ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s defence exports have reached $65 million and a goal has been set to cross $100 million by the end of this year. “Not only the industry is meeting the domestic requirements of the armed forces, but is also helping the government earning foreign exchange through exports of its various products,” said Pakistan Ordnance Factory (POF) Wah Chairman Lieutenant General Omar Mahmood Hayat while briefing the National Assembly (NA) Committee on Defence Production in Parliament House on Friday, with Khawaja Sohail Mansoor, in the chair. “Highest ever exports figure in the history of the POF had been achieved to date and a goal has been to cross $100 million by end of this year,” he said. However, the POF chairman asked the committee to restore the POF Board powers, as it badly affecting the performance of different factories. “When the government announced a ban on recruitment, it was also applied on the POF, and if a technical person could not be appointed at the right time then it would be difficult to meet the international exports commitment,” he told the committee. “To increase defence exports, it requires extensive visits but currently, a single visit requires about six weeks to get approval,” said the chairman, adding increasing exports require extensive visits abroad. “In coming Paris Expo of defence production, at least six persons should attend the exhibition, but only three are allowed to visit the expo under the government rules.” The chairman told the committee that infrastructures of the factories were too old and require replacement, for which he suggested the committee to recommend the government for one time grant so that all infrastructure might be replaced. “We are dealing with very explosive industries, if something happen then it would be a big tragedy, therefore, replacement is need of the hour,” he added. Lt Gen Omar Hayat said that 60-year-old rule and regulations were applicable and there was a need to amend them. “The revision of financial and accounting rules has been completed, however, the HR rules were under preparation and soon would be sent to the ministry for approval,” he maintained. In POF, he said, there were 14 defence units and 11 subsidiaries and the production target has been set as Rs 32.943 billion for the fiscal year 2016-17, which he called the highest-ever target in the history of the POF. About vision statement of the POF, he said it is a self-sustained, progressive, technologically savvy and internationally competitive organisation know for the quality of its products, professionals and relations. The POF has established a joint venture office in UAE having no financial impact and would receive 40 percent commission. The POF chief told the committee that by end of this financial year, the office would be established in UAE.