December 14, 2007	Friday	Zilhaj 3, 1428

ISLAMABAD, Dec 13: Chairman of Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee General Tariq Majid has said the armed forces are fully capable of meeting challenges to security of the country with support of the people.

He was presiding over the first meeting of the JCSC after assuming its charge. The defence secretary, services chiefs and other senior officers from the three services attended the meeting.

The meeting reviewed the overall security environment with special emphasis on the evolving geopolitical dynamics. Detailed briefings were given with a focus on developments in Afghanistan, Iran-US nuclear standoff, situation in occupied Kashmir and along the Line of Control, progress in war against terrorism and internal security.

According to a press release issued by the ISPR, the meeting also reviewed the armed forces’ long-term development plan.

Gen Majid said the country was faced with daunting external challenges and a complex internal situation.

He asserted that instability in Afghanistan, US-Iran standoff, insinuations by some vested interest groups in the West about the vulnerability of Pakistan’s nuclear assets and growing Indo-US strategic partnership, specially in the nuclear field, continued to negatively impact on the regional stability as well as security of Pakistan.

He underscored the need for safeguarding the image and prestige of the armed forces and building their integrated capabilities to deal with all perceived existing and evolving security challenges.