RAWALPINDI, May 7: President Pervez Musharraf said on Wednesday that the armed forces were equipped with advanced weapon systems, with high operational preparedness, to make the country’s defence impregnable.

Addressing officers, JCOs and jawans of the Four A. K. Regiment here, he said the operational preparedness of the armed forces was the best in the world and defence of the country was in safe hands. The president said that Pakistan was a peaceful country but a strong defence was a sine qua non for peace.

He said there was always room for enhancement of training and the level of operational preparedness of the armed forces.

Emphasising the need for a strong economic base, the president said security of the country was directly linked to economic development and progress.

He lauded the services of the Four A. K. Regiment during war and peace and wished it success in its new station of duty. The unit has been performing duties of the Guard Battalion in Islamabad and Rawalpindi.

Chief of the Army Staff Gen Ashfaq Parvez Kayani, Rawalpindi Corps Commander Lt-Gen Mohsin Kamal and senior officers attended the event.—APP