DNA

ISLAMABAD – Creation of Research & Development Establishment (RDE) is a step in the right direction.  However, this endeavor will only be fruitful if sufficient funds, adequate resources and good number of highly experienced competent engineers are posted to this setup, said Senator Lt. Gen. ( R ) Abdul Qayyum, HI (M), while chairing a meeting of Senate Standing Committee on Defense Production here at Parliament House on Friday.  Besides, it was emphasized that intensive and fool proof cooperation with academia, research wings of various universities and public private partnership should be ensured.

In addition, proper synergy between all public sector defense production units can also be a force multiplier in our research and development pursuits.  It was also highlighted that if Pakistan can produce JF-17 Thunder, submarines and tanks, why soft military vehicle like jeeps, dodges, gun toers and missile launching vehicles are being imported at a heavy foreign exchange cost.

Members of the Committee appreciated the steps taken by the RDE. Senator Mushahid Hussain Sayed observed that the new strategy is focused on indigenization, R&D and collaboration with private sectors. Senator Nuzhat Sadiq underlined the need for enhancing indigenous capabilities and appreciated the new projects.

Earlier, Secretary Ministry of Defence Production Lt. Gen ( R ) Sadiq Ali informed about the evolution process of RDE. He said that Mandate of the organization has been broadened and interface of the institution is being developed to make it more robust and dynamic.

The Committee was informed that RDE constantly maintains liaison with the three services to keep abreast with present and future requirements with aim of supporting them in indigenous Technological solutions.  The committee was also informed about specific projects identified through interactive liaison. Director General RDE Major General Khurram informed that private sector is being encouraged for active participation in the defence industry and efforts are underway to reduce dependence with regards to materials and components. The Committee was given a detailed briefing on the on-going projects and the initiatives understudy.

The Committee Chairman assured, on behalf of the Committee, full support to make RDE more vibrant and effective in achieving self-sufficiency as far as defence related equipment is concerned.

The Committee meeting was attended by Senators Mushaid Hussain Sayed, Muhammad Akram, Nuzhat Sadiq, Moulana Abdul Ghafoor Haideri. Secretary Ministry of Defence Lt. Gen ( R ) Sadiq Ali, Senior officer of the ministry and RDE and attached departments were also present.