5th International Defense Exhibition and Seminar will be held on November 24-28, 2008 at Karachi Expo Center, which would boost the image of the city and bring numerous business opportunities for the citizens of Karachi. This was stated by Major General Muhammad Farooq, Director General, Defense Export Promotion Organization while chairing the first steering committee meeting for IDEAS which was held on Thursday 10 April, 2008 at Karachi Expo Center.

The meeting was attended by representatives of Pakistan Army; Pakistan Air Force; Pakistan Navy; Ministry of Foreign Affairs; Ministry of Commerce; Home Ministry, Government of Sindh; Pakistan Rangers; Sindh Police; Trade Development Authority of Pakistan; Pakistan Customs; City District Government Karachi; Ministry of Information; Ministry of Ports and Shipping; Press Information Department; Central Board of Revenue; Civil Aviation Authority and Ecommerce Gateway, the event managers for the show.

During the meeting, details of conduct, schedule and arrangements for major events of IDEAS 2008 were discussed. General layout and organization at Expo Center, traffic management, communication infrastructure, facilities in and around expo center and requirements for improvement of road condition to Expo Center and Minora Islands were also discussed. Special emphasis was given to stringent security requirements for the event and development of systems to cause least inconvenience to the citizens of Karachi.

It was also stressed in the meeting that façade of the city should be uplifted during the event so that the foreign delegates take a good impression of the city while visiting Karachi.

DEPO also gave details of assistance and facilitation required from different departments. All the representatives of the concerned departments assured full support for the success of the event in the national interest, which would promote the reputation of Pakistan in general, and Karachi in particular as a peaceful place.

IDEAS is a biennial event being held in Karachi Expo Center since 2000. The event plays an important role in showcasing the indigenously developed defense equipment and promoting the defense export of Pakistan. IDEAS is attended by a large number of buyers who gather to attend the show from all over the world.

Sd. Captain Pakistan Navy
Director Media
Siddiq Akber