KARACHI, Nov 24: Defence Minister Chaudhry Ahmad Mukhtar has called upon developed and developing countries to come together for rooting out terrorism for the sake of humanity and global peace.

“The global war against terror and Pakistan’s role as a frontline state has unfortunately placed the country in the forefront of the global dynamics of terrorism, as we fight this war in an effort to bring safety and security to the world,” he said while inaugurating a seminar held in connection with the 5th International Defence Exhibition And Seminar (Ideas 2008) on Monday.

The minister highlighted the country’s role and determination to fight terrorism in all its forms and said the objective of right to live could only be ensured if the nations were in charge of their defence requirements. The defence industry’s development was basically aimed at self-reliance in meeting the needs of forces for safeguarding the country’s territorial integrity. Ideas 2008 was a step forward towards indigenization and providing a platform for striking joint ventures, he said, referring to Agosta 90B class submarine, HIT collaboration with China on the one hand and with the US on the other. PAC Kamra was another example of joint venture with China and Sweden, he said, adding that in this age of technology joint industrial ventures would make this world more secure. However, he also called for maintaining a balance of responsibility between developed and developing countries in trade, social responsibilities and self-defence.

The theme of the seminar was “Adjusting defence industry to the altered global security landscape resultantly altering security paradigm at global and regional levels”.

Turkey Defence Industries Undersecretary Murad Bayor presided over the first session.

Prof Pervaiz Iqbal Cheema, a scholar of international relations and strategic studies, spoke at length about the country’s role in the global war against terror and its impact on Pakistan. He said the frontline role posed great challenges to our society as violent acts increased resulting in loss of billions of dollars in foreign direct investment. He said a well-thought-out economic and social development strategy could help win the hearts and minds of tribal area people.

Mustafa Egel I from Turkey talked about some joint ventures and benefits of cooperation in the defence sector. He said the artillery observer simulator and electronic warfare test and training range would be delivered to the Pakistan Army and Air Force for their training needs by Havelsan.

Fabrizio Giulianini of Italy dealt with adjusting the defence industry to the demands of the global war on terror and asymmetric warfare with minimal effects on its production capability the conventional warfare. He also discussed unconventional warfare, ideological concepts and the role of the media.

Prof Zhou Rong of China focused on establishing conventional export standards for global peace. He said China’s stated policy was that weapons exported must be meant for legitimate self-defence; must contribute to regional stability and peace; and must not be intended for interference in another country’s internal affairs. Referring to the US policy of arms export, he suggested that Washington could take a lead in negotiating restrictions on licensed production or co-production of military equipment and explore weapon-specific export controls by following China’s example.

Tim Kennedy of the USA’s strategic policy group spoke about information warfare operations: classifications and counter-measures. Saying that information had always been a military asset, he discussed various aspects of information and cyber warfare operations and security.

Director-General of the Defence Export Promotion Organization Major-General Mohammad Farooq said an increasing cost of research, development and production, technological innovations and availability of dual-use technologies caused nations to opt for joint ventures for production of defence systems and equipment. Besides Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee General Tariq Majid, the federal minister for defence production, visiting defence ministers, foreign defence delegates and eminent speakers from across the world attended the event.