PANO AQIL, Aug 19: President Gen Pervez Musharraf has said that the construction of military cantonments in various parts of the country has not only enhanced operational preparedness of the troops but also helped in developing these areas and maintaining security.

He made these remarks while addressing officers and men at Pano Aqil Cantonment on Thursday. The president said that Pano Aqil was an excellent example of how the establishment of military cantonment could assist in the uplift of the area and improvement of the overall internal security environment.

He said it was in light of these factors that it had been decided to establish Cantonments in Sui, Gwadar and Kohlu in Balochistan. The president's wide-ranging address focused on internal and external environment, operational preparedness and other matters of professional interest.

The president paid rich tributes to the patriotism professionalism, devotion to duty and excellent standards being maintained by Pakistan Armed forces.

He said that peace-time training was extremely important as it was this essential element which gave the armed forces a qualitative edge over the adversary. Corps Commander Lieut-Gen Ahsan Saleem Hayat and General Officer Commanding Maj-Gen Asif Akhtar attended the address.