Pakistan has achieved self-sufficiency in many fields of defence sector, said Lieutenant General Syed Muhammad Owais (Rtd), HI (M) Secretary Defence Production. He was speaking at the closing ceremony of IDEAS 2016 held at the Expo Center, Karachi. He said that Pakistan had showcased one of the best and technologically advanced air and ground equipments in the global market and had always been conscientious of the reality that arms facilitate peace, desires to live as a harmonious and peace loving country in this competitive world.
Major General Agha Masood Akram HI (M) DG DEPO, Commodore Tahir Javed, Director (Media) DEPO, Brigadier Waheed Mumtaz and Director Co-ordination DEPO were also present on the occasion. He said that the aim of IDEAS 2016 was to showcase local products and demonstrate organisation skills to plan and conduct a mega event of international stature and provide platform to convey views on security issues concerning Pakistan.
He said IDEAS 2016 was the manifestation to build the image of Pakistan as a modern, progressive and tolerant state, striving to co-exist peacefully with the international community. Answering a question he told that they had achieved all targets set for IDEAS 2016; adding that the participation of around 90 foreign defense delegations from 43 countries proved the significance and success of the exhibition.
He cited that satisfaction of foreign delegates as well as exhibitors during IDEAS would send a message to the world that Pakistan is a peaceful country and capable to hold a grand event in the most organised way. Meanwhile, Major General Agha Masood Akram while briefing to the media said that Pakistan had been in defense production for decades.
He said that they had received good response for IDEAS 2016 from Turkey, China, North America, South America, Europe, Asia, and Far East and added that 14 MOUs were signed with different perspective international partners.
Needless to mention, some of the major indigenously developed products were showcased in IDEAS-2016 including Main Battle Tank, Al-Khalid, JF-17 Thunder Fighter aircraft, Super Mushshak, K-8 Aircraft, Fast Attack Craft Missile Boats, UAVs, Armored Personnel Carriers, Premium Grade Military Hardware and related technology.