RIYADH: Saudia Arabia is the largest importer of Pakistani arms, and has purchased small and medium conventional weaponry worth millions of dollars, the National Assembly Defence Production Committee was informed on Friday. The committee was being briefed at Parliament House by Pakistan Ordnance Factories (POF) Chairman Lt Gen Omar Mahmood Hayat. “During the current fiscal year, POF has secured export order worth $81 million, and Saudi Arabia remains the biggest importer of arms and ammunition from Pakistan,” said Hayat.
The POF chairman also added that during the last decade, POF has introduced 72 new weaponry products without getting any financing from the government. Hayat disclosed during the briefing that POF is working on a new assault rifle to replace the reliable and long-serving G-3. “Production of LSR sniper rifle has also been started at POF, with a unit cost $6,500 compared to the import price of $12,500 per rifle.” During the briefing, Hayat regretted that domestic security institutions are not placing orders with POF, and instead buy from third-party vendors. “Only KP police are procuring uniforms, arms and ammunition from the POF,” he said.
Despite a shortage of resources and trained manpower, POF is producing high quality weapons which are being sold to multiple countries, elaborated the POF chairman. “POF is now focusing on exports, and a sales marketing and a display office is being established in UAE.” The committee was also informed that Wah Brass Mill is in the final stage of construction, and would be completed by next month. Wah Brass Mill will be the largest in Asia, with a production capacity of 16 thousand tons, domestic consumption is two thousand tons. Extra capacity will be exported.
