THE 12th edition of the International Defence Exhibition and Seminar (IDEAS) 2024, which commenced at the Karachi Expo Centre on Tuesday, stands as a symbol of the progress Pakistan has made in the defence sector. Organized by the Ministry of Defence and the Defence Export Promotion Organization (DEPO), this event has grown exponentially since its inception.
One of the most striking features of this year’s exhibition is the participation of 17 new countries, including major players like Iran, Italy and the United Kingdom. The inclusion of these nations not only reflects the expanding influence of IDEAS as a global platform but also enables countries to exchange knowledge, showcase innovations and potentially forge lucrative defence partnerships. A key highlight of this year’s exhibition is the introduction of Pakistan’s home-grown Haider tank and Shahpar-3 drone, which are symbols of the country’s increasing self-reliance in military production. These innovations not only showcase the technological advancements achieved by Pakistan but also highlight the potential for further development within the defence industry. As Defence Minister Khawaja Asif emphasized, our defence sector has reached a level of quality and reliability that now allows its products to compete in the global market. IDEAS 2024 has also dedicated space for start-ups, giving them the opportunity to present cutting-edge defence solutions and adding a fresh dimension to the exhibition. This integration of start-ups is a crucial step towards diversifying and modernizing our military technologies, laying the foundation for future growth. Undoubtedly, Pakistan has made significant strides in developing and exporting military equipment to various nations. However, in our view, the full potential of the industry remains to be unlocked. The importance of forging deeper collaborations with countries like China and Turkey cannot be overstated. Both nations have well-established defence sectors and share a strategic interest in enhancing regional stability and technological advancement. By fostering joint ventures and technology transfers, Pakistan can further accelerate its growth in the defence manufacturing field. Platforms like IDEAS provide the perfect setting to initiate and nurture such collaborations, offering both visibility and opportunities to develop long-term, mutually beneficial partnerships.
