Musharraf for keeping national interests supreme

President Pervez Musharraf has urged all Pakistanis to keep national interests supreme, and strive collectively for achieving all-round development of the country in accordance with its enormous potential.
Addressing the participants of the Fourth National Security Workshop at National Defence College on Friday, the President underlined that "we are all patriotic Pakistanis, irrespective of our political affiliations, and we should work together for sustained socio-economic development of the country."
In this context, he emphasised that national interests should remain supreme and "all decisions should be taken keeping in view national security imperatives".
President Musharraf observed that the sovereignty of a country depends largely on its economic and military strength, and said: "By the Grace of Allah Almighty strong foundations have been laid for both these pillars of Pakistan's sovereignty".
On the state of the economy, the President said that the country has been steered to a stable take-off position, with all key indicators maintaining positive trends.
Presenting an overview of the national economy, the President referred to the fragile state of the economy five years back, when it was facing a default on payment of foreign loans, and said that consistently pursued policies and reforms since then have driven the country to a remarkable economic turnaround.
"The great strides made on the economic front have been our greatest achievements as our economic success has set the pace for diverse and sustainable development.
"We are on track in three important areas of the economy; we have brought fiscal deficit under control; are maintaining foreign exchange reserves at a healthy level; and also reducing debt servicing. We must benefit from this positive outlook and keep moving forward."
The President said that at present Pakistan faces no external threat but is confronted with internal challenges in the form of extremism, sectarianism and terrorism. Islam, he said, has no link whatsoever with extremism.
"Islam stands for peace, tolerance and well-being of all; it is a way of life for all times to come".
About the country's economic, natural and human potential for progress he said, "Pakistan has all the vital prerequisites to carve out a leading place for itself in the Muslim world."
The President commended the NDC for excellent conduct of a series of workshops, and said that these would help promote greater understanding and harmony between the civil and military leadership of the country.
Members of Parliament, Chairman, Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee, and Services Chiefs were also present at the concluding session of the workshop attended by MPs, educationists, intellectuals, technocrats and diplomats.
Later, the President entertained questions from participants of the workshop.
On arrival at the National Defence College, the President was received by Commandant Lieutenant General Tariq Waseem Ghazi. The Commandant introduced members of the Faculty to the President.