Gen Raheel lauds POF, urges upgradation to optimize output

RAWALPINDI: Army Chief General Raheel Sharif visited Pakistan Ordnance Factories, Wah on Tuesday to see the progress of envisaged modernisation and capacity enhancement of the facility.

This was Chief of Army Staff’s (COAS) second visit to the POF, said a statement issued by the Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR). The Army chief was given detailed briefing by Chairman POF Wah Lt-Gen Omar Mahmood Hayat about performance of their industrial complex and future expansion plans. 

The COAS later went for a detailed visit of the factories to see the progress.

After inaugurating the new Ammunition Plant as part of the expansion Plan, Gen Raheel addressed the management and staff.

“POF is the premier defense industry of Pakistan making invaluable contributions to sustain combat worthiness of Pakistan Armed Forces,” he said.

#COAS on his 2nd visit to see progress of envisaged modernisation&capacity enhancement of POF Wah-1 pic.twitter.com/D9VwO4XToX

— Gen Asim Bajwa (@AsimBajwaISPR) March 15, 2016

The Army Chief specially appreciated POF’s efforts to meet total requirement of arms and ammunition for ongoing Operation Zarb-e-Azb.

Appreciating the current management of POF for their dedication in going way beyond meeting the set targets, the COAS emphasized the need for further technological upgradation to optimise the output, “so that we become fully self reliant in the arms and ammunition needs of paramilitary and LEAs of Pakistan also.”

Noticing the increased interest of other countries, and the growing export potential due to the newly attained quality standards, he directed POF to explore newer markets and focus on increasing exports and bring the much needed foreign exchange for the country.