Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz on Thursday said that Pakistan is a peaceful nation but at the same time is cognisant of its defence requirements and will continue to strengthen its armed forces. He was talking to Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee, General Ehsan-ul-Haq who called on him at the Prime Minister House.
The Prime Minister said that the defence of the country has been made impregnable by adequate funding over the last few years and this will ensure peace in the region. "We are committed to safeguarding our national security at all costs", he said while adding that Pakistan is a strong and vibrant state and knows well how to safeguard its international borders.
He said peace comes from a position of strength and not weakness. With that in view, the government will continue to modernise the armed forces to enable them ensure peace, the PM said. Shaukat said Pakistan is a peace loving country which is playing a stabilising role in the region to focus all its energies on the development and progress of the country.
The government, he said, is also mindful of the fact that without a strong economy, credible defence of the country is not possible. The Prime Minister said Pakistan strictly adheres to the principle of minimum credible deterrence and it has devised an effective command and control system to protect its security.
Shaukat said the defence needs of the country would always be a key priority and the government would continue to equip the armed forces with the latest technology and equipment. General Ehsan apprised the Prime Minister of his visit to Singapore where he had gone to attend the Regional Security Forum. He also discussed various professional matters with the Prime Minister.