The Senate Standing Committee on Defence Production visited Pakistan Ordnance Factories (POF), Wah Cantt, under the Chairmanship of Senator Mohammed Abdul Qadir to receive a comprehensive briefing on the functions, performance, ongoing projects, Vision 2025 strategic objectives, BMR (Balancing, Modernization and Replacement) plan, and export earnings over the last five years. Members of the Committee, Senator Dost Ali Jeesar and Senator Samina Mumtaz Zehri, were also part of the visiting parliamentary delegation.
During the visit, the Committee was given a detailed briefing on the functions, performance, and achievements of POF Wah Cantt. The Committee was informed that POF was established in 1951 with the primary objective of meeting the ammunition requirements of the Armed Forces of Pakistan. It was apprised that the organization is headed by a Chairman who is a serving Lieutenant General of the Pakistan Army. Since its inception, POF has significantly enhanced its operational capabilities and is presently exporting ammunition to over 40 countries.
The Committee appreciated the innovative posture and self-reliance initiatives undertaken by POF in defence production. It was informed that POF operates through various subsidiaries that provide operational equipment and gadgetry to the Armed Forces at economical costs. The Committee was further briefed that POF supplies high-quality armaments to the Armed Forces on a cost-to-cost basis. The committee was also informed that POF have significant projects in pipeline to enhance the operational capabilities and to further enhance POF’s operational capacity. However, while acknowledging the profitability of the global arms industry, the Chairman of the Committee directed the Ministry of Defence Production to explore avenues for commercialization of POF products in local as well as international markets.
The Committee was also briefed on the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives of POF Wah Cantt. It was informed that POF has signed Memoranda of Understanding with leading engineering universities of Pakistan and operates a dedicated training institute to develop skilled human resources for the organization. Under its CSR framework, POF is actively contributing in the fields of education, health, sports, and environmental sustainability, including training of young talent in various sports disciplines. Senator Samina Mumtaz Zehri emphasized the need to extend such CSR initiatives to Balochistan and other underdeveloped regions to promote local talent and provide opportunities to deserving youth.
The Committee also visited various operational production units of POF and observed the manufacturing processes firsthand. Expressing satisfaction over the performance, the Committee commended the professionalism, dedication, and capabilities of the management and workforce of POF. The Committee stressed the importance of engaging the private sector in defence production to conserve foreign exchange and enhance export potential. The Chairman assured full support of the Standing Committee for such initiatives and recommended that the export capacity of Pakistan’s armament industry be fully harnessed for national economic growth.
