Pakistan is a peaceful country and its defence doctrine is based on minimum credible deterrence in interest of maintaining peace in the region, said Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz on Saturday.
Talking to Eritrea's Defence Minister General Sebhat Ephrem, who called on him at the Prime Minister House, he said Pakistan is not in an arms race with anyone and its defence policy is aimed at safeguarding the country's integrity and sovereignty. He said Pakistan, which is uniquely positioned at the confluence of three regions, Central, Western and South Asia, is working for peace and playing a stabilising role in the region. Pakistan is desirous of promoting peace, he added.
"Peace is the most important ingredient for progress. It is the best gift, which we can bestow upon our coming generations. Sustainable peace requires courage, magnanimity and flexibility on the part of leaders", the prime minister observed. Speaking on the economic situation, he said the country is witnessing strong pace of development pitching next year's development programmes at Rs 415 billion.
He said the agenda of the government is growth with dignity, equity and self-reliance. Strengthening of infrastructure, ensuring energy, water and food security, human resource development and bringing improvement in the social sector are among the top priorities of the government, he added.
Talking of the regional situation, Shaukat Aziz said Pakistan wants resolution of all outstanding issues with India, including the core issue of Kashmir.