MVRDE needs to be strengthened with more highly qualified engineers : NA Standing Committee

Lahore : The Standing Committee on Defence Production met today, the 29^th June, 2016, in Committee Room of PIPS, Parliament Lodges, Islamabad at 11:00 a.m under the Chairmanship of Khawaja Sohail Mansoor, MNA regarding briefing on Military Vehicles Research and Development Establishment (MVRDE), Ministry of Defence Production.

The Director General, MVRDE apprised the Committee Members regarding Military Vehicles Research and Development. He informed the Committee that the need for self-reliance in defence equipment was felt in the wars of 1965 and 1971 when all foreign aid was withdrawn. The organization came into being in the aftermath of sanctions which severely curtailed our defense equipment choices and directly affected our national security. He further briefed the Committee that MVRDE has been in existence since 1972. Since raising, over three hundred equipment of various categories that have been indigenously developed, produced and fielded in service, testify the effectiveness of its role in reducing foreign dependence.

The DG, MVRDE told the Committee about the main objectives of the organization are to facilitate the Development of Equipment, Assessment of Industrial Potential, Technical Advice, Trials, Technical Guidance to Industry and Technology Transfer for Pak Army, Navy & Air Force.

After detailed discussion the Committee made following recommendations:

MVRDE needs to be strengthened with more highly qualified engineers.

Existing old vintage equipment and infrastructure should be upgraded to meeting latest research and development trends of the contemporary world for which separate budget may be approved.

In line with MoU signed between MoDP and MoST, R&D efforts should also be exchanged with other national and international organizations.

Meeting was attended by Muhammad Khan Daha, Dr. Ramesh Kumar Vankwani, Chudhary Hamid Hameed, Muhammad Moeen Wattoo, Sardar Muhammad Amjad Farooq Khan Khosa, Bhawan Das, Ms. Amra Khan, Ms. Iffat Liaqat, Shehryar Afridi, Ms. Ayesha Gulalai, Ms. Asyia Nasir, Bilal Rehman, MNAs and besides the senior officers of the MoDP.