TAXILA: Federal Minister for Defence Production Zubaida Jalal on Thursday lauded the role played by the Pakistan Ordnance Factories (POF)in the country`s defence and said the organisation was rendering great service to the nation.

She made these comments during a visit to the Pakistan Ordnance Factories on Thursday.Earlier, POF chief Lt Gen Sadiq Ali briefed the minister about production capabilities of the oganisation since its inception in 1951.

He told her that the POF was the main defence production complex of the country and it was engaged in producing top-of-theline conventional arms and ammunition for the country`s armed forces and law-enforcement agencies.

He further told the minister that the POF was considered the lifeline for the armed forces of the country.

While mentioning the modernisation plan, the minister was told that old plant and machinery were being replaced gradually, enabling the POF to diversify its state-of-the-art product range.

The minister expressed her satisfaction at the performance of the POF and said that it was heartening to note that this gigantic defence complex had been meeting requirements of the armed forces.

She assured the POF management of resolution of their problems.