Summary Former ACM Tahir Rafique Butt opposed the idea of the sale of JF-17 Thunder planes, says Tanveer
ISLAMABAD (Dunya News) – Federal Minister for Defence Production Rana Tanveer Hussain on Wednesday stated that funds were not being allocated for the country’s defence production. He added that Prime Minister (PM) Nawaz Sharif was informed in this regards but he did not take any steps, reported Dunya News.
While addressing the meeting of the National Assembly’s (NA) Standing Committee on Defence Production, Rana Tanveer said that appropriate budget was required for the enhancement country’s defence production.
The minister even announced to include a clause that said that the ministry would be getting commission out of the income generated through the sale of defence related equipment.
Tanveer informed the committee that former Pakistan Air Force (PAF) Air Chief Marshall (ACM) Tahir Rafique Butt opposed him when he decided to sell the JF-17 Thunder planes. He added that PM Nawaz gave green signal regarding marketing, further stating that discussion was being made with other countries about the purchase and sale of weaponry.
Officials related to the Military Vehicle Research and Development Establishment (MVRDE) informed the committee that the institution was manufacturing 28 types of defence related equipment.
Rana Tanveer briefed the committee that the Aeronautical Complex made agreements regarding the Mushshak plane to an extent that the MVDRE would continue to remain functional for a long period of time.
Minister for Defence Production stated that jammers were being installed in 24 jails of Punjab whereas work in this regards was completed in 12 jails.
