ISLAMABAD, Aug 14: Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz on Tuesday said that no foreign power would be allowed to launch military strikes inside Pakistan.

Addressing a flag-hoisting ceremony held as part of the 60th Independence Day celebrations at the Convention Centre, he said that Pakistan’s principled stand was that the Kashmir issue should be resolved in accordance with the aspirations of the people of Kashmir.

Saying that Kashmir was of vital importance in country’s foreign policy, he reiterated the government’s stance of seeking a resolution of the issue involving all stakeholders, including the people of Kashmir.

The prime minister vowed to protect country’s nuclear assets at all costs and not to let foreign forces interfere inside Pakistan’s territory. “We will never tolerate if anyone casts an evil eye on our nuclear assets,” he said.

“Pakistan is the only Islamic nuclear state which has put in place a strong command and control structure. We have enough strength, courage and ability to defend our nuclear assets.” He said Pakistan’s defence capability was a guarantee of peace.

Mr Aziz said Pakistan gave due importance to relations with its neighbours and was performing its duty to maintain peace and stability in the region.

He said that terrorism was a global menace and no country was safe from its tentacles and Pakistan was fighting it. “Islam teaches us brotherhood and tolerance and does not allow anyone to use Islam for their ulterior objectives.”

He said Pakistan was addressing the root causes to meet this threat. He said it was the responsibility of the international community to act effectively to eradicate terrorism because only peace could bring progress and prosperity.

“We were being dubbed a failed state eight years back in international circles, but today we have risen as one of the fastest growing economies of Asia,” Mr Aziz said.

About the forthcoming general election, the prime minister said: “I assure you that the process will be transparent and will strengthen democracy. Its results will reflect the aspirations of the people.”

Earlier, the prime minister unfurled the national flag after the nation observed a one-minute silence. He joined a group of children clad in white and green and the entire nation in singing the national anthem.

Despite an early morning downpour, a large number of people attended the ceremony. National Assembly Speaker Chaudhry Amir Hussain, federal ministers, parliamentarians, services chiefs, senior civil and military officials, diplomats and hundreds of schoolchildren participated in the event.