KARACHI: The International Defense Exhibition and Seminar (IDEAS), Pakistan’s premier defense expo, kicked off at the Karachi Expo Center today with strict security measures in place. The biennial event, first launched in 2000 under the administration of General (retired) Pervez Musharraf, has grown into a significant platform for the global defense industry.
Running from November 19 to 22, IDEAS 2024 will host over 550 exhibitors, including 340 international companies, alongside more than 350 senior civil and military officials from 55 nations.
“The 12th edition of IDEAS begins today at the Karachi Expo Center,” state broadcaster Radio Pakistan reported. “Defense production and exports remain top priorities for the Special Investment Facilitation Council.”
The Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC), established in 2023, is a joint civil-military initiative aimed at attracting international investment in key sectors like minerals, agriculture, tourism, and defense.
The exhibition will feature a broad display of modern and traditional defense equipment, including cutting-edge weapons systems and vehicles. State media noted strong global interest in the event, signaling its growing importance on the international stage.
Event Highlights
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif is set to inaugurate IDEAS 2024, with the event being broadcast live on state television. Media coverage will commence on Wednesday.
During a pre-event briefing, Brigadier Ali Adil, the event’s Director of Coordination, outlined a diverse program featuring live demonstrations of advanced defense technology, an international seminar, and the IDEAS Tri-Services Karachi Show.
Networking opportunities will also be abundant, with business-to-business (B2B) and business-to-government (B2G) engagements planned throughout the event.
“IDEAS 2024 will gather global defense industry representatives to showcase their latest innovations, while Pakistan’s public and private defense sectors will present products of international standards,” said Brigadier Adil.
A key feature of this year’s event is the new Startups Pavilion, offering young Pakistani entrepreneurs a platform to gain international exposure and present their innovative technologies.
An international seminar titled “Pakistan Defense Production Potential – Challenges, Opportunities, and Way Forward” is scheduled for the third day, featuring insights from leading national and international experts.
Security Measures in Focus
In light of recent security concerns, including last month’s suicide bombing near Jinnah International Airport, stringent security arrangements have been made. The Karachi Expo Center has been fortified with multiple layers of containers, and a week-long ban on public gatherings has been imposed in the city to ensure public safety.
Karachi’s persistent security challenges, including high street crime and terror threats, underline the importance of these measures. Despite this, IDEAS 2024 is expected to proceed as a showcase of Pakistan’s growing defense production capabilities and its pivotal role in global defense markets.
