Our peace efforts should not be mistaken as weakness, President Alvi opens IDEAS'18

KARACHI: President Arif Alvi while opening the 10th edition of International Defence Exhibition and Seminar IDEAS-2018 on Tuesday, sternly elucidated that Pakistan’s efforts for peace should not be mistaken as its weakness. 

Speaking to a mix of international and national audience at the inauguration ceremony, President Alvi asserted, “War is no option; our weapons are for peaceful intent and will be used for defence, never for offence”.

Nevertheless, he clarified that peace efforts of Pakistan should not be misinterpreted as its weakness adding that, “We have handled our borders strongly and sent a strong message to our neighbours.”

The chief guest of the ceremony President Alvi appreciated that Pakistan has handled terrorism and “Pakistan Army has an important role in the elimination of terrorism and is a strong wall against terrorists.”

Recognizing accomplishments of the country in war on terror, he said “Pakistan Army is one of the most experienced forces in the world in the war against terror and we are proud of our martyrs.”

War is no option; our weapons are for peaceful intent and will be used for defence, never for offence: President Alvi

Dr. Alvi recounted the massive losses to Pakistan’s economy incurred by terrorists and how Pakistan provided refuge to “3.2 million people who had been affected by the Afghan war.” He added that the government is putting efforts to the best of its potential to stabilize the economic situation of the country.

“In Pakistan, the Constitution provides all forms of security to all citizens. The well-being of the nation is the government’s responsibility and the government is on the path to Naya Pakistan,” the president said.

READ MORE: Special instruction for people who live near IDEAS’18 location

President Dr Arif Alvi was the chief guest at the opening ceremony of the four-day international defence exhibition which is being attended by 262 high-level delegations from 51 different countries.

IDEAS’18

The 10th four-day International Defence Exhibition and Seminar IDEAS-2018 has commenced at the Karachi Expo Centre today (Tuesday).

The defence exhibition is being attended by 262 high level delegations from 51 countries, officials of the Defence Export Promotion Organization (DEPO) said.

China, Czech Republic, France, Germany, Italy, Jordon, Pakistan, Poland, Russia, South Korea, Turkey, UAE, Ukraine, and US have established their exclusive country pavilion at the expo.

IDEAS 2018 has surpassed all previous milestones in terms of space, booking, exhibitors and delegates – domestic and foreigners, and Karachi Expo Centre has been booked to its full capacity with 522 exhibitors from 51 countries, including Pakistan, the officials informed.