17 September 2004	Friday	01 Shaban 1425

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KARACHI, Sept 16: Chairman Joint Chief's of Staff Committee Gen Mohammad Aziz Khan on Thursday said that Pakistan had the deterrent capability to deal with any kind of threat.

"We are not pursuing any aggressive policy but if any kind of threat is posed to us by any kind of weapons system, we have the deterrence. We have assured level of defence," said the general while responding to questions in a news briefing held on the sidelines of the Ideas 2004 defence products exhibition.

"We are capable of destroying all tanks used against us," he said. Secretary Defence Production Air Marshal (rtd) Zahid Anis and Director-General Defence Export Promotion Organization Maj-Gen Syed Ali Hamid were also present.

Gen Aziz emphasized that while Pakistan had the minimum deterrence in conventional capability, there was no problem in the non-conventional sphere. He also dispelled an impression that Pakistan was under pressure to follow a certain policy for achieving its national objectives.

"There is no pressure on Pakistan from anybody to pursue its national goals," said Gen Aziz. With regard to the fence erected by the Indians along the LoC, he said that the fencing did not provide India any defence capability.

Gen Aziz said that Pakistan's indigenous defence production base and capability was adequate and efforts should be made for its marketing. He said that export of defence equipment could not be separated from the overall export potential.

The JCSC chairman said the country's armed forces had to rely on achieving self-reliance by utilizing adequate indigenous production capability and procuring equipment and technology from abroad. He commended the exhibition for marketing this potential of Pakistan.