TAXILA: Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif along with Chief of the Army Staff Gen Qamar Javed Bajwa on Monday inaugurated the upgraded brass mill at the Pakistan Ordnance Factories (POF) complex, Wah Cantt.

The premier witnessed the process of brass making and was briefed about the products being made at the mill.

He was told that the factory was established in 1954. After its upgrade, its production capacity has increased from 8,000 tonnes to 24,000 tonnes per year.

He was told that the mill was equipped with the state-of-the-art technology and facilities to set new quality benchmark for brass products. After the upgrade the factory is considered one of the major names in brass producing industry of South Asia.

The prime minister appreciated the efforts of the POF management for establishing a brass mill with a huge production capacity, which would meet the requirements of the POF as well as local market.

He expressed the hope that the mill would continue its efforts and play a vital role in the economic augmentation of Pakistan.

The prime minister was accompanied by Minister for Interior Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan and Minister for Defence Production Rana Tanveer Hussain. Chairman of the POF board Lt Gen Umar Hayat and Senator retired Lt Gen Abdul Qayyum were also present.

During the briefing, Gen Hayat informed the prime minister about the POF’s capabilities and challenges being faced by it. He said that the POF was the premier defence organisation of the country which was meeting defence requirement of the armed forces and also exporting its products to more than 40 countries.

He said, “The POF is meeting the requirements of all types of conventional arms and ammunitions of the armed forces of Pakistan”.

The premier wrote in the visitors’ book that the POF was the country’s premier military hardware manufacturing industry which had earned great repute for Pakistan’s small arms and ammunition, both at home and abroad for their quality, accuracy and durability.

Mr Sharif announced a relief package for the POF employees, which includes two advance increments, 25 per cent special allowance and a housing scheme.

Published in Dawn February 7th, 2017