On November 20, 2024, Chief of the Army Staff (COAS), General Syed Asim Munir, NI (M) visited the International Defense Exhibition and Seminar (IDEAS-2024) at the Karachi Expo Centre. During the visit, the COAS commended the active participation of defense manufacturers from friendly nations and observed an impressive display of arms and equipment by both domestic and international exhibitors. A total of 557 exhibitors participated in the exhibition of which 333 were international exhibitors while 224 were domestic exhibitors. 36 countries established exhibitors’ stalls of which 17 countries participated for the first time.

Over 300 foreign delegates from 53 countries attended the event and showed full confidence in the exhibition and the defense industry of Pakistan.
During the exhibition, COAS also engaged in meaningful interactions with foreign military officials and defense delegates present at the event.
A significant highlight of the occasion was the inauguration of the Shahpar-III, a state-of-the-art combat Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) developed by Global Industrial Defense Solutions (GIDS) Pakistan. The Shahpar-III boasts advanced capabilities, including an operational ceiling of 35,000 feet and an endurance of over 24 hours. It is equipped to carry a wide range of munitions, including bombs, missiles, and torpedoes.
The 12^th Edition of IDEAS 2024 commenced on November 19 and culminated on November 22, 2024.
Earlier, upon his arrival at Karachi, COAS was warmly received by Commander Karachi Corps, Lieutenant General Babar Iftikhar.