Govt to continue modernization plan of armed forces: Mukhtar
By Ali Imran

ISLAMABAD—Minister for Defence Chaudhary Ahmad Mukhtar Tuesday said the Government would continue its plans to modernize its armed forces and strengthen their capabilities to overcome the internal and external challenges. In a meeting with the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), General Ashfaq Parvez Kayani, the Minister said it was the policy of the present Government to maintain minimum credible deterrence, essential for safeguarding the national frontiers.
The COAS informed the Minister about the requirements, future development plans and operational preparedness of the Armed Forces of the country.
The Minister said the Government was well-aware of the requirements of the Armed Forces and would take all necessary steps to fulfill their needs and strengthen their defence capabilities.
The Minister appreciated the steps taken by the COAS for the welfare of the soldiers. He said the Government would provide all necessary resources for the welfare of the soldiers as initiated by COAS after declaring year 2008 “as year of the soldier.”
Meanwhile, Pakistan and Sudan on Tuesday agreed to increase cooperation in the divergent fields particularly in the area of defence. At a meeting held here between Federal Minister for Defence Chaudary Ahmad Mukhtar and the visiting Chief of Naval Staff of Sudan Vice Admiral Al Zain Hamad Ballah Hussain the both sides discussed matters of bilateral importance and underlined the need for robust defence cooperation.
The Minister told the visiting dignitary that Pakistan and Sudan enjoyed cordial and close relations in various fields which needed to be further reinvigorated for the mutual benefits of the two sides.
The Chief Naval Staff of Sudan said that his country was very keen to expand ties with Pakistan in all fields as the two countries had commonality of perceptions on regional and international issues as well as support each other’s on different fora. Both the sides agreed to enhance cooperation in the areas of training and exchange of delegations at political and military levels.
The meeting also emphasized the need for promoting military to military cooperation between the two sides.