IDEAS 2024 Defense Exhibition Kicks Off in Karachi
The 12th edition of the International Defence Exhibition and Seminar (IDEAS) 2024 has commenced at the Karachi Expo Center, featuring a wide array of modern and traditional defense equipment, weapon systems, and vehicles. The event has garnered significant attention from global defense experts.
The exhibition aligns with the Special Investment Facilitation Council’s priorities to boost defense production and exports.
Khawaja Asif Highlights Defense Industry Growth
Defense Minister Khawaja Asif welcomed international delegates to IDEAS 2024, emphasizing its importance as a platform for addressing technical challenges and fostering global and regional collaboration.
“Delegates from around the world will benefit from the insights and opportunities offered by this exhibition,” he said, positioning the event as a gateway for defense cooperation.
He also highlighted Pakistan’s growing defense industry, advocating for public-private partnerships to enhance production capabilities and increase exports to strengthen the economy. “Pakistan’s economy is on a positive trajectory, offering immense opportunities for investment and joint ventures,” Asif noted.
Reaffirming Pakistan’s dedication to global peace, he stated, “Pakistan is a responsible nation playing a pivotal role in maintaining global peace. Dialogue and strengthened relations are essential for regional stability and socio-economic development.”
The exhibition, he added, would enhance Pakistan’s defense production capabilities and showcase the nation as a hub for innovation and collaboration in the defense sector.
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Ahsan Iqbal Calls for Education Reform and Innovation
Federal Minister for Planning Ahsan Iqbal has emphasized the urgent need to modernize Pakistan’s education system to keep pace with global trends. Speaking at a recent ceremony, he underscored that curriculum reforms aim to improve education rather than spark controversies.
“We must equip students with critical thinking skills to prepare them for the rapidly evolving global landscape,” he stated.
Iqbal expressed concern over a recent education report covering 134 districts, which revealed that no province ranked in the high-performance category, while 77 districts lagged significantly. He also cited instances of cheating, where high board exam scores did not align with broader district performance.
Discussing Vision 2025, Iqbal highlighted the challenges in implementing key projects, including curriculum reforms, teacher training, and exam system modernization. “The Ministry of Education has failed to deliver on these initiatives over the past eight years,” he lamented, noting progress only in the Islamabad Board, with provinces still struggling.
Iqbal reiterated the importance of modernizing exams, enhancing curricula, and ensuring effective teacher training. “Innovation in education is the cornerstone of national progress, and it is our responsibility to lead this transformation,” he concluded.
