On Soft Launching of IDEAS-2012= Pakistan does not harbour any aggressive designs against any state /The dream of a stable peace/

 

On Soft Launching of IDEAS-2012

Pakistan does not harbour any aggressive designs against any state

The dream of a stable peace/

hoped following the end of cold war, 

Pakistan, due to its vital geo-strategic location 

hoped following the end of cold war, 

Address of Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani

Prime Minister of Pakistan

  (March 30, 2012)

*****

·        Excellencies,

·        Distinguished guests,

·        Ladies and Gentlemen,

Assalam o Aliakum

I am pleased to attend Soft-Launching of this prestigious global Defence Exhibition IDEAS 2012, which rightly showcases Pakistan’s distinguished position in the defence industry of the world. At the very outset, I would like to congratulate Senior Federal Minister for Defence Production and Industries Chaudhary Pervaiz Elahi, Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee, General Khalid Shameem Wynne, and Major General Tahir Ashraf Khan, on organizing this mega event in a beautiful manner.  

I am also thankful to you for inviting me to the Soft Launch ceremony. It is, indeed, a matter of immense satisfaction to learn that International Defence Exhibition and Seminar, more popularly known as ‘IDEAS’ is gaining strength with every passing year. The fact that it has become a global event in a short span of eleven years speaks volumes about the dedication, commitment and professionalism of its organizers.

The exhibition has grown in scope and stature.  I am satisfied to see that Pakistan has made spectacular achievements in this relatively new field. Over the years, The dream of a stable peacehave been challenged by the menace of terrorism and extremism.

Pakistan, due to its vital geo-strategic location and shift in the regional and global security environment, finds itself at the forefront of collective struggle against this new form of threat to the world peace.  We, in Pakistan, are the worst affected victims of this formidable threat, which, as I have often said, is nameless, face-less, religion-less and region-less.

Cognizant of its responsibilities and as a responsible member of the international community, Pakistan is determined to secure peace and stability in the region as well as beyond. Our armed forces and the people of Pakistan continue to make monumental sacrifices for a better tomorrow. Through these sacrifices both in human  and material, we have added a glorious chapter in the annals of human history.

 We would like the international community to support our efforts to bring peace back to the region as early as possible. I assure you that we shall neither be found lacking in resolve nor in commitment. At the same time, we also expect our partners to show trust and understanding in this vital struggle.

Ladies and Gentlemen

While we fight the scourge of extremism and terrorism, we cannot be oblivious to the need of addressing the root causes that are at heart of these problems. Pakistan has achieved phenomenal successes in this war against terrorism. However, durable solution to this cancer lies in following a multi-pronged approach that on the one hand addresses the root causes and which also ensures wellbeing of people on the other. This is where I would ask the international community to come forward to lend helping hand in meeting these challenges, including the peaceful settlement of longstanding disputes.            

Let me make it clear that Pakistan does not harbour any aggressive designs against any state. But we are determined to defend our territorial integrity and safeguard our sovereignty. That is why we need to maintain a balance in conventional forces suitably backed by minimum credible deterrence.

Pakistan will, therefore, continue to develop her military potential that guarantees peace with honour and dignity.   It is heartening to note that by the grace of Almighty Allah, we have been able to do so by significantly developing indigenous capabilities for production of sophisticated weapon systems and equipment. Our military capability is basically for deterrence purpose while peace remains the ultimate cherished goal for us. We believe that military weakness invites aggression from stronger nations. At the same time, Pakistan does not wish to be dragged in an arms race as socio-economic well being of our people is on the top of the present government’s agenda.

It is a matter of great satisfaction that after meeting the domestic requirements, our defence industry has now moved towards marketing products at the international level.  Our arms, ammunition and more complex products like tanks and other armoured vehicles, air-launched munitions and aircraft related technology are of world class standards. Our defence industry which is primarily geared to meet requirements of Pakistan Armed Forces, has a great potential to export its products on competitive basis in the world.

Honourable Guests!

On internal front, we will have to ensure that the process of extensive reforms to strengthen the state institutions and democracy continues unabated. There are strong reasons to believe that the government’s socio-economic initiatives will help marginalize the extremist elements that thrive in an environment of ignorance and poverty. At the end of the day, as a consequence of a comprehensive policy of the government, we will emerge as an economically vibrant, truly democratic, socially tolerant and externally secure country, playing a significant role in the region as well as beyond.

The Armed Forces of Pakistan are battle hardened and known for their professionalism, the world over. Our contribution towards the UN’s peace- keeping missions and our performance around the globe is a clear manifestation of our devotion to duty and the professionalism of the armed forces. This also highlights our commitment to global peace and harmony.

Ladies and Gentlemen

The holding of IDEAS is a reflection of the Government’s consistent efforts to galvanize the industrial activities for production of defence equipment through collaboration and joint ventures, in addition to the indigenous production.  The steady graph of IDEAS and its success suffered a slight dip, when, unfortunately, IDEAS-2010 had to be cancelled at the eleventh hour due to the unprecedented and devastating floods in the country.

However, we are back in the business with renewed zeal and zest.  I wish the organizers of this event a roaring success in the conduct of IDEAS-2012 and look forward to an overwhelming participation from defence industries from the world.  We would warmly welcome the foreign defence delegations and trade visitors to IDEAS-2012, to be held in November this year.  I also congratulate all the defence related business community who have selected this mega event of international repute for participation and sponsorship.

In the end, I declare the Launching of International Defence Exhibition and Seminar at Expo Centre Karachi from 7th – 11th November 2012.

I Thank you all!   

Pakistan Paindabad