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KARACHI: President General Pervez Musharraf has declared that Pakistan is pursuing a strategy of defensive deterrence and believes in peace through strength.
He was speaking as chief guest at the inauguration ceremony of the International Defence Exhibition and Seminar (IDEAS) 2006 at Expo Centre Karachi here Monday evening.
The event is organised by the Defence Export Promotion Organization (DEPO) with the theme “Arms for Peace.”
The President said our strategy is of ensuring peace through a strong defence.
He further stated that we want collaboration in defence production through joint ventures.
President General Musharraf said our defence production collaboration with China and France has resulted in major success.
The President pointed out that the idea of such an event was conceived in the year 2000 and was aimed at projecting our defence industry to the world.
He said we have progressed reasonably well in the realms of defence production and that we have come a very long way.
General Musharraf said the IDEAS initiated in the year 2000 has expanded much by now.
He stated that the presence of so many foreign participants speaks volumes about the efforts of organisers of IDEAS.
The President commended the efforts of the DEPO and its Director General Maj. Gen. Syed Absar Hussain and of the Pegasus Consultancy.
He also praised the excellent job performed by the Defence Production Division, the Ministry of Defence, Ministry of Commerce and of the Sindh government as well.
The President declared that Pakistan follows a strategy of defensive deterrence and has quantified its requirements and weaponry for its armed forces to deter any aggression.
He pointed out that today our strategy of defensive deterrence in conventional and non-conventional areas is in place.
The President also pointed out that the idea of arms for peace is very valid and that we believe in peace through strength and that our strategy is ensuring peace through defence.
He stressed that we have to indigenise our products and diversify our markets.
General Musharraf also pointed out that our military training centres are well organised for imparting training not only to the officers and men of Pakistan armed forces but also of overseas defence forces.
He informed the audience that he always enjoys visiting the IDEAS and interacting with the delegates.
The President assured his support to the event and said that he would continue to do so in future as well.
He also went round the exhibition halls of IDEAS 2006 and saw the exhibits.
Later, President General Musharraf witnessed the mobility display of Al-Khalid Tank, Al-Zarrar Tank as well as that of APC Saad, APC Baktarshikan and the military vehicles including the fuel bowzers.
A display of martial art, anti-terrorist techniques by army personnel and the display of pipe band was also held on the occasion.
Earlier, Director General of DEPO Maj. Gen. Syed Absar Hussain, said that our defence industry showcases our defence capabilities.
He pointed out that IDEAS has emerged on the map of international exhibitions.
Gen. Absar was of the view that the IDEAS serves as a platform for our defence industry.
He also stated that Pakistan is one of the few countries in the world with a vibrant defence industry.
Federal Minister for Defence Production Habibullah Waraich, in his speech on the occasion said IDEAS 2006 is the manifestation of interest and encouragement from President Pervez Musharraf.
He said the public and the private sector would also get a boost through the exhibition.
Aasim Siddiqui of Pegasus Consultancy said IDEAS 2006 is a preferred platform for any industry.
The ceremony was also attended by the Chairman Senate, Mohammadmian Soomro, Sindh Governor Dr. Ishrat-ul- Ebad Khan, Chief Minister Dr. Arbab Ghulam Rahim and Defence Minister Rao Sikandar Iqbal, Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee and the services chiefs.
