Pakistan plans to undertake several new initiatives to reinvigorate the country’s defense industry. Like all other industries, it also suffered due to the impact of Covid-19, reported ‘Janes,’ an international defense magazine yesterday.
Making the defense industry efficient and viable
In a report released by the Ministry of Defense Production (MoDP) earlier this year, it was revealed that new policies were being planned for defense production. These policies would be aimed at defense offsets and internally restructuring the industry to “make it more efficient and viable.” The private sector is also being sought to increase its role in defense manufacturing.
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The ministry also revealed that more independence was to be given to state-owned defense companies. State-owned Heavy Industries Taxila (HIT) – the manufacturer of Al-Khalid-I main battle tank, is one of those enterprises. The Pakistan government has designated the manufacturer as an ‘autonomous body,’ giving it greater independent control. (ISPR)
The MoDP said in its newly published ‘Two years performance report’ that in line with government targets it is committed to supporting the development of an “internationally competitive defense production sector”.
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This move is prompted by growing requirements to locally source the Pakistan Armed Forces’ capability needs. It would also help reduce foreign reliance, generate revenues, and increase job opportunities, it said.
Ambassador Zalmay Khalilzad, US Special Representative for #Afghanistan Reconciliation and General Austin Scott Miller, Commander Resolute Support Mission in Afghanistan called on General Qamar Javed Bajwa, COAS at GHQ today.
Peace & stability in the region, Pak-Afghan Border pic.twitter.com/lxVcPyg4c7— DG ISPR (@OfficialDGISPR) October 8, 2020
According to the report, Pakistan’s new defense production policy is currently in draft form and is expected to be issued soon to outline manufacturing capabilities and targets. The offset policy is also in draft form, it said, and has been issued to MoDP stakeholders for input.
GVS News Desk