Air fleet expansion: Defence strategy devised along modern lines, says Nawaz

50th JF-17 Thunder handed over to PAF; PM outlines defence as the top priority.

ISLAMABAD:

Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif has said that the defence of the country remained the top priority for the government and that it was committed to fulfilling the requirements of the defence force.

He said this will addressing the rolling out ceremony of the 50th JF-17 thunder aircraft on Wednesday. The prime minister also formally inaugurated the joint manufacturing of the first aircraft of Block-2 JF-17 thunder jet.

He termed the production of JF-17 a ‘milestone’ in the way of self-reliance in the sector of defence production and promotion of Pak-China friendship.



“The Gawadar Port‚ the Chashma Nuclear Power Project‚ Karakoram Highway are precedents of our friendship with China,” the prime minister said, adding that these along with the economic corridor linking Gwadar to China through Khunjerab Pass will have far-reaching impact on the future of the country. The prime minister also said that cheap labour in Pakistan would also contribute to the smooth materialisation of projects with China.

Pakistan and China also signed an agreement to establishing a joint marketing and sales team for JF-17 Thunder.

Defence strategy

The prime minister also said that the country’s defence strategy was being devised along the lines of contemporary professional requirements.



“New technology and modern expertise have transformed our defence into a great force. We want our forces to be ever ready for any contingency,” he said.

He also expressed satisfaction that the country’s military leadership was fully cognizant of the changing environment and was following an agreed and well-integrated approach.

“For this reason, we want to ensure that our forces are alert, active and fully equipped with necessary professional skills,” he added.

He congratulated Chief of the Air Staff Tahir Rafique Butt and his team for successfully completing in-country production of first batch of 50 JF-17 aircraft and acknowledged that Pakistan Air Force was not limited to air defence alone, but equally competent in fields of aircraft manufacturing, radar and even drone technology.

The prime minister said the whole world acknowledged the potential of Pakistan’s soldiers and it was because of this that he had approved the JF-17 project in his previous tenure.



He said the JF-17 aircraft had not only strengthened the country’s defence but also led to growth of the aviation industry.

He pointed out that several political and economic compulsions came in the way of project during his last tenure. “But we approved this project disregarding all those pressures as the defence of the country was our priority,” he said, adding “I reiterate my word of honour that even today Pakistan’s defence is as dear to me as it was at that time.”

Peaceful ties with neighbours

The PM also said that Pakistan desired peaceful relations with neighbouring countries, particularly India and Afghanistan.

“Pakistan’s intentions towards its neighbours are positive and we expect a similar reciprocity from them,” he said welcoming the upcoming meeting of the Directors General Military Operations (DGMOs) of Pakistan and India on December 24.

Published in The Express Tribune, December 19^th, 2013.