ISLAMABAD, Dec 14: Despite having a strong traditional base in cutlery and gun manufacturing, the export of these items is limited hence they are not produced at a large scale.

This was stated by an expert in this field while visiting the 2nd International Target & Outdoor Shooting Sports Show (TOSS) 2012, being held here.

He said the production was not only limited to the private sector but even the state owned arm manufacturers are facing lack of innovation as a result the export potentials in hunting and sports arms have remained limited.

The exhibitors at the TOSS have displayed only a limited range of products, whereas the enclosure established by the state owned Pakistan Ordnance Factories (POF) proudly showcased their long range sniper rifle, which was an imported product.

The manufacturers have acknowledged that though the quality of small arms, sports and hunting guns being manufactured in the country was very good, most of the producers lacked international standardisation.

“Many products are good but still there is a serious metallurgy issue with many manufacturers,” said Asadullah, managing director, Peshawar Arms Company. “And this is the field that the government has to intervene,” he added.

Meanwhile, the Pakistan Hunting and Sports Arms Development Company, (PHSADC) which has organised the TOSS, maintained that the gun manufacturing had developed into a formal sector. The local gun manufacturers were beginning to get international recognition, he added.

“The figures might be too low now but exports are increasing. We have recently managed to obtain an export order of more than 25,000 pistols from the US,” said Shah Nawaz Barni, CEO of PHSADC.

He said that many local producers of shotguns had obtained quality certifications from the advanced countries.

Some of the companies like Daudsons Armoury, not only have international certification but also have a regular export orders in hand for shot guns.

“We make the basic structure of double barrel shot guns for a large US manufacturer with a life time guarantee and they market the shotgun with their own brand,” said Aqeel Sibghtullah.

However, he added that most of the Pakistanis still do not have trust in local brands and would pay a higher price for an imported weapon.

The CEO of PHSADC said that with more international exposures, the brand name for arms of Pakistani made would significantly improve.

“This year we are having the second TOSS exhibition but the increase in local and international orders is noteworthy so we see growth in demand for locally made sports arms in near future,” he added.