- Some of the major indigenously developed products being showcased in IDEAS-2014 include Main Battle Tank Al-Khalid, JF-17 Thunder Fighter Aircraft, Armoured Personnel Carriers and Missile Boats
Modern and well-armed defence forces are necessary to ensure the safety and solidarity of Pakistan, said Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif on Monday while addressing the inaugural session of the Eighth International Defence Products Exhibition and Seminar (IDEAS-2014) at the Civic Centre in Karachi.
The premier reiterated that country’s defence is among the top most priorities of the government, which is equally mindful of other challenges as poverty and illiteracy. Hence, the government is equally focused towards strengthening of the economy with equal attention to build a knowledge- based infrastructure, he said.
“Our endeavour is to meet the challenges and build a technology-oriented industrial network on most modern and updated lines,” PM Sharif said while appreciating the fact that IDEAS 2014 has put on display more than 2,000 varied categories of defence equipments and gadgets, mostly manufactured in Pakistan. This is reflective of a strong industry of defence goods that also contributes to the national economy, he said.
“Growing stature of IDEAS and the increasing number of defence goods on display with every passing year reflects its relevance,” said the prime minister.
Being appreciative of the local engineers, he said Pakistan could now rightly claim to have developed an adequate capacity to produce sophisticated gadgets proving that it is no more an exclusive domain of the developed world. This self reliance, he said holds its multi dimensional benefits, inclusive of economic empowerment and adequate protection of the country’s sovereignty.
Earlier, Defence Export Promotion Organisation (DEPO) Director General Major Gen Agha Masood Akram said guests, including exhibitors and delegates from 67 countries, are participating in the event, or attending it in one or the other way.
Federal Minister for Defence Production Rana Tanvir Hussain said some of the major indigenously developed products being showcased in IDEAS-2014 include Main Battle Tank Al-Khalid, JF-17 Thunder Fighter Aircraft, Armoured Personnel Carriers and Missile Boats.
Of the 88 delegations, 30 are high-level, headed either by the defence ministers, joint chiefs, services chiefs or defence secretaries of the concerned countries, he said.
Sindh Governor Dr Ishratul Ebad Khan, Federal Defence Minister Khawaja Asif, Federal Minister for Commerce Khurram Dastagir Khan and other dignitaries were also present on the occasion.
