ISLAMABAD, Jan 13: The Senate Standing Committee on Defence and Defence Production met in the Parliament House and was briefed on the working of the Defence Production Division.

The meeting, presided over by Senator Nisar Memon, observed that the Ministry of Defence Production had proved its worth by keeping the armed forces adequately equipped to meet any external threat, says a press release issued by Senate Secretariat.

The committee noted with satisfaction that the concept of parliamentary accountability fully prevailed as the Defence Production Division was accountable to the Public Accounts Committee of the Parliament, and the performance of its various organizations and units was monitored by a minister.

Mr Memon observed that the committee would meet regularly, and necessary parliamentary support would be provided to the ministry. Ministry of Defence Production Secretary Air Martial (retired) Zahid Anees told the committee that the Defence Production Division formulated policies and plans, and coordinated between procurement and production of arms and ammunition to fulfil the armed forces' requirements.

A lot has been achieved through indigenization, leading to greater self-reliance and saving of considerable foreign exchange, the secretary said. The committee was informed that Pakistan Ordnance Factories Wah, Heavy Industries Complex Taxila and Pakistan Aeronautical Complex were the backbone of the defence forces.

Besides meeting the requirements of forces and other organizations, they have ventured into exports due to high quality of their products. Pakistan Ordnance Factories are ISO 900I/9002 certified, maintaining standard of production, thus earning foreign exchange for the country.