RAWALPINDI, June 14: Prime Minister Zafarullah Khan Jamali on Saturday said that an impregnable defence was the top-most priority of his government.

“The government is very much aware of the emerging geo-political environment in the region and its influence on the security of Pakistan. Therefore all efforts would be made to attain and maintain required defence capability,” the prime minister said during his visit to Joint Staff Headquarters.

The prime minister said: “We have no intention of getting into an arms race with any country, nor do we have any aggressive designs.”

He said that Pakistan was a peace-loving country and it was desirous of peaceful coexistence with all its neighbors. However, the prime minister said: “We must remember that our strength lies not in numbers and quantity, but in faith, unity and discipline.

“The highest standard of training and professionalism of our armed forces backed by national resolve is our deterrence against aggression,” the prime minister said.

Mr Jamali said that Pakistan had always denounced terrorism in all its forms and manifestations and it would continue to do so. “Being the frontline coalition partner, Pakistan has proven to the international community that we are a responsible nation of 140 million people,” he added.

“We recognise our international responsibilities and commitment to eradicate this menace from the face of Earth and would continue to do so unconditionally,” the prime minister resolved.

Earlier, on his first visit to the Joint Staff Headquarters since taking over office, the prime minister was warmly received by the Defence Minister Rao Sikander Iqbal and Gen Mohammad Aziz Khan, Chairman, Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee.

The prime minister was presented a general salute by a contingent of the three services. He reviewed the Guard of Honour.

All Director Generals of Joint Staff Headquarters were introduced to the prime minister.

Later, Prime Minister Zafarullah Khan Jamali met Gen Mohammad Aziz Khan, Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee. He remained with General Muhammad Aziz Khan for some time in his office.

During the meeting professional matters were discussed. Defence Minister Rao Sikander Iqbal was also present during the meeting.

The prime minister was then given a briefing at the Joint Staff headquarters in which he was briefed about the geo-strategic environment, role and operational preparedness of the armed forces.—APP