Pak to continue developing military potential: Gilani
March 31, 2012
* PM says boost in country’s military capability aims at deterrence purpose
* Launches military hardware exhibition, IDEAS-2012
ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gilani said on Friday Pakistan would continue developing its military potential as weakness invites aggression from stronger nations.
Addressing the soft launch of the military hardware exhibition – IDEAS-2012, Gilani said Pakistan’s military capability was basically for deterrence purpose.
“Peace remains the ultimate cherished goal for us,” he told the gathering of services chiefs, defence personnel and analysts.
The soft launch would lead to the holding of International Defence Exhibition and Seminar at Expo Centre Karachi from November 7-11 and would showcase Pakistan’s rich potential in the defence industry.
The prime minister said Pakistan had developed indigenous capabilities for production of sophisticated weapon systems and equipment. But, he added, Pakistan did not wish to be dragged in an arms race as socio-economic well being of its people was on the top of the present government’s agenda.
Gilani said Pakistan did not harbour any aggressive designs against any state “but we are determined to defend our territorial integrity and safeguard our sovereignty”. He said it was the reason that Pakistan needed to maintain a balance in conventional forces suitably backed by a credible minimum deterrence.
He said Pakistan’s defence industry had now moved towards marketing products at the international level.
“Our arms, ammunition and more complex products, like tanks and other armoured vehicles and aircraft-related technology, are of world class standards,” Gilani said.
He said the national defence industry had a great potential to export its products on a competitive basis in the world.
The prime minister said the dream for a stable peace remains unrealised, adding that the world at large and the region in particular had been challenged by the menace of terrorism and extremism.
He said Pakistan, due to its vital geo-strategic location and shift in the regional and global security environment, finds itself at the forefront of collective struggle against this new form of threat to the world’s peace.
“We, in Pakistan, are the worst affected victims of this formidable threat, which, as I have often said, is nameless, face-less, religion-less and region-less.”
Gilani said Pakistan was determined to secure peace and stability in the region as well as beyond.
“Our armed forces and the people of Pakistan continue to make monumental sacrifices for a better tomorrow. Through these sacrifices, we have added a glorious chapter to the annals of human history.”
He urged the international community to support Pakistan’s efforts to bring peace back to the region.
“I assure you that we shall neither be found lacking in resolve nor in commitment. At the same time, we also expect our partners to show trust and understanding in this vital struggle,” the prime minister said.
He said Pakistan had achieved phenomenal successes in the war against terrorism. However, he added, there was a need of addressing the root causes which are at heart of these problems.
Gilani said that a durable solution to this “cancer” lies in following a multi-pronged approach “which on one hand addresses root causes, and on other ensures well-being of people”.
“This is where I would ask the international community to come forward to lend helping hand in meeting these challenges, including the peaceful settlement of longstanding disputes.”
Prime Minister Gilani said the government would ensure that the process of extensive reforms to strengthen state institutions and democracy continues unabated.
“There are strong reasons to believe that the government’s socio-economic initiatives will help marginalise extremist elements that thrive in an environment of ignorance and poverty.”
He said it would help Pakistan emerge as an economically vibrant, truly democratic, socially tolerant and externally secure country.
The prime minister said the armed forces of Pakistan were battle-hardened and known for their professionalism across the world. He mentioned their contribution towards the UN’s peace-keeping missions and said their performance around the globe was a clear manifestation of commitment to global peace and harmony.
Gilani said holding IDEAS was a reflection of the government’s consistent efforts to galvanise industrial activities for production of defence equipment through collaboration and joint ventures.
The prime minister wished the organisers success in the conduct of IDEAS-2012. He also greeted Senior Minister for Defence Production and Industries Chaudhry Pervaiz Elahi, Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee Chairman General Khalid Shameem Wynne and Major. app
