Pakistan’s Army Chief General Syed Asim Munir attended the International Defense Exhibition and Seminar (IDEAS) 2024 in Karachi on Wednesday, where he reviewed cutting-edge weaponry and defense technologies presented by local and international exhibitors. The event, organized at the Karachi Expo Center, also provided an opportunity for the army chief to meet with foreign military officials and defense industry delegates, according to the military’s media wing, Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR).
IDEAS, Pakistan’s flagship defense exhibition, has been held biennially since 2000 and has evolved into a key event in the global defense calendar. This year’s four-day event, running from November 19-22, features participation from 557 exhibitors, including 333 international companies and 224 local firms, showcasing their latest advancements in defense technologies.
According to ISPR, over 300 foreign delegates from 53 countries are attending the event, demonstrating strong confidence in Pakistan’s defense industry. General Munir engaged in discussions with international military officials and defense experts, underscoring the importance of collaboration in advancing defense capabilities.
One of the highlights of the exhibition was the Shahpar-III, a state-of-the-art unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) developed by Pakistan’s Global Industrial Defense Solutions (GIDS). The Shahpar-III features advanced capabilities, including an operational ceiling of 35,000 feet, a 24-hour endurance, and the ability to carry a range of munitions, such as bombs, missiles, and torpedoes.
“The Shahpar-III represents a significant leap in indigenous defense production and demonstrates Pakistan’s technological capabilities in the unmanned aerial systems domain,” the ISPR statement noted.
During the inauguration of IDEAS 2024, Pakistan’s Defense Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif called for increased participation from the private sector in defense production and exports.
“Although Pakistan exports high-tech defense products to over 60 countries, the volume of these exports does not reflect the nation’s full potential,” Asif remarked. “Greater involvement of private enterprises in defense production is crucial to unlocking this potential.”
The defense expo remains a cornerstone of Pakistan’s strategy to enhance its defense exports and showcase its advancements in military technology to the international community. With the presence of global delegates, IDEAS 2024 continues to strengthen Pakistan’s role in the global defense sector.
