KAKUL, April 14: President Gen Pervez Musharraf on Saturday said the government was focusing on the development of Balochistan. Talking to students and cadets from Balochistan here after the passing out parade of the Pakistan Military Academy 115 Long Course, he said: “Various mega development projects, including communications, dams, ports, health and education were initiated by the present government.”

The highlight of the parade was the first-ever passing out of 36 lady cadets as part of the Ladies Integrated Course-1, and other courses, including the Technical Graduate Course-19, Graduate Course-29 and Integrated Course-34, an ISPR statement said.

The president told the 61 students that the government was encouraging the participation of Balochs in every field, including the Pakistan Army. “You should take inspiration from Balochistan cadets who have passed out today from the PMA,” he said.—APP

Our Reporter from Islamabad adds: Earlier, addressing the passing out parade, the president said Pakistan was capable of facing any external aggression.

He said Pakistan has no aggressive designs against any country, but “we guard our integrity, honour and dignity very jealously”.

“Our arms are a guarantee for peace. It is only strength which guarantees peace and security,” he said.

Pakistan is a frontline state in the global war against terrorism and “we have been a victim of terrorism ourselves”, he said.

“Internally we face the menace of religious extremism and fundamentalism. The armed forces of Pakistan are responsible for internal and external security of Pakistan,” he said and added: “It is only the extremists who pose this threat.”

“Tackling the extremists, demands prudence and understanding, because we will be dealing with our own people, who are misguided,” the president said.