Chief of Army Staff General Syed Asim Munir has lauded the role of Pakistan Ordnance Factories (POF) in the country’s defence, the military’s media wing said.

In a statement, the Inter-Services Public Relations said that the army chief was on a visit to the POF in Wah Cantt on Tuesday. On his arrival at the factories, the POF chairman welcomed the army chief.

Army men briefed COAS Munir on the production capabilities of the POF and the defence needs of the armed forces. They also informed him about exports of defence products.

He also visited the product trial range and witnessed the test trials of various weapons, the statement added.

In his address to the officers and members, the COAS Munir said that the nation’s progress is determined by promoting local industries and self-reliance. The army would continue to take measures for self-sufficiency and promote the latest technology, he added.

The army chief said that the institution would further strengthen the defence of the country.

Earlier this month, King of Bahrain Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa conferred the military medal Order of Bahrain First Class on Chief of the Army Staff General Syed Asim Munir in recognition of his efforts and contributions to the enhancement of bilateral ties between the two brotherly countries.

The award was given during his two-day official visit to the country.

On January 12, COAS Munir witnessed the firing of different air defence weapon systems during the Al-Bayza-III, 2024 exercise in Sonmiani.

The army chief hailed the achievement of engaging targets with precision and operational readiness of the Corps of Army Air Defence.

“In a landmark achievement and milestone in enhancing the Air Defence of the aerial frontiers of Pakistan, HIMAD system in maiden fire was able to successfully engage the target at maximum ranges along with other layered weapon systems which were tested during the exercise,” the ISPR had said.