NOWSHERA, May 2: President Gen Pervez Musharraf has said that strong defence and vibrant economy are necessary for ensuring national security and Pakistan has taken major strides in both of the vital areas as a result of prudent policies of the government. He said that the armed forces were a superb fighting outfit and capable of performing the sacred task of defending the country’s territorial integrity.

The president was addressing officers and jawans at the ceremony for the installation of Vice Chief of Army Staff Gen Ahsan Saleem Hyat as Colonel-in-Chief of the Armoured Corps at the Armoured Corps Regimental Centre here on Monday. While paying tribute to the contribution of officers and jawans of the corps, the president said that all possible efforts were being made to equip it with latest state of art weapons and equipment.

He said that the amount of attention being paid to modernization of the corps spoke volumes of the importance given to it. In this regard, he referred to the induction of indigenously manufactured Al-Zarrar and Al-Khalid tanks, saying that the tanks had enhanced manifold firepower, mobility and manoeuvrability of the armour units, while greatly contributing to self-reliance in the field of defence.

Lauding the services of former vice chief of army staff and outgoing colonel-in-chief general (retd) Mohammad Yousaf Khan, the president said that the Armoured Corps had benefited from his vast experience and wisdom.

Congratulating Gen Hyat, he said that the Armoured Corps was lucky to have an officer of his qualities. President Musharraf and outgoing colonel-in-chief pinned the badges of ranks on the shoulders of Gen Hyat and presented him the regimental cap to formally install him as the new Colonel-in-Chief.—-APP