Where are peddlers of economic doom, asks COAS

Gen Asim Munir visits IDEAS-2024 defence expo

RAWALPINDI:

Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Syed Asim Muniron on Wednesday categorically said that nothing was above the country, including politics, adding that "we must all give priority to Pakistan over personal interests".

Addressing at a gathering of the business community of Karachi, the COAS said the state is like a mother and its value should be asked from the people of Libya, Iraq and Palestine.

"Remember, we have no identity apart from Pakistan," he reiterated.

He said no matter what the challenges, no one can harm us, if we all stand united. "I have complete faith in Pakistan's bright and stable future," he added.

The COAS said that only Pakistanis can bring economic stability to Pakistan through a bailout. "Bring your investments to Pakistan so that the people earn, and the nation becomes prosper," he said.

Gen Munir said the clouds of hopelessness, loomed a year ago have now vanished. Recalling his last meeting, he mentioned that hopelessness is forbidden for a Muslim. "Today, all indicators of Pakistan's economy are positive, and by next year, God willing, it will further improve," he remarked.

The COAS questioned, "Where are the people now who spread disappointment and talked about default of the country?"

"Shouldn't they be held accountable?" he asked.

Gen Asim said terrorism was supported by those involved in illegal businesses and they are backed by specific elements.

"The protection of country's digital borders and the digital security of its citizens is the responsibility of the state," he added.

IDEAS-2024

Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Syed Asim Munir on Wednesday visited the International Defence Exhibition and Seminar (IDEAS-2024) at the Karachi Expo Centre.

During the visit, the COAS commended the active participation of defense manufacturers from friendly nations and observed an impressive display of arms and equipment by both domestic and international exhibitors, according to a statement issued by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR).

A total of 557 exhibitors are participating in the exhibition of which 333 are international exhibitors while 224 are domestic exhibitors. 36 countries established exhibitors' stalls of which 17 countries are participating for the first time.

Over 300 foreign delegates from 53 countries attended the event and showed full confidence in the exhibition and the defence industry of Pakistan.

During the exhibition, the COAS also engaged in meaningful interactions with foreign military officials and defense delegates present at the event.

A significant highlight of the occasion was the inauguration of the Shahpar-III, a state-of-the-art combat unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) developed by the Global Industrial Defence Solutions (GIDS) Pakistan.

The Shahpar-III boasts advanced capabilities, including an operational ceiling of 35,000 feet and an endurance of over 24 hours. It is equipped to carry a wide range of munitions, including bombs, missiles, and torpedoes.

The 12th Edition of IDEAS 2024 commenced on 19th November and will culminate on 22nd November 2024.

Earlier, upon his arrival at Karachi, the COAS was warmly received by Lieutenant General Babar Iftikhar, Corps Commander Karachi.