November 27, 2008	Thursday	Ziqa'ad 28, 1429

KARACHI, Nov 26: Defence Minister Chaudhry Ahmad Mukhtar said on Wednesday that IMF had not exerted any pressure on Pakistan to reduce its defence budget nor was it a condition for its loan.

He was talking to reporters after witnessing a demonstration of tanks and other Pakistan-made weapons systems during a visit to Ideas 2008.

He said he expected defence-related exports to grow considerably in the coming years.

Mr Mukhtar told a questioner that visiting delegations had liked Pakistan-made tanks and aircraft and Pakistan would soon join the ranks of countries exporting battlefield tanks. He said that progressive manufacturing of defence equipment was aimed at ensuring credible defence capability.

He said the defence forces of Pakistan were capable of defending the country because they excelled in their capability despite financial and other constraints.

He said that negotiations with many potential buyers were under way for exporting top of the series weapons, adding that many countries had evinced keen interest in the JF-17 Thunder fighter aircraft jointly developed by Pakistan and China.

Reiterating Pakistan’s commitment to regional and global peace, he claimed that Ideas 2008 had provided a platform to project the dangers of conflict and the need for peace through negotiations.