ISLAMABAD, May 6: The participants of the Formation Commanders Conference here on Monday discussed the prevailing security environment in the region and expressed satisfaction over the arrangements made so far to thwart any aggression.

The meeting, which was presided over by President Gen Pervez Musharraf, discussed various issues and was reportedly informed that Pakistan was ready to meet any external aggression.

Sources said that India was paying bigger price by not withdrawing troops from the borders. The president on the occasion said that the Pakistani forces could stay on border for an indefinite period.

The sources said that the president also told the meeting that Pakistan today enjoyed great measure of support in the US and the West on various internal and external issues.

The meeting was also briefed on the security environment of Pakistan by the Director-General of Inter-Services Intelligence, Lt-Gen Ehsanul Haq.

The Director-General Military Operations, Maj-Gen Ashfaq Kiani, dwelt at length on the deployment as well as the threat posed by the Indian armed forces and the measures taken by the Pakistan armed forces to neutralise the threat.

The president briefed the participants about the performance and achievements of the present government during the last two-and-a-half years.

Speaking about the four areas of focus i.e. economic revival, good governance, poverty alleviation and political restructuring, the president said that after in-depth studies and research, the strategies for all conceivable issues facing the country had been evolved and implementation had begun.

He also talked about his thoughts about future and gave his vision for a progressive, forward-looking, tolerant and economically vibrant Pakistan.

In the second session, Foreign Minister Abdul Sattar spoke about the foreign policy of Pakistan in the post-Sept 11 environment.

He spoke on the improved stature of Pakistan in the world accruing from the principled stand taken by Pakistan in its support against terrorism.

The foreign minister stated that never in the history of Pakistan had there been such support from all across the world, including the western countries, OIC and China.

To a question about India’s continuing belligerent attitude towards Pakistan, the foreign minister said that India seemed to be disconcerted at Pakistan’s prominence. After sulking for some time, India had adopted a stance to pressure Pakistan into reneging its principled stand on Kashmir. Since the Indian belligerence had no effect on Pakistan, it now felt further frustrated with no line of action left for any face-saving.

On relations with Afghanistan, the foreign minister observed that the excellent relations developing between the two countries would pave the way for a better future for “our common civilisations hinterland”. The president complimented Mr Sattar for an excellent briefing.

In the end, Dr Shahid Amjad, Deputy Chairman Planning Commission, briefed the participants about Pakistan’s plan for the future, observing that for the first time in 30 years, a long-term development plan had been put in place where major development projects were being initiated.

He said that the two objectives of the Planning Commission given by the president were economic independence and poverty alleviation.

He also briefed the conference about Pakistan’s assistance for the reconstruction of Afghanistan. The final session of the Formation Commanders Conference will be held on Tuesday.