By Imran Nasir

ISLAMABAD: A four-days international defense expo on Saturday kicked off at Karachi Expo Center in the country's southern port city of Karachi.

 International Defense Exhibition and Seminar (IDEAS) is an important event in South Asia which is organized by Defense Export Promotion Organization (DEPO).

The Expo could not be held in 2020 due to COVID outbreak and held after a gap of 4 years.

 IDEAS was first launched in year 2000, later on supported by defense industries, research development experts, finance experts/ economists and policy experts and emerged as an important platform for sharing of information and exchange in the defense field.

 Commemoration of 11th edition of IDEAS for exchange and promotion of technology signifies Pakistan’s defence sector progress and professionalism.

 “This event will play an important role in not just brining international peace, cooperation and stability but also improve Pakistan's strategic relationship with other countries,” according to officials. 

 Till now, all editions of IDEAS have been made successful by the efforts of government institutions, Armed forces, state and private defense industries, trading authorities and specially with help from people of Karachi.

In 2018, 524 delegations from 45 countries participated in IDEAS while more than 262 high profile delegations also visited the expo.

In the mega event,  China, Chez Republic, France, Germany, Italy, Jordan, Poland, Russia, South Korea, Turkiye, UAE, Ukraine, USA and Pakistan have established their special setups.

The exhibition includes Pakistan Army Pavilion, Armed Forces Institute of Rehabilitation Medicine, National Logistics Cell, Anti-Narcotics Forces, Frontier Works Organization, Counter IED Organization and Military Training Directorate.

 To promote Pakistan's defense exports, IDEAS Expo will also include display of Al-Khalid Tank, Jet Trainer, JF-17, Craft K-8 and UAVs.

 IDEAS is a unique platform for showcasing Pakistan's defense preparedness and training capabilities to international stakeholders.

 Pakistan presents ample opportunities for profitable businesses and defense industy is progressing on a fast pace.

 Launch of IDEAS, an international defense expo is a proof of Pakistan's success in defense industry whereas participation of foreign delegations is a matter of pride for the country.