The exhibition showcasing high-tech weaponry, including the F-16 fighter aircraft and the latest JF-17 Thunder, was attended by many foreign delegations. PHOTOS: EXPRESS
He said this on Thursday while addressing the audience at a Pakistan Air Force (PAF) air show at Sea View, Nishan-i-Pakistan, as part of IDEAS programmes. PAF’s F-16 fighter aircraft and JF-17 Thunder took part in the event. The Sherdil aerobatics team also performed the aerial display.
“Today our belief has been reaffirmed that our armed forces are ready to face and thwart any threats posed to our nation,” he said, congratulating those who participated at the event. He also applauded all stakeholders, including Pakistan Navy, for the successful conduct of IDEAS 2018.
According to the CM, the event sent a message to the entire world that Pakistan is a peace loving democratic country. “Visiting participants in the exhibition from friendly countries and their presence in the arena is a matter of profound privilege and great honour for all of us,” he said, adding that it provided a platform for the display of defence weapons and machinery. He commended Pakistan’s relationship with China touched new heights and said that the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) will enhance trade activities in the region. Shah also touched upon the importance of the Gwadar port adding that the enhanced responsibilities of the Pakistan Navy were an invariable reality. “I have a firm belief, that Pakistan Armed Forces will fulfill their responsibilities with utmost dedication.”
The tenth edition of IDEAS started on November 27 and will continue till Friday. More than 200 delegations from 51 different countries are participating in the event. Besides, two Russian naval ships are also visiting Pakistan. IDEAS 2018 provides an opportunity for both local and international arms manufacturers to showcase latest weapon systems that are deployed in contemporary modern warfare.
Exhibits showcasing high-tech weaponry for all three services are on display and cover different aspects of warfare such as intelligence, surveillance, information and data sharing. The event, organised by the Defence Export Promotion Organisation (DEPO), aims to bring together defence industry players from various countries of the world.
Referring to the war on terror, the CM said that Pakistan has been fighting for more than a decade and a half to curb the menace of terrorism. “Our country’s peace and prosperity was under attack by terrorists and their masters, however, our defence forces were able to fight bravely and have restored peace in the country,” he said, adding that in order to sustain the peace, each citizen and every organisation has to play their part. Shah added that the government and defence forces are working hand in hand to defend the ideological and physical boundaries of the mother land as are the youngsters. “I want to tell you that Pakistan is a country full of natural resources and equipped with skilled and motivated youth working for the cause of this country,” he said.
The CM concluded his speech with quoting from Qauid-e-Azam’s address from when Jinnah visited the Punjab Machine Gun Regiment in Peshawar in April 1948. “I have utter belief that when you will be called upon to defend your country and nation, you will act in line with heroic acts of your forefathers. I have faith that you will be able to maintain the honour and pride of this country and nation,” he said.
Published in The Express Tribune, November 30th, 2018.
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