RAWALPINDI, April 4: President Gen Pervez Musharraf on Tuesday stressed that balance of power guaranteed peace. Presiding over the 59th Formation Commanders’ Conference of the Pakistan army on the second day, the president reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to continue contributing positively to peace and harmony in the region keeping in view its geo-strategic location.

He said: “Balance of power is a pre-requisite for peace and it is achieved through strength while weakness invites aggression, hence conventional and non-conventional deterrence will be maintained,” he said.

He vowed to utilise all available resources to make country’s defence more stronger.

General Musharraf said: “With progressive approach to develop its potential, Pakistan can play a significant role and become an important economic hub and an energy corridor.”

He appreciated the high state of operational preparedness and training efficiency and an all-time vigilance of the army despite its employment on multifarious tasks like combating terrorism, disaster management and internal security duties.

The commanders approved a 15-year plan for modernisation of army and stressed formulation of a viable policy for crisis management to combat natural disasters in the light of experience of the October 8 catastrophe.

A national level Disaster Management Policy for dealing with natural disasters was also stressed, dividing the country in various zones to facilitate easy management of any occurring calamity, with centres for each zone.

These centres would impart training to university graduates, government officials and volunteers to deal with such disasters.—Agencies