IDEAS 2024: Pakistan's mega defence exhibition begins in Karachi

The 12th edition of the four-day International Defence Exhibition and Seminar (IDEAS) 2024 kicked off today at the Karachi Expo Centre.
Organized by the Ministry of Defence and the Defence Export Promotion Organization (DEPO), the event will run from November 19 to 22. Defence Minister Khawaja Asif inaugurated the exhibition.
The event showcases Pakistan's advancements in defence technology and aims to strengthen global partnerships.
Compared to previous editions, IDEAS 2024 sees the participation of 17 new countries, including Iran, Italy, and the United Kingdom.
A dedicated hall has been set up for start-ups to exhibit innovative defence solutions.
Among the highlights is the introduction of Pakistan-made Haider tank and Shahpar-3 drone, reflecting the country's growing self-reliance in military production.
The exhibition features 224 local and 333 international companies displaying their products. Over 55 countries are participating with their defence equipment and technologies.
The venue spans six halls and three additional marquees to accommodate the expansive showcase.
A Pakistan Defence Production Potential Seminar will also take place at a local hotel, exploring opportunities for growth in the sector. Karachi residents can look forward to a professional Karachi Show by the armed forces on November 21.
However, Sir Shah Sulaiman Road, adjacent to the Expo Centre, will remain closed from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. during the event, according to DIG Traffic Ahmed Nawaz Cheema.
Ideas 2024 traffic plan: Alternative routes after road closures
As the International Defence Exhibition and Seminar (IDEAS) 2024 kicks off today (Monday) at the Expo Centre in Karachi, the city's Traffic Police have announced the alternate routes for all vehicular traffic during the exhibition days.
The exhibition, running until November 22, will prompt road closures and diversions around key areas like the National Stadium and Expo Centre from 7 AM to 7 PM daily.
Key traffic restrictions include:
National Stadium Flyover
: Completely closed to all traffic.
Stadium Road
: Both the route from Agha Khan University Hospital to Hassan Square (on the left side) and the stretch from Stadium Signal to Hassan Square will remain closed.
Sharea Faisal to Karsaz Road
: No entry for heavy and commercial vehicles.
Drigh Road
: Heavy and commercial traffic must divert through Sharea Faisal.
Millennium Mall to Stadium Road
: Restrictions placed on heavy and commercial vehicles from entering Stadium Road.
NIPA to Hassan Square
: No entry for heavy and commercial traffic.
Jail Chowrangi to Hassan Square
: Heavy vehicles are prohibited.
Alternate Routes for Heavy Traffic
: Commercial vehicles are advised to use Shaheed-e-Millat Road or Teen Hatti Road.
In addition, drivers will face diversions towards PPP Chowrangi and Shaheed-e-Millat Road, while heavy vehicles from Liaquatabad No 10 will be allowed only towards Teen Hatti.
A special advisory urges the public not to park on main or service roads around the event area. For assistance or real-time updates, citizens can contact the Traffic Police helpline at 1915, WhatsApp at 03059266907, or follow updates on Facebook or FM Radio 88.6.
To ensure smooth operations and heightened security, extra police personnel, including SSU commandos, have been deployed near Karachi's airport and surrounding areas.
The Sindh police chief, Ghulam Nabi Memon, is overseeing the arrangements, with discussions ongoing to potentially designate the area as a 'Red Zone'.
The event is expected to draw a large number of international delegates, making these measures crucial for its success.

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