PR No. 144 President’s inaugurates IDEAS 2018 Karachi: November 27, 2018

The President Dr. Arif Alvi inaugurated 10th International Defence Exhibition and Seminar (IDEAS) at Expo Centre here at Karachi today. While speaking on the occasion, the President said that the Armed Forces of Pakistan are major barrier against terrorism. He further said that Pakistan Army has vast experience in fighting against terrorism and this shows our commitment towards international peace & security. He said that IDEAS 2018 for which we have gathered here today gives a clear message all around that Pakistan is a peaceful country and that its efforts for development of arms are for peaceful purposes. He said that we have to maintain minimum deterrence for the defence of the country and the slogan of IDEAS 2018, therefore is arms for peace. He expressed that Pakistan has offered immense sacrifices for the world peace by fighting against terrorism. He further said that now is the time for us to work for peace, security, stability and prosperity of the Nation. He lamented that the world has forgotten Pakistan’s contribution for ensuring international peace and stability. On top of it, he added we have been hosting millions of refugees since decades, which has proved to be a heavy burden on our economy and social fabric. He pointed out that the world security paradigm is changing and that the requirement of the time is to move beyond the weapons and enter into new zone of security which includes food security, economic stability, peace and harmony. He said that the present Government is striving hard to provide social security as guaranteed by the Constitution of the country and that it has to make sure that the benefits reach to the grass roots level. He emphasized that Pakistan has strong desire that all international issues be solved peacefully. He pointed out that the decades of conflict have proved that war is not solution of Kashmir issue. He said that the world must acknowledge the struggle of Kashmiris for their right of self-determination cannot be suppressed by force and their legitimate rights have to be given to them. He invited India to the negotiating table instead of staying away on one pretext or the other. The President further said that arms and ammunition industry has taken quantum jump through cyber technology and artificial intelligence and that IDEAS 2018 has provided the platform for innovation in it. The President drew the attention of all foreign delegates towards unmatched beauty of Pakistan’s Northern Areas and asked them to visit this earthly heaven. He concluded by saying that Pakistan will progress by virtue of its investment friendly policies. *-*-*-*

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