KHARIAN, March 25: President Gen Pervez Musharraf has lauded the role of Pakistan armed forces for safeguarding the territorial integrity and sovereignty of the country, combating terrorism and relief work carried out in the quake-hit areas.

He was addressing garrison officers here on Saturday. Corps Commander Lt-Gen Javed Alam Khan and other senior officers were also present on the occasion.

President Musharraf said that unswerving faith in Almighty Allah, patriotism, professionalism, discipline and devotion to duty were the hallmark of the armed forces and they had also proven their mettle while serving as peacekeepers under the UN banner.

He paid rich tributes to officers and men who had laid down their lives while performing their duties.

General Musharraf said the government was alive to the requirements of the armed forces and was taking all possible measures to equip them with the state-of-the-art weapons and equipment.—APP