ISLAMABAD, June 28: Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz has said Pakistan possesses both strategic and conventional defence capabilities and was investing in its armed forces to ensure peace.

He talking to Mr Yang Dimuliakan Pehin Datu Lailaraja Maj-Gen Paaduka Seri Haji Awang Halbi bin Haji Mohammad Yusoof, Commander of the Royal Brunei Darussalam Armed Forces, who called on him at the PM House here on Wednesday.

He said Pakistan’s defence strategy was to build a minimum credible deterrence to ensure the country’s sovereignty and integrity.

He said Pakistan greatly valued its ties with Brunei and was keen to strengthen cooperation in all fields, including defence and security matters. He said Pakistan and Brunei were committed to fight terrorism and extremism in every form.

Highlighting Pakistan’s economic performance, the prime minister said that the growth rate was consistently between 6-8 per cent, per capita income had now risen to $847 while unemployment and poverty figures had declined. But, he said: “We do have challenges of providing healthcare and educational facilities to 160 million people.”