04 March 2005	Friday	22 Muharram 1426

ISLAMABAD, March 3: President Gen Pervez Musharraf visited the National Defence College here on Thursday where he attended the opening session of exercise Marka-e-Baqa, which marks the climax of learning process by members of National Defence and Armed Forces War Course.

According to a press release issued by ISPR, the aim of the exercise is to practice the members in formulation of national security strategy, defence and foreign policy, planning and conduct of joint operations at military and operational strategy level.

The exercise has been set in foreseeable geo-political environment. While appreciating the scope, layout and conduct of the exercise, the President said the National Defence College over the years had emerged as the premier institution of learning.

He appreciated the efforts of participants of the national defence and armed forces war course as well as members of the directing staff for the excellent presentations on the national and military strategy.

Earlier, on arrival at the NDC the President was received by the College Commandant Lt-Gen Shahid Hamid, who introduced the faculty members to him. The President later attended the presentations. Members of the federal cabinet, senior civil armed forces officers were also present.