TAXILA: Caretaker Prime Minister Nasirul Mulk on Wednesday lauded the role of Pakistan Ordnance Factories (POF) in fulfilling the country’s security needs and said that the defence industrial complex held a pivotal position in the wake of multifarious defence and security challenges the country was facing.

The prime minister made these remarks during a visit to the Pakistan Ordnance Factories, Wah Cantt.

Mr Mulk hailed the commitment and continued efforts of the workforce of POF whose labour and expertise he said had earned the organisation a reputable place in the region and beyond.

“The POF’s culture of innovation and excellence has left me deeply impressed and profoundly satisfied,” observed the prime minister while recording his comments in visitors’ book.

Earlier, POF Chief Lt General Sadiq Ali informed the prime minister about the range of arms and ammunition products of international standards being produced at the ordnance factories.

Mr Mulk was also apprised of contributions made by POF in meeting defence and non-defence requirements of the armed forces during the time of war and peace. The prime minister was informed that in addition to meeting domestic requirements on a cost-to-cost basis, the POF was also serving the country by exporting its surplus defence products to around 40 countries and earning foreign exchange.

The prime minister was also briefed about commercial operations and corporate social responsibility services of the organisation in the field of education, health and environment protection.

Later, the prime minister visited the Product Display Lounge, POF Brass Mills and the Weapons Factory and observed various processes at the production line.

Published in Dawn, August 9th, 2018