KARACHI: Having announced that the 9th International Defence Exhibition and Seminar (IDEAS) 2016 would be open for the public on its concluding day (Friday), the exhibition organisers closed more than three hours before time, disappointing a large number of people eager to see the exhibition.

There were tears in some children’s eyes as they were turned away at the gates of the Expo Centre at 3pm. Some people were also manhandled by the security staff present outside the venue.

“We are proud of our armed forces. Our children were chanting ‘Pak Fauj Zindabad’ all the way here. And now they saw their father being pushed off the footpath,” said Mohammad Yousuf Ansari, who had brought his three daughters to see the exhibition.

‘These are things we civilians hardly ever see, and definitely not this close’

“I only heard that the exhibition had been opened to the public around noon. We live in Orangi. Getting ready, coming here and getting the passes took a little while. The closing time on the passes is 6.30pm but it is 3pm now and we are told that the exhibition is closed,” he said airing his disappointment.

Ali and Nabeel, two students from the University of Karachi, were among the ones arriving after 3pm. “I wish the organisers knew how much respect we have for our armed forces before slamming the gates shut in our faces,” said Nabeel, who had tears in his eyes.

“We came much before 3pm but were informed that children were not allowed inside,” said Samia and Rabia, who had arrived there with their 10-year-old brother Asad. “We came all the way from Gulistan-i-Jauhar on Asad’s instance, who is crazy about fighter jets, ships and tanks. But since he wasn’t allowed in, we stayed outside with him,” said one of the sisters. “But although he has not been allowed inside, we have noticed many children younger than him coming out from the exhibition,” she said.

Meanwhile, Najmul Hasan, another KU student who was lucky enough to get through, came out smiling from ear to ear. “These are things that we civilians hardly ever get to see, and definitely not this close,” he said. “I am very happy to have been given an opportunity to see the exhibition.”

Earlier, while addressing the closing ceremony of IDEAS 2016, secretary for defence production retired Lt Gen Syed Mohammad Owais stated that the country had showcased one of the best and technologically advanced air and ground equipment in the global market, thus, proudly achieving self-sufficiency in many fields related to the defence sector.

“The aim of IDEAS 2016 was to showcase our products, demonstrate our organisation skills to plan and conduct a mega event of international stature and provide a platform to convey our viewpoints on security issues concerning Pakistan,” he said. “By holding IDEAS 2016 successfully under the prevalent environment we have helped build the image of Pakistan as a modern, progressive and tolerant state that is willing to co-exist peacefully with the international community.”

Replying to a question, he said: “We have achieved all targets of holding the IDEAS 2016. Around 90 foreign defence delegations from 43 countries took part in the exhibition, “which itself shows its significance and success”. He also said that the foreign delegates as well as exhibitors had a comfortable stay in Karachi. “A good message will be conveyed to the world that Pakistan is a peaceful country and has the organisational skills to hold such a grand event in the most organised way,” he said.

Director general of the Defence Export Promotion Organisation Major General Agha Masood Akram also briefed the media, and said that Pakistan had been in defence production for decades now.

“Some major indigenously-developed products were showcased at IDEAS 2016, including the main battle tank Al–Khalid, JF-17 Thunder Fighter aircraft, Super Mushshak, K-8 aircraft, fast attack craft missile boats, drones or unmanned aerial vehicles, armoured personnel carriers, premium grade military hardware and related technology,” he said.

“We received very good response from Turkey, China, North America, South America, Europe, Asia and the Far East. Some 14 MoUs were signed with different prospective international partners.

“An MoU for 52 Super Mushshak aircraft with Turkey was signed during IDEAS 2016. It has set a benchmark for the next IDEAS,” he said, adding that Pakistan had great potential to export its defence products to different continents of the world and it would continue to hold IDEAS biennially.

Director for the media Commodore Tahir Javed, director for coordination Brig Waheed Mumtaz and COO Badar Expo Solutions Zohair Naseer were also present.

Published in Dawn, November 26th, 2016