President General Pervez Musharraf has said that the Armed Forces of Pakistan, especially the nuclear forces, are the guarantors of peace in the region, as validated in the exercise 'Flash Point'. He said this while addressing the concluding session of exercise 'Flash Point' at the National Defence University here on Saturday.
The President emphasised on the importance of a strong economy, relevance to the international community, "and a cohesive inner front if we are to emerge as a strong modern Muslim state". He said that Pakistan is a responsible nuclear power that believes in deterring war and promoting peace.
The concluding session of the exercise was also attended by Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz, Defence Minister Sikandar Iqbal, Chairman, Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee General Ehsan-ul-Haq, the Services Chiefs and senior officer of the three services.
Earlier, the President was briefed about the aim, scope and conduct of the exercise, which validated the development and employment strategies of Pakistan's conventional as well as strategic forces.
The exercise reassured the participants, as well as the observers, about the credibility of minimum nuclear deterrence, even against a limited conventional war across international borders. This also confirmed Pakistan's policy of avoiding an arms race. The conclusions drawn from the exercise would be used for refining the concepts, doctrines, organisations, and training of the three services to fight under the visualised set of environment.