Gilani: Pak not in arms race

By Shafqat Ali

Islamabad

July 3: Pakistan Prime Minister Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani said on Thursday that Pakistan is a peaceful country and has no intention of entering into an arms race in the region.

Speaking at the 89th Midshipmen Commission-ing Parade at the Pakistan Naval Academy in Karachi, the Prime Minister, however, said that Pakistan will maintain a minimum credible deterrence to ensure peace in the region and also to ensure that the ongoing process of the country's economic development remains uninterrupted.

He also made it clear that the defence needs of the country will always remain a priority and that the government will provide all necessary resources to the armed forces of Pakistan to enable them to modernise themselves and stay in a state of readiness.

The PM pointed out that the sovereignty and integrity of the country could be well protected when "our foreign and national security policies reflect the aspirations of the people".

"While subscribing to international obligations, Pakistan desires to promote its national interests as we believe in peaceful co-existence and mutual respect," he added.

Mr Gilani assured that the government is fully aware of the importance of Pakistan's maritime potential.

"Therefore, we will continue to meet the requirements of the Pakistan Navy in all respects," he said.

The Prime Minister said that the recent acquisition of modern platforms, equipment and weapons is "an indication of the government's resolve to better equip our Navy".

He said that advancements in modern technology are cost intensive.

"We, therefore, must endeavour to achieve self-reliance, for this purpose we need to promote indigenisation and pursue it with greater vigour than ever before," he said.

He stated that Pakistan Navy's ship-building and sub-marine construction programme, modernisation of Karachi shipyard and engineering works and research and development in various fields of maritime technologies are indeed good omens.