Field Marshal Asim Munir visits POF Wah, reviews defence production

RAWALPINDI: Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir on Saturday visited the Pakistan Ordnance Factories (POF) Wah, where he reviewed the defence complex’s production capabilities, export potential and efforts to strengthen Pakistan’s indigenous defence industrial base.

The visit focused on POF’s role in supporting national defence through local manufacturing, technological development and the modernisation of military equipment.

According to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the army chief was given a detailed briefing on various activities being carried out at POF and its contribution to strengthening the country’s defence capabilities.

Officials briefed Field Marshal Asim Munir on the local production and development of different types of military equipment. The briefing also covered ongoing initiatives aimed at increasing indigenous manufacturing capacity and reducing reliance on external sources.

During the visit, the field marshal also observed trials and testing of weapons and ammunition designed and manufactured locally. The demonstrations provided an overview of the capabilities being developed within Pakistan’s defence industrial sector.

A major focus of the briefing was the ongoing process to transform POF into a more commercially oriented and corporate institution. Field Marshal Asim Munir was apprised of progress in the restructuring process, along with efforts to expand local manufacturing and upgrade existing production facilities.

The visit comes as Pakistan seeks to strengthen its domestic defence industry through greater self-reliance, technical innovation and improved production capabilities.

According to ISPR, two new industrial plants are currently being installed at POF, with production expected to begin by the end of the current year. The new facilities are expected to contribute to the expansion of POF’s manufacturing capacity.

The field marshal’s visit also highlighted the importance of improving the export potential of Pakistan’s defence products. Developing competitive locally manufactured equipment could help strengthen the country’s position in international defence markets while generating additional economic opportunities.

During the visit, the Pakistan Army reiterated its commitment to promoting self-reliance, indigenous production and technological innovation in the defence sector.

POF Wah remains one of Pakistan’s key defence production centres and has historically played a significant role in supplying military equipment and ammunition to the country’s armed forces.

The latest initiatives, including new industrial plants, ongoing upgrades and the proposed corporate transformation, are aimed at modernising the organisation and enhancing its ability to meet changing defence requirements.

The visit by Field Marshal Asim Munir therefore underscored the strategic importance attached to Pakistan’s domestic defence industry and its role in strengthening national security through indigenous technological capabilities.