September 19, 2002	Thursday	Rajab 11, 1423

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KARACHI, Sept 18: Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee, Gen Aziz Khan, has said that Pakistan is a peaceful country but it “cannot allow itself to become an easy prey to those who have hegemonistic designs against us.”

Addressing a news conference at the venue of Ideas 2002 Arms for Peace Exhibition on Wednesday, he declared: “We are determined to defend our territorial integrity and sovereignty at all costs.”

Pakistan’s defence exports have doubled over the last two years, he said, adding they had risen from US $40 million to US $80 million, representing a 100 per cent increase since the Ideas 2000.

Among the developing countries, Pakistan has achieved the top position in defence production. Besides, we have attained a credible level of deterrence against our adversary, Gen Aziz said.

“The indigenous process was initiated not only to meet the national requirements but also to earn through exports,” he said, dispelling the perception that defence industry was a white elephant.

This level of deterrence and excellence in defence production has been attained through selfless and devoted efforts of our engineering and technical staff, who have worked hard to make the country self-reliant, especially after the extremely discriminatory sanctions imposed on Pakistan by the West, he said.

“The level of excellence of the locally-produced defence arms and ammunitions and the large number of visitors to the exhibition reflect confidence in Pakistani defence products,” he stated.

Pakistan was exporting Musshak trainer aircraft and other munitions for the army and air-dropped ammunitions.

Gen Aziz said Pakistan is focussing on development of medium-range technology, for which there is a good market. Pakistan has received many inquiries during the exhibition so far.