IDEAS – 2016 embodied a host of activities comprising of display of different defence products and equipment, an impressive Inauguration Ceremony, conduct of International seminar, various sideline conferences and B2B networking of high-level delegates with exhibitors and OEMs. The very new efforts during this 9th edition include holding Gala Dinner & Cultural Show to display the rich culture of Pakistan, and the participation of leading chambers of commerce from all over Pakistan with a view of engagement with the private sector, facilitated Public-Private Partnership in defence promotion and export.

The Inauguration Ceremony of IDEAS – 2016 was conducted on 22nd November 2016. Prime Minister of Pakistan graced the occasion as the Chief Guest. The ceremony was attended by Official Delegates, Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee, three Services Chiefs of Pakistan, Senior Government Officials, Foreign Diplomats and a large number of Exhibitors.

The Seminar, conducted on 22nd November, was titled “Stability and the Economics of Regional Peace in South Asia”. The honorable President of Pakistan Mr. Mamnoon Hussain was the chief guest on the occasion. The panel of speakers included prominent international defence analysts and expert were Dr. Andrew Small Transatlantic fellow with the Asia Program at the German Marshall Fund of USA, Dr Oleg Kulakov Advisor to the Center for Energy and Security Studies (CENESS), Russia, Senator Mushahid Hussain Sayed, Pakistan, Dr Ye Hailin Chief editor of South Asia Studies, China and Mr. Javed Jabbar Former Senator & Federal Minister, Pakistan. The Presiding Officer of the Seminar, Mr. Shamshad Ahmad Former Ambassador and Foreign Secretary, in his concluding remarks,stated that “economic growth in South Asia cannot be attained without maintaining regional peace and stability between the neighboring countries, and by de-escalating any disputes, which frequently alleviate security and threat concerns in regions”.

IDEAS – 2016 also featured two-day Sideline Conferences. The conferences on the exhibition venue were largely attended by local and foreign companies where stakeholders got ample opportunity to share their business interests before a target audience comprising from defence procurement, suppliers and key decision makers.

To boost Pakistan’s exports in Defence Sector, some of the major indigenously developed products showcased during IDEAS – 2016, included Main Battle Tank Al–Khalid, Fighter Aircraft JF–17 Thunder, Jet Trainer Aircraft K – 8 and a variety of UAVs etc. IDEAS – 2016 offered a unique opportunity to the international delegates and visitors in acquiring an insight into the entire defence manufacturing and training capabilities of Pakistan, exhibited under a single umbrella. It may be pertinent to highlight that Pakistan has a large defence manufacturing, training and support infrastructure in place, which not only meets the needs of Pakistani Armed Forces, but also has the capacity to fulfill demands of other countries with exceptionally high-quality products at mutually acceptable terms.

Amongst the international exhibitors, exclusive country pavilions were set up by Turkey and China. Defence products and equipment from companies representing North America, South America, Europe, Asia, and the Far East were also impressively displayed through various stands.

On the diplomatic front, Foreign Delegates / Trade Visitors and Media endorsed the efficiency of IDEAS – 2016 as an extremely valuable and interactive forum for the defence trade.The signing of 14 MoUs between the governments and private companies has further enhanced the utility and success of this event.

In his concluding remarks, Major General Agha Masood Akram , DG DEPO stated that “IDEAS – 2016 was aimed at the projection of Pakistan as a progressive, modern and tolerant state, which is willing to co-exist peacefully with the international community and regional neighbours”. He further added that the large attendance by key personalities of international and national stature speaks of the milestones achieved by IDEAS – 2016. He termed the event as an extraordinary success, due to highly encouraging and extremely positive feedback received from a large number of Foreign Delegates and Exhibitors. He congratulated Badar Expo Solutions, the Event Manager of IDEAS – 2016 for putting up a very professional show, fielding a competent team and effectively marketing IDEAS 2016, worldwide

International and local media has given extensive coverage to the event and published special reports and interviews of the participating delegates and exhibitors.