IN the manufacturing of defence related products, Pakistan indeed has made great strides over the years and credit for this definitely goes to the successive military leadership which paid special attention to this end to make the country’s defence impregnable.
Chief of Army Staff General Qamar Javed Bajwa visited Heavy Industries Taxila (HIT) on Tuesday and witnessed recently developed enhanced protection solutions and remote weapon systems for tanks, indigenously developed 155 mm Artillery gun barrel, ballistic and IED protection of military vehicles and manufacturing, rebuild and upgradation of tanks and armoured personnel carriers. Indeed HIT is one of Pakistan’s most important defence enterprises.
The Organisation specializes in upgrading and manufacturing of a range of military vehicles including main battle tanks (MBTs), armoured personnel carriers and artillery as well as military vehicle engines and related components and associated equipment.
The contribution of HIT in the defence production are immense which has also transformed itself as per the international standards to support national efforts to move incrementally towards self-sustenance in the defence sector.
Then Pakistan Aeronautical Complex at Kamra, which manufactures JF-17 fighter jet, Mushak and Super Mushakaircraft, has also helped the country lay the groundwork for self-sufficiency.
Speaking during the visit to HIT, the Army Chief said self-reliance in defence production is the hallmark of any country and that Pakistan is proud of the milestones achieved towards that end.
Apart from being a nuclear state, there is no denying that Pakistan is currently producing some of the state-of-the-art equipment not only for the domestic use but also exporting it to different countries.
However, much more needs to be done to exploit its true potential and we are confident that under the dynamic leadership of General Qamar Javed Bajwa, the defence industry will move forward and put on such a strong footing that immensely contributes to the economy.
Some developed countries are earning billions of dollars annually through exports of their defence exports.
We can also enhance the share of defence exports by promoting research and pursuing the right kind of marketing strategy.
We understand the involvement of the private sector will go a long way in further developing our defence industry on modern lines.
