ISLAMABAD, June 3: Pakistan is a peaceful country and its defence doctrine is based on minimum credible deterrence for maintaining peace in the region, according to Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz.

He was talking to Eritrean Defence Minister Gen Sebhat Ephrem who called on him at the Prime Minister’s House here on Saturday.

Mr Aziz said Pakistan was not in an arms race with anyone, adding that its defence policy was aimed at safeguarding the country’s sovereignty.

Highlighting Pakistan’s geo-strategic position, Mr Aziz said Islamabad was working for peace and stability in the region.

“Peace is the most important ingredient for progress … Sustainable peace requires courage, magnanimity and flexibility on part of leaders.”

Emphasising upon the country’s strong pace of economic development, the prime minister said next year’s development programme would be set at Rs415 billion.

He said the agenda of the government was growth with dignity, equity and self-reliance. Strengthening of infrastructure, ensuring energy, water and food security, human resource development and bringing improvement in social sector are among the top priorities of the government, he added.

About the regional situation, Mr Aziz said Pakistan wanted resolution of all outstanding issues with India, including the core issue of Kashmir, and was committed to the process of dialogue with India.

Gen Sebhat Ephrem expressed the desire to expand cooperation with Pakistan in all areas, including defence, especially for training of their armed forces personnel.