ISLAMABAD, Jan 9: President Gen Pervez Musharraf has said that despite resource constraints all possible steps are being taken for acquisition, upgradation and indigenous manufacture of weapons and equipment for armed forces.

Addressing officers during a visit to the Naval Headquarters here on Thursday, the president emphasized the need for intensive peacetime training by all ranks to maintain the qualitative edge over the adversary.

Gen Musharraf said that by the grace of Allah, Pakistan’s armed forces were capable of defending the land, sea and air frontiers of the country. This, he pointed out, had been proved beyond a shadow of doubt during the recent escalation on borders by India, according to the NH’s public relations directorate.

The president paid rich tribute to the motivation, unswerving faith, devotion to duty and high standards of professionalism displayed by the PN men during the recent India-Pakistan tensions.

He said all Pakistanis were proud of their armed forces who had braved inhospitable and adverse conditions in the defence of the motherland.

Earlier, the president discussed with Admiral Shahid Karimullah, Chief of the Naval Staff matters of professional interest, especially those concerning the maritime defence of the country.