JF-17 thunder fighter plane handed over to PAF
KAMARA (SANA): The first ever state of art JF-17 thunder fighter jet produced in Pakistan Aeronautical Complex to the Pakistan Air force here on Monday.
Addressing on the occasion, Prime Minister Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani has that the home-based production of this fighter jet shows that the nation is capable to overcome any challenge coming in its way regarding the country’s integrity and sovereignty.
The Prime Minister expressed the confidence that the fighter jet will become mainstay of Pakistan Air force and further strengthen our defence needs. He said it is a matter of great satisfaction that the programme has moved into a serial production phase in a record period.
He described the JF-17 project as an important milestone for achieving self sufficiency in the defence production. He said a strong air force is imperative for ensuring strong national defence and the government will continue to provide all possible support to the PAF for its betterment so that it could meet challenges ahead.
The Prime Minister described the rolling out of the fighter jet as a historic day and expressed the confidence that this project would go long way in ensuring national security. He said the completion of this project shows the nation has the capacity to overcome any challenge coming in its way.
Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani said Pakistan Air Force has repeatedly proved equal to the task even in the most challenging times, measuring up to the expectations of the nation in safeguarding the sacred soil and skies of the country. He said in the recent, drive against militants, PAF side by side with Pak Army is endeavoring to root out terrorism from the country. He said PAF has been able to achieve, both in the form of meeting its operational requirement by co-developing a fighter aircraft and developing country’s Aviation Industry.
The Prime Minister expressed gratitude to the Chinese government for extending cooperation to Pakistan in the production of JF-17 thunder jet.
He said China has always stood by Pakistan in the hour of need and extended unflinching support and willingness to go the extra-mile for Pakistan and made a significant contribution towards its socio-economic development.
He said China has helped Pakistan in completing a number of mega projects including Gawadar port, Karakurum highway, Heavy Mechnical complex, Heavy electrical complex and Saindak copper project besides production of fighter jets which have become symbol of exceptional ties between the two countries. He said both the countries enjoy very close political and economic ties and expressed the confidence that these would continue to flourish further.
The Prime Minister referring to the economic policies of the government said it is committed to speed up economic growth and generate more and more employment opportunities for the young people. He said it is matter of satisfaction that JF-17 thunder production will also generate five thousand job opportunities. He said the government is also committed to eradicate poverty, illiteracy, ignorance and backwardness to carve a respectable place for Pakistan in the comity of nations
Chief of Air Staff Air Marshal Rao Qamar Suleman in his welcome address highlighted the various features of the JF-17 thunder project. He said over all forty two aircraft would be produced this project, out of which forty will be produced at Kamra Aeronautical complex. He said the first squadron of these fighter planes would be handed over to the PAF by the mid of next year.
The Prime Minister also inspected the first indigenously produced fighter jet and the Air Chief briefed him about the salient features of the aircraft. Air Chief also presented a souvenir to the Prime Minister
Federal Ministers, Chief of Army Staff and high ranking PAF officials also witnessed the rolling out ceremony.
Later Talking to the media, the Prime Minister said the government believes in transparency and accountability across the board. Therefore, he said, the government has released the list of beneficiaries of NRO.
He said it is pertinent to note that the dictators used accountability as a tool to prolong their rule but the present government believes in indiscriminate accountability.
We are proud to be Pakistani. Once again we proof that we can do and achieve everything if only we try. We are Great Nation. We should think that we are ONLY PAKISTANI not pushtune, punjabi, sindhi or balochi. We all are ONE. We Salute to our Great Army of this great achievement…..