Opening day of IDEAS 2016. (Photo : Pakistan Armed Forces)
Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif formally opened Pakistan's largest arms show -- the International Defense Exhibition and Seminar 2016 (IDEAS 2016) -- at the Expo Center in Karachi on Nov. 22.
The four-day exhibition is the ninth for IDEAS, whose theme is "Arms for Peace."
Over 2,000 weapons, weapons systems and military equipment are on display at the exhibition, whose local participants reflect a wider involvement of Pakistan's public and private sector in defense production and export, supported by research and development.
Sharif said IDEAS 2016 demonstrates the results of the collaboration between Pakistani and foreign technologies. He noted these efforts resulted in Pakistan attaining self-reliance in defense production.
Sharif said Pakistan continues to pursue the motto, "Arms for Peace," which has always been the theme of IDEAS.
The Prime Minister described Pakistan's defense products as state of the art and fully tested by the Pakistan Armed Forces. He argued that Pakistan is a fast rising producer of quality defense products and invited foreign companies to do business in Pakistan.
The four-day event showcases Pakistan's latest military hardware and related technology. On display are the Al Khalid main battle tank co-developed with China; the JF-17 Thunder multirole aircraft co-developed with China; the indigenous PAC Super Mushshak primary trainer aircraft; fast attack craft missile boats and armored personnel carriers.
At IDEAS 2016, 261 firms from 34 countries are showcasing their products and their latest technological innovations. There are also 90 delegations from 43 countries, some of which are headed by senior defense officials and ministers.
China and Turkey have been allowed separate pavilions to exhibit their military equipment. Three Russian exhibitors, including Rosoboronexport, the Russian state-controlled arms' import and export firm, are exhibiting at IDEAS 2016.
Nine countries (Poland, Luxembourg, Denmark, Belarus, Czech Republic, Switzerland, Belgium, Nigeria, and Romania) are participating in IDEAS 2016 for the first time.
