ATTOCK: I remember this area well. This is the same Pakistan Air Force (PAF) base from where I was taken to Karachi during my detention.

These were the remarks of a smiling Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif as he addressed mediapersons after the 50th Batch roll out ceremony at PAF Kamra on Wednesday. He had been taken to Karachi from the Attock Fort jail to face an accountability case in 2000.

The premier said Pakistan would soon export defence products, including planes, to other countries. He also viewed a locally-manufactured unmanned drone.

Furthermore, he said Pakistan and China were strategic friends, and when asked whether any major defence project was underway with China’s cooperation, Mr Sharif replied in the affirmative but refused to comment any further. He also referred to the expecting meeting between military heads of India and Pakistan on Dec 24, stating that this was a positive development to ensure peace in the region.