ISLAMABAD, March 26: Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani said on Thursday that any threat to the country’s territorial integrity and sovereignty would be countered with full force.

Addressing participants of the ‘Maaraka-i-Baqa’ exercise at the National Defence University, the prime minister stressed the need for an effective strategy to deal with external and internal threats.

He said Pakistan had no aggressive designs against any country.

Mr Gilani said Pakistan was passing through a difficult phase in a complex security situation because of the international ‘war on terror’ being fought in the region. He said the country faced a host of internal and external challenges.

He said Pakistan had been preparing so far to meet external threats, but an “internal threat has been evolving beyond comprehension and has weakened us considerably”.

He said history showed that a weak internal front always tended to invite external aggression.

“When seen with the widening force differential between ours and Indian armed forces, it explains to us its emboldened posture and urge to find space for a conventional war,” he said.

The prime minister said that despite the current financial crunch, the government would ensure that all requirements of the armed forces were fully met to prepare them to accomplish their mission. He commended the armed forces for their contribution in supporting national efforts for combating terrorism.

He praised the sacrifices being rendered by them along the western borders to flush out rogue elements and maintain peace.

“It is because of our armed forces that we are playing the most pivotal role in ensuring peace for the whole world,” he said, adding that important foreign dignitaries had always acknowledged this.

The prime minister expressed satisfaction over the standard of training and level of comprehension of intricate security issues shown during various courses at the university.
Tags: