This is apropos a Business Recorder news item "IDEAS-2016 inaugurated: 'Arms for peace' our motto: PM" carried by the newspaper yesterday. It has been reported that Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif made it clear that Pakistan is against an arms race in the region, however, would pursue the motto of 'arms for peace'.
Speaking at the inauguration of four-day ninth International Defence Exhibition and Seminar (IDEAS) in Karachi, the prime minister also reportedly said Pakistan is committed to discouraging arms race and promoting "the motto of arms for peace, which has always been the tagline of IDEAS".
According to the PM, Pakistan has achieved self-reliance in defence production. According to him, the IDEAS-2016 is a demonstration of collaboration of local and foreign technologies.
That IDEAS-2016 is quite a significant development is a fact. Not only is it an occasion to showcase Pakistan's prowess in fire arms manufacturing, it helps the government send a strong message across to demonstrate nation's resolve that Pakistan cannot be bullied by any power. This exhibition underscores, among other things, increased investments is manufacturing of arms. One must not lose sight of the fact that India, Pakistan's arch-rival, is world's second largest arms importer. Although Pakistan cannot match India's defence spending, it can strengthen and deepen its weapon manufacturing base.