International Defence Exhibition begins in Karachi

Islamabad, Nov 20 (UNI) Pakistan's Defence Minister Rao Sikandar Iqbal said that Pakistan is committed to wiping out terrorism, declaring that the issue can be dealt only by addressing its real causes.

He was addressing the inaugural ceremony of the International Seminar on ''Expanding Global Security Environment'' as part of the 5th International Defence Exhibition IDEAS 2006 in Karachi today.

He said in the context of changing global peace and stability, Pakistan has chosen to be in the frontline in the war against terrorism.

Referring to Pakistan's defence equipment production capability, the Defence Minister said that efforts for developing a defence industrial base is finally bearing fruits ''as some of our indigenously or jointly developed major weapons and system are coming on line''.

Organized by the Defence Exports Promotion Organization (DEPO), the five-day exhibition is being atteded by over 200 delegates from 25 countries all ove the world.

The DEPO, which was formed in the 2000 by President General Pervez Musharraf to give a boost to the country's defence products hopes to attract a number of potential buyers for Pakistani military equipment including main battle tanks, armoured personnel carriers (APCs), light weight military aircraft, submarines and missible boats and mine hunters.

The new APC, Saad, will be unveiled for the first time at IDEAS 2006. Pakistan launched APC Saad equipped with Battle Field Management Systems, including computerised command, control, communication, intelligence and information systems in July 2003.

Improved versions of the Al-Khalid battle tank and Super Mushak single piston engine aircraft will also be put on display besides various other upgrades.

The Al-Khalid tank has a night-fighting capability as well as the ability to automatically track targets. Super Mushak can be used as a trainee aircraft as well as for other aerial and defence operations.

There will also be a presentation on JF-17 Thunder aircraft jointly developed by Pakistan and China.

The aircraft, which had its maiden operational flight is to be inducted in Pakistan Air Force (PAF) next year.

The theme of the exhibition this year is ''Arms for Peace'' DEPO officials said that the purpose was not just to sell weapons but also to show the soft image of Pakistan to the world.

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