July 04, 2008	Friday	Jamadi-us-Sani 29, 1429

KARACHI, July 3: Reiterating Pakistan’s commitment to the war against terrorism being waged alongside the international community, Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani has expressed the resolve to maintain the minimum credible deterrence to ensure regional peace.

Addressing the 89th officers’ commissioning parade of the Pakistan Navy at the Pakistan Naval Academy, PNS Rahbar, on Thursday morning, Mr Gilani underlined the need for guarding against extremist and fanatic elements who wanted to derail the development process.

“Pakistan believes in the promotion of peace and security and is committed to international order and stability,” he said.

He said Pakistan had no intention of entering into an arms race with anyone, but added that that a minimum credible deterrence was necessary for national security.

He made it clear that defence needs of the country would always be a priority and the government would provide necessary resources to the armed forces to enable them to modernise themselves and to stay in a state of readiness.

“While subscribing to international obligations, Pakistan desires to promote its national interests as we believe in peaceful co-existence and mutual respect.”

Mr Gilani said the government was fully aware of the importance of Pakistan’s maritime potential and it would continue to meet requirements of Pakistan Navy in all respects.

He said the recent acquisition of modern platforms, equipment and weapons was an indication of the government’s resolve to maintain a better equipped navy.

He said the country had been in the forefront of the international war on terror and being itself a victim of terrorism, it condemned terrorism and was committed to defeating it.

The prime minister said that Pakistan’s participation in the Coalition Maritime Campaign Plan (CMCP) had reaffirmed its strong commitment to regional and global security.

“Holding the command of Task Force–150 by Pakistan Navy is not only a testimony to our resolve to augment efforts of pursuing international peace, but also speaks of high professional standards of Pakistan Navy and its acknowledgment by coalition forces.”

Mr Gilani referred to the unique geo-strategic location of the country which was situated at the confluence of three important regions of the world: Middle East, Central Asia and South Asia.

“This strategic location can only be exploited to our advantage through the development of maritime sector,” he said.

The prime minister said that Pakistan’s maritime sector, by virtue of a long coastline and vast Exclusive Economic Zone, including the extended continental shelf, offered incredibly lucrative opportunities towards sustainable economic growth.

He said that the government was aware of the importance of Pakistan’s maritime potentials and would meet requirements of Pakistan Navy in all respects.

He urged the passing-out officers to strive hard to keep pace with the rapid technological advancements in the domain of modern-day warfare.

In his welcome address, Pakistan Naval Academy Commodore Commandant Muhammad Tahir highlighted salient features of the training imparted to cadets.