Defence doctrine based on minimum credible deterrence, says PM
By Muhammad Ali Malik

ISLAMABAD—Caretaker Prime Minister Mohammadmian Soomro on Monday said the country’s defence doctrine is based on minimum credible deterrence so as to safeguard territorial integrity and facilitate maintenance of peace in the region.
The Prime Minister was talking to Tanvir Mahmood Ahmed, Chief of Air Staff who called on him at the PM Secretariat.
He said Pakistan Air Force is one of the best fighting machines, substantially equipped to defend the national air space. The standard of its training and compatibility is second to none and the nation feels proud of its air force.
The Prime Minister said Pakistan did not harbour aggressive designs against any country and had no intention to enter into an arms race. He said Pakistan was playing a stabilizing role in the region and believed in the settlement of all outstanding disputes through diplomatic means in a peaceful manner.
He said the government was fully cognizant of the country’s defence needs and would make the necessary resources available to modernize and upgrade its defence forces in view of the ongoing technological developments.
Strong and credible defence, he said, is the ultimate guarantee to peace which could only be achieved through strength, not weakness.
Chief of Air Staff updated the Prime Minister about the modernization programme of PAF and the projects to enhance indigenous capabilities.