ISLAMABAD : Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani on Friday urged the world community to support Pakistan’s efforts in the war on terror. Addressing the soft launch of International Defence Exhibition and Seminar (IDEAS) 2008, the Prime Minister reminded the world community that it was the feeling of injustice, deprivation and lack of opportunities that spawn terrorism.
“The world community needs to pay more attention to eliminate these problems,” he said while expressing Pakistan’s firm resolve in fighting terrorism and extremism in all its forms and manifestations.
“We would like the international community to support our efforts as our government evolves a strategy that has better chances to bring peace.”
The first defence exhibition known as IDEAS was held in 2002 and attracted a large number of buyers from various countries.
The IDEAS 2008 will be held at Karachi Expo Centre from between November 24-28 and is expected to be attended by defence ministers, heads of armed forces, foreign exhibitors and trade visitors.
Prime Minister Gilani lauded the phenomenal progress Pakistan has made towards developing indigenous capabilities for producing sophisticated weapons system and equipment.
Prime Minister Gilani highlighted Pakistan’s geo-strategic location and said the country is a frontline state in present global security environment.
“We are spear-heading a collective struggle against a new threat to world peace,” he said referring to the menace of terrorism that has posed the biggest challenge to the world.
Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee Tariq Majeed and Vice Chief of Air Staff were also present at the launch ceremony.
However, the Prime Minister said that while terrorism posed a serious threat to international peace, it was also detrimental to Pakistan’s vital national interest.
“War against terrorism is our own war. We have lost our great leader Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto Shaheed. We have lost countless innocent children and youth, men and women.”
He praised Pakistani people for supporting the government in fight against the twin menace of terrorism and extremism.
While fighting extremism and terrorism, the prime minister stressed the need to address the root causes together with only a selective and judicious use of force.
On Pakistan’s efforts to boost its indigenous defence capabilities, Prime Minister Gilani said the IDEAS provides and excellent opportunity to highlight the potential of Pakistan as the regional hub for production.
He said the forum is also instrumental in improvement of products, working of defence industry and more importantly seeking affordable solutions to prevent war through conventional balance.
Prime Minister Gilani said Pakistan is a peaceful country and does not harbour aggressive designs against anyone.
“However, we believe that peace is achieved through strength not weakness,” he said and stressed the need to maintain conventional forces suitability backed by credible minimum deterrence.
He said Pakistan being a responsible nuclear state adheres to the doctrine of minimum credible deterrence to ensure peace in the region.
The Prime Minister expressed his satisfaction that the country’s defence industry has been successfully meeting domestic requirements, and is now geared up to export its world class products on competitive basis through responsible arms trade.
He said IDEAS was a reflection of Pakistan’s consistent efforts to stimulate defence production through collaboration and joint ventures.
Paying tributes to the Pakistan’s armed forces, the Prime Minister said they were known for their professionalism the world over.
He said their contribution to the UN’s peace keeping efforts was tangible and their performance around the world was a clear manifestation of devotion to duty.
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