Ukrainian, Chinese delegations briefed on HIT operations
PHOTO: FILE
Delegations of Ukraine and China, along with officials of their state companies, were briefed on the indigenous products and technological collaboration of Heavy Industries Taxila (HIT), said the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) on Thursday.
The military's media wing said that the golden jubilee ceremony was attended by the ambassador of Ukraine and defence attaché of China in Pakistan along with key officials of their state companies UKRSPECEXPORT and NORINCO. Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee (CJCSC) General Nadeem Raza graced the occasion as chief guest.
Senior officials of Pakistan Army including Chief of the General Staff Lieutenant General Sahir Shamshad Mirza and various serving and retired military and civil officials of HIT," ISPR added.
The dignitaries were familiarised with historical evolution of HIT, its various indigenous defence products and technological collaborations.
"Major General Syed Aamer Raza, Chairman HIT highlighted achievements of HIT and its contribution in defence industry by pursuing self-reliance for the country," it said.
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In separate video messages, the communique added, the delegations conveyed their felicitations to HIT on accomplishing 50 years as a successful industry and expressed their desire for achieving future goals through sustained mutual collaboration.
CJCSC congratulated HIT, NORINCO and UKRSPECEXPORT (USE) in achieving hallmarks of excellence besides establishing exemplary relations of mutual cooperation in Tank Technologies during the last five decades."
"He appreciated the untiring endeavours of Chairman HIT, its officers and skilled workforce, who are striving hard to make HIT a premium defence industry organisation," ISPR said.
While highlighting the changing strategic and security environment across the globe, the chief guest emphasised on the need for further collaborative efforts with technology partners in the field of research and development with special emphasis on indigenisation.
"During the ceremony, CJCSC also handed over the scroll to commanding officer of 2nd Regiment of Army being equipped with Tank Al-Khalid 1," the military's media wing added.
A Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) was also signed earlier today between NORINCO, China and Margalla HIT to further expand commercial activities utilising HIT’s potential.
"HIT Golden Jubilee Celebration gains more significance as it takes place during the same year when Pakistan and China are celebrating their 70th Anniversary of friendship and diplomatic tie," it concluded.
HIT’s progress
HIT is an endorsement of the country’s stringent defence. The Golden Jubilee of the HIT signifies 50 years of service, resolve and success.
The historic collaboration between HIT and NORINCO started in 1971, and it proved to be the cause of enormous successes in terms of technical evolution and expertise.
The Al-Khalid tank is a marvel of the defence collaboration and cooperation between Pakistan and China.
It matches the capabilities of any advanced tank in the world.
Today, the HIT has a renowned identity in producing modern tanks,, armed fighting vehicles,, security vehicles, artillery guns and APCs.
The industry meets the defence requirements of Pakistan Army as well as other national law enforcement agencies. HIT’s collaboration is also the cause of the development of 750 local industries associated with defence production.
Moreover, the provision of armoured vehicles and other defence equipment to allies across the world is also a source of revenue.