KARACHI: Prime Minis­ter Nawaz Sharif has said that national defence is among the top priorities of the gov ernment, but it is equally mindful of other challenges like poverty and illiteracy.

Speaking at the inaugural session of the International Defence Exhibition and Seminar (Ideas 2014) at Expo Centre here on Monday, the prime minister said the government was also focussed on strengthening economy and building a knowledge-based infrastructure.

He particularly referred to the inherent right of every Pakistani to lead a dignified life in a secure environment.

“Our endeavour is to meet the challenges and build a technology-oriented industrial network on most modern and updated lines.”

Mr Sharif said the defence industry of Pakistan had developed a large military portfolio with satisfactory defence capability supported by a viable infrastructure in order to ward off untoward dangers.

International Defence Exhibition and Seminar inaugurated

He said the country was confronting the menace of terrorism and “our valiant armed forces are striving for lasting peace, thus we reach out to the world with the theme of ‘Arms for Peace’”.

The prime minister reiterated his government’s complete support to the Zarb-i- Azb military operation till its logical conclusion.

“Securing its sovereignty is the foremost obligation for an independent country. A modern and well-equipped military is, therefore, an essential requirement for any country, more so for Pakistan that besides its geo-political location is also fighting terrorism in its tribal belt.”

He appreciated the fact that Ideas 2014 had put on display more than 2,000 varied categories of defence equipment and gadgets, mostly manufactured in Pakistan.

This, he said, was reflective of a strong industry producing defence goods that also contributed to the national economy. “Growing stature of Ideas and the increasing number of defence goods on display with every passing year reflects its relevance. Behind the impressive display of the array of weapons also lies the hard work put into to protect the country’s sovereignty.”

The prime minister praised local engineers and said Pakistan could now rightly claim to have developed an adequate capacity to produce advanced gadgets proving that it was no more an exclusive domain of the developed world.

“This self-reliance holds its multi-dimensional benefits, inclusive of economic empowerment and adequate protection of the country’s sovereignty,” he said.

Minister of Defence Production Rana Tanveer Hussain welcomed the representatives of friendly countries and participants of the event.

Earlier, Director General of the Defence Export Promotion Organisation Maj Gen Agha Masood Akram said that exhibitors and delegates from 67 countries are taking part or attending the event.

“Ideas is a platform for convergence of local and foreign exhibitors, policy-makers and researchers all related to the defence sector,” he said.

Sindh Governor Dr Ishratul Ibad Khan, Defence Minister Khawaja Asif and Minister for Commerce Khurram Dastagir Khan also attended the ceremony.

Published in Dawn, December 2nd, 2014