ISLAMABAD, May 14: Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani said on Wednesday the country would maintain a minimum credible deterrence to safeguard its territorial integrity and ensure peace and stability in the region.

The prime minister, who visited the General Headquarters (GHQ) to meet Chief of the Army Staff Gen Ashfaq Parvez Kayani, said the government would provide all necessary resources to the army to accomplish its assigned mission.

The prime minister, who was accompanied by Defence Minister Ahmed Mukhtar, was briefed on defence preparedness against external and internal threats. He was also briefed on the operational environment and the spectrum of threat.

The prime minister praised the army’s role for national defence and its support for the civil administration in relief and rehabilitation efforts during natural calamities.

On arrival at the GHQ, the prime minister was given a guard of honour and was introduced to principal staff officers.