COAS, Naval Chief call on PM

ISLAMABAD—Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani Friday said Pakistan believes in maintaining a credible minimum deterrence to ensure peace and stability in the region adding that Pakistan’s defence policy is based on peaceful coexistence in conformity with the prevailing geo-strategic environment and national aspirations.
Gilani was talking to Chief of Army Staff General Ashfaq Parvez Kayani and Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Mohammad Afzal Tahir, who called on him separately at PM Secretariat to felicitate him on assuming the office of the Prime Minister.
The Prime Minister talking to General Ashfaq Parvez Kayani said Pakistan was a peaceful country and its defence policy was based on peaceful coexistence. He said as a responsible nuclear state Pakistan believes in maintaining a credible minimum deterrence to ensure peace in the region. The Prime Minister said the armed forces have an important responsibility to protect the security and territorial integrity of the country. He appreciated the role of armed forces during national calamities.
The Chief of Army Staff said defence of the country had been made impregnable by adopting innovative training and induction of modern equipment. Meanwhile Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani talking to Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Mohammad Afzal Tahir said Pakistan’s defence policy is based on peaceful coexistence in conformity with the prevailing geo-strategic environment and national aspirations. Referring to economic importance of sea routes, the Prime Minister said Pakistan Navy has an important role to play in protecting sea lanes and routes besides the coastline of the country.—Agencies