LAHORE, Nov 25: President Gen Pervez Musharraf on Saturday said that temporary upheavals in the country’s security environment should not arouse public concern as the turmoil had been caused by the government's own steps taken to rein in anti-state elements.

Addressing officers of the Lahore Garrison at the corps auditorium here, he said dealing with issues like internal security, provincial autonomy, construction of water reservoirs, NFC award and women’s rights would certainly cause some disturbance in the domestic milieu but nothing could "shake our determination and will to take the bull by the horns in the larger national interest."

He said the turmoil had been caused by the steps the government had taken to check the anti-state elements who had been ‘intentionally’ allowed to escape scot-free by previous governments “due to their short-sighted policies and self-serving interests”.

Gen Musharraf said that complete control over obscurantism was necessary for sustainable economic development and democratic reforms in the country.

He said elections in 2007 would be a milestone in the country’s history and expressed the hope that people would decide in favour of moderate forces.

Gen Musharraf said that in view of the complex geo-political environment, the armed forces were fully prepared to face any challenge to national security. Pakistan is a peace-loving country and this peace can be ensured through strength and all-time preparedness so that "we can ensure peace with honour and dignity."

“We are living in a global village and not in any vacuum. Hence, we need to understand the real environment and act pragmatically,” he emphasised.

The president asked officers not to lower their guard and devote all the energies towards honing combat skills so as to be ready for future challenges.

Pakistan’s strategy of defensive deterrence is very much in place and all efforts are afoot to enhance the armed forces operational capabilities, he said.

Speaking of conventional arms, he said the induction of high-tech weaponry had provided the armed forces with a cutting edge, adding that restructuring in the armed forces had produced positive results.

The president talked about his vision and strategies to deal with the law and order situation in Federally Administered Tribal Areas and Balochistan. He also elaborated on his policies for economic progress with the aim to shift its benefits to the masses.

The session, which lasted for two-and-a-half hours, was attended by over 500 officers from the Army, Navy and Air Force stationed at Lahore.—APP