ISLAMABAD - Heavy Mechanical Complex (HMC) has been shifted to Strategic Plans Division (SPD) of Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission (PAEC) and all the arrears would be cleared soon.
Minister for Defence Khawaja Muhammad Asif, in a written reply, told the National Assembly that gratuity dues of some retired employees were still pending.
He said government had approved Rs500 million for HMC out of which the HMC had received first tranche of Rs253 million and the second tranche of Rs247 million will soon be released by Ministry of Finance. With this monetary assistance all dues will be cleared.
Minister for Defence Production Rana Tanveer Hussain, to a question about steps taken to enhance defence production in the country, said many steps had been taken in this regard.
Latest CNC machines in POFs and HIT and limited use of robotics for enhancement of existing capacity was being undertaken. He said four, besides 20 new products and 23 new R&D (Research & Development) projects, had been started by POFs.
JF-17 MRO facilities, design and development of avionics systems and life cycle support of JF-17 aircraft and overhaul facility of J-69-7-25 A engine of T-35 aircraft had been established. “These facilities are a step towards self-reliance and will save huge foreign exchange.”
He said negotiations were underway for JVs with international reputed firms. He said construction of four Chinese submarines, construction of PN fleet tanker, missile crafts and maritime patrol vessels (MPVs) of Maritime Security Agency (MSA) at Karachi Shipyard and Engineering Works (KS&EW) under transfer of technology arrangements was a manifestation of indigenisation policy.
He said construction of F-22P Frigate (PNS ASLAT), fast attack craft (missile) No 2 and 3, 32 tons and 12 tons bollard pull tugs were the recent examples of success.
He revealed that construction of four new generation AIP submarines for PN with technical collaboration of China under transfer of technology would start soon.
The minister said construction of mega project of 17,000 tons fleet tanker and fast attack craft (missile) No 3 was being completed. Launching of both these vessels were held in August and September 2016 respectively and heading towards completion. Other projects include 1 x 600 tons and 1 x 1500 tons OPVs for Pakistan Maritime Security Agency. 22 x bridge erection boats for Pakistan Army were also under construction and 1st batch of seven boats had been delivered during 2015.
