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Pakistan to continue missile program: PM

IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency

Islamabad, Aug 14, IRNA
Pakistan-Premier
Pakistani Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz announced on Sunday that Islamabad would continue the process of improving the country's nuclear and missile capabilities.

"The most recent example is successful testing firing of Babar cruise missile," Aziz told the nation after the flag hoisting ceremony in Islamabad on the occasion of the country's Independence Day.

"It is a great responsibility to safeguard our independence.

Pakistan today is a nuclear power and no one can cast an evil eye on our beloved country."
He said Pakistan's defence capability is a guarantee of peace and regional balance of power and "the nation would provide all resources to strengthen this capability".

He also said that Pakistan is trying to promote friendship and cooperation with India with a view to addressing all disputes. "The composite dialogue process is proceeding ahead. We hope that India would adopt a positive attitude to sustain it."
Aziz said regional peace is directly linked to justice and fair-play. "Solution of the burning issue of Kashmir is a must for durable peace in South Asia. Its resolution must reflect aspirations of the Kashmiri people."
Pakistan is pursuing an independent foreign policy and it would make every possible contribution for regional peace and security, he added.

Referring to developments in Afghanistan, the prime minister said, "a strong and stable Afghanistan is not only in the interest of Pakistan but also to that of the region and the world".

Turning China as a strategic partner of Pakistan, he said, "We are striving to improve further relations with the US and the European Union."
Islamabad is also giving new dimensions to its relations with countries like Malaysia, Korea, Thailand and Singapore, he noted.

He further stressed that Pakistan attaches great importance to its relations with the Muslim world.

The Pakistani prime minister reminded the international community that his country has paid a heavy price for its pivotal role in defending Afghanistan and the civilized world against aggression.

He regretted that some circles are trying to spoil the image of Pakistan, urging the nation to be united to counter this malicious campaign.

2020/235/1422