Islamabad, Jan 5: Pakistan today decided to further strengthen its defence forces and strategic and conventional capabilities to ensure that the country’s security is not jeopardised by “efforts to disturb the regional balance.”
 The decision was made during a meeting of the Defence Committee of the Cabinet (DDC) chaired by Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani.
 The meet was attended by key Cabinet ministers, Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee Chairman Gen Tariq Majid and the three services chiefs.
 “The DCC took note of efforts to disturb the regional balance in South Asia and underscored that Pakistan will never allow its security to be jeopardised in any manner. Pakistan’s defence forces and its strategic and conventional capabilities will continue to be strengthened,” a statement issued after the meeting said, without naming any country.
 Addressing the meeting, Gilani said: “Strategic stability in South Asia is a prerequisite for enduring peace and prosperity for the peoples of this region. We are mindful of the policies and trends that could undermine strategic stability in our region.”
 “Pakistan will be obliged to counter such negative trends by all appropriate means,” he added.
 The committee reviewed security challenges faced by Pakistan and expressed satisfaction at the country’s defence preparedness.
 It also took stock of challenges caused by terrorism and expressed satisfaction at anti-terror operations by security forces.
 “It was decided to prosecute with full vigour the counter-terrorism campaign,” the statement said.
 The country is “united in its resolve to counter terrorism and stood fully behind the armed forces and law enforcement agencies in combating terror,” it said.
 The committee also renewed the government’s resolve to eliminate terrorism and “effectively foil the nefarious designs of the enemies of Pakistan.”
 The DCC discussed global and regional developments that are “impacting on the peace and security of Pakistan” and “affirmed the strong commitment of the government and people of Pakistan to defend the country’s honour, dignity, sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity.”
 In his opening remarks, Gilani said the purpose of the meeting is to “comprehensively evaluate the security situation in the light of global and regional developments and their impact on Pakistan.”
 He also said there is a need to review ongoing counter-terror and law enforcement actions.
PTI

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