Karachi: The 12th edition of the International Defence Exhibition and Seminar (IDEAS 2024) commenced at the Expo Center in Karachi on Tuesday, marking a significant milestone for Pakistan’s defense sector. The event serves as a platform for showcasing the country’s advancements in defense technology and attracting international attention to its growing defense industry.
In his inaugural address, Defence Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif highlighted the crucial role of integrating public and private sectors to enhance the efficiency and volume of defense production and exports. He emphasized that Pakistan offers substantial opportunities for profitable investments, joint ventures, and trade, especially in the defense sector.
The Minister pointed out that while Pakistani defense products are competing on the international market, the volume of exports does not reflect the true potential of the country’s defense industry. He revealed that despite exporting high-tech defense products to over 60 countries, there remains significant room for growth in both quality and quantity of exports.
Asif lauded the participation of start-ups, leading engineering and tech universities, as well as defense experts and manufacturers from around the world. He believes that IDEAS 2024 will play a pivotal role in advancing Pakistan’s defense industry by fostering collaboration and innovation in defense technology.
The Defence Minister also announced the launch of a defense ecosystem through IDEAS, aimed at connecting academia, industry, and the public-private sectors in defense production. This initiative is expected to drive forward the development of Pakistan’s defense sector by facilitating the exchange of knowledge and expertise.
Acknowledging the rapidly changing geostrategic landscape, Khawaja Asif stressed the need for greater regional and international cooperation to address the multifaceted security challenges. He called for the responsible use of modern technology to ensure global peace and security, while emphasizing that Pakistan remains committed to its role in maintaining international peace, stability, and order.
In terms of South Asia’s geostrategic transformation, the Minister reiterated the importance of cooperation among regional players to achieve peace, security, and socio-economic development. He emphasized Pakistan’s dedication to meaningful dialogue based on equality to resolve bilateral issues and foster harmony in the region.
The ongoing IDEAS 2024 exhibition, which has attracted global defense experts, showcases a diverse range of modern and traditional defense equipment, weapon systems, and vehicles. The event reflects the growing importance of defense production and exports in Pakistan’s economic agenda, with the Special Investment Facilitation Council prioritizing these areas for future growth.
