By The South Asia Times

ISLAMABAD - Pakistan’s Army Chief and Chief of Defence Forces Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir on Saturday visited the country’s largest defence industrial complex, Pakistan Ordnance Factory (POF) in Wah, to review its production capabilities, export potential and contribution to Pakistan’s defence industry, the military said.

According to a statement from the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), Munir was briefed on various aspects of POF’s operations and its role in strengthening Pakistan’s defence capabilities through the indigenous development and production of military equipment.

During the visit, the army chief witnessed tests and trials of locally designed and manufactured arms and ammunition, according to ISPR.

The military said the demonstrations reflected POF’s focus on innovation, self-reliance and expanding Pakistan’s domestic defence production capabilities.

Munir was also briefed on the progress of the corporatisation process at POF following the enactment of the DIPRA Ordinance, ISPR said, without providing further details about the restructuring process.

The army chief was additionally briefed on ongoing efforts to increase domestic production and upgrade POF's industrial capacity.

According to ISPR, two new industrial plants are being installed as part of the indigenisation and modernisation programme and are expected to begin production by the end of 2026.

The military said the visit highlighted the importance Pakistan attaches to developing an indigenous defence industrial base and reducing reliance on external sources for military equipment.

Pakistan has sought in recent years to expand its domestic defence manufacturing capabilities and increase exports of military equipment as part of a broader effort to strengthen technological self-reliance.

POF, located in Wah near Islamabad, is Pakistan's largest defence production complex and manufactures a range of arms and ammunition for the country's armed forces and other security institutions.

The facility's production and testing capabilities form part of Pakistan's wider defence-industrial network, which also includes state-owned and military-linked organisations involved in the production and development of military hardware.

ISPR said Munir's visit underscored the military leadership's commitment to self-reliance, indigenous production and technological innovation in Pakistan's defence sector.