RECORDER REPORT

KARACHI: The country’s armed forces are vigilant and ready to thwart any aggression by the enemy.

These views were expressed by the Air Chief Marshal Sohail Aman and Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Muhammad Zakaullah Ni (M) during their visits to IDEAS-2016.

Pakistan Chief of Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal Sohail Aman advised India to avert efforts to destabilize peace in the region and come forward for the resolution to the Kashmir dispute. He further said that the armed forces were ready to defend the country in face of any misadventure by the enemy.

Speaking to the media at IDEAS 2016 exhibition at Karachi’s Expo Centre, he said it was a big event in the defence industry, which would promote Pakistani defence products.

He said that Pakistan was manufacturing Super Mushak aircraft for Nigeria and Qatar and signed an agreement with Turkey to sell 52 Super Mushak basic trainers during IDEAS 2016 expo. Air Chief Marshal Sohail Aman said: “We are not worried about India at all.” 

Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Muhammad Zakaullah said the recent incident of Indian submarine was unusual and lauded the navy response to thwart the surprise adventure of India.

He said that IDEAS 2016 was a big achievement and Pakistani defence products were among the best products in the world and our technology met international quality and standards.

He said that Pakistan Navy was four dimension force – Surface, Naval Aviation, Submarine and special service force and added that the responsibilities of Pakistan Navy had been increased especially after CPEC project and vowed to meet all security requirements in this regard.

Rana Tanveer Hussain Federal Minister for Defence and Production said that IDEAS would help increasing the level and standard of indigenous defence products.

He said that we were now producing Super Mushak aircraft and JF-17 thunder fighter jet, which had one third in price as compared to F-16 jet. He further said that country’s defence export, which was around $25 million, had been increased to $100 million.

Chief Minister Sindh Syed Murad Ali Shah, Punjab Governor Malik Muhammad Rafique Rajwana and Karachi Mayor Waseem Akhter also visited the IDEAS 2016. They witnessed activities and appreciated the quality and technology of the equipments and defence production showcased in the exhibition.

Meanwhile, different MoUs were signed and products launches were held. An agreement was also signed between French Company and Pakistan to certify Pakistan’s defence equipments meeting international standards. Similarly, sideline conferences and visits of dignitaries, high officials were part of the exhibition.