ISLAMABAD, Jan 1: Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz said Pakistan located at the crossroads of Central Asia, South Asia and the Middle East was striving to play the role of an anchor of peace and stability in the region.

He was talking to a delegation of Pakistan Peace Coalition, comprising expatriates from the US, Canada and UK of Indian and Pakistani origin, who called on him here on Saturday. Mr Aziz briefed them on the foreign policy issues, economy and Pakistan's initiatives for peace in the region. He said it was essential that the economy, defence and political system were strong and credible.

"We have conventional as well as strategic arms capability to ensure peace in the region. A weak and vulnerable Pakistan is not in the interest of the region," he said. Dilating upon the economic development, the prime minister said during the last five years Pakistan had acquired economic sovereignty.

"We have a strong economy. Our GDP growth rate is 6.4 per cent, which is likely to go up to 8 per cent in two to three years. Our per capita income is $650 and will increase further this year." Mr Aziz said the government was investing in infrastructure development and social sector to further accelerate the economic growth. Our population growth rate is below 2 per cent which will help in the economic growth.

"Our strategic assets are guarantee of peace. Pakistan does not have aggressive design against any country but we have to have a credible and impregnable defence capability to ensure peace," he added. He said Pakistan had developed a strong and sustainable political system and had ensured representation to minorities, women and workers in all tiers of democracy. We have empowered people to take decisions at the grassroots level under the devolution plan. We have an independent, strong and vibrant parliament.

The prime minister said parliament had passed legislation allowing President Pervez Musharraf to hold dual offices. He said the president's decision to hold two offices was strictly in line with the constitution and the legislation.