KARACHI: Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif on Monday inaugurated the 8th International Defence Exhibition and Seminar (IDEAS) Exhibition at Expo Centre.
The exhibition will remain for four days i.e. Dec-1 to Dec-4 with the theme of “Arms for Peace”.
Pakistan Air Force (PAF) Chief Air Chief Marshal Tahir Rafiq Butt, Naval Chief Zakiullah, Sindh Governor Dr Ishratul Ebad Khan, Defence Minister Khawaja Asif, Commerce Minister Khurram Dastagir and notables of foreign countries were also present.
According to details, 407 total arms and ammunition companies, including 337 foreign and 70 local companies have taken part in the exhibition.
Al-Khalid and Al-Zarar tanks, missile boats, ballistic missiles, JF-17 thunder fighter jets, Mushshak training planes and drone jets have been displayed in the exhibition.
The arms and ammunition of countries, including Turkey, China, Belarus, Russia and Germany have also been exhibited.
Bulletproof cars, armoured carriers, tanks and other defence equipments were also displayed in the Exhibition, while strict security measures in and around exhibition arena were also witnessed on the exhibition day.
The security personnel, including Pakistan Army, Rangers and police cordoned off the entire area.
Addressing the participants of the exhibition, Nawaz said that the defence of Pakistan due to the efforts of armed forces has become indomitable, adding that the country was taking full advantage of the latest technology to enhance the defence capabilities.
He said that the exhibition would play a significant role in boosting the arms and ammunition industry of the country and would also help in generating revenue.
He added that the government was striving to bolster defence ties with other countries and holding of the defence exhibition was a stepping stone in this regard.