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Operation Zarb-e-Azb will help purge country of terrorists: PM
* Nawaz says govt will provide military all necessary resources for ongoing operation in North Waziristan * Modern defence systems not right of developed countries onlystaff report/app
KARACHI: Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif said on Monday that ongoing operation Zarb-e-Azb would hopefully help purge the country of terrorist elements.
While talking to journalists during his visit to different stalls set up by local and foreign exporters at IDEAS 2014, the defence exhibition opened by him, Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif said that Pakistan’s defence equipment production industry had made significant strides in term of technology and innovation. The defence related gadgets and equipment were not only of high standard but cost-effective too. “This has provided an additional edge to our products and consequently we can register significant demand for the same by different countries,” said the prime minister.
Replying to a question about possible response by the foreigners visiting the four-day exhibition, he said it could be overwhelming, as many of them were not aware of the achievements and capacities of the country in the field of defence technology. The prime minister reiterated his government’s concerted support to operation Zarb-e-Azb in the tribal areas of the country, till its logical conclusion. Addressing the inaugural session of the Eighth International Defence Products Exhibition and Seminar (IDEAS) 2014, he said securing its sovereignty was the foremost obligation for an independent country.
A modern and well-equipped military was therefore an essential requirement for any country, more so for Pakistan that besides its geo-political location, was fighting terrorism in its tribal belt, he added. Reiterating that the country’s defence was among the top most priorities, the prime minister said the government was also mindful of other challenges like poverty and illiteracy. The government, he said, was equally focussed on strengthening economy, besides building a knowledge-based infrastructure. He appreciated the fact that over 2,000 categories of defence equipment and gadgets, mostly manufactured in Pakistan, were put on display at IDEAS 2014. He said the nation is committed to provide its defenders with all the necessary resources for this vital mission. He said modern defence systems were not the right of developed countries only.
Courtesy www.dailytimes.com.pk