make several defense agreements with Russia. Several high-level meetings between foreign delegates, key government officials, and participants have been planned on the sidelines of the exhibition for forging alliances in defense production. Some of the major indigenously developed products to be showcased included Main Battle Tank Al-Khalid, JF-17 Thunder Fighter Aircraft, and Armored Personnel Carriers and missile boats.
One hundred and thirty six international and thirty four Pakistani companies are participating in the four-day defense exhibition.
