'Resolution of Kashmir issue in line with Kashmiris' aspirations'

Islamabad, Aug 14 (UNI) Pakistan today sought resolution of the Jammu and Kashmir issue in accordance with aspirations of Kashmiris, as the nation celebrated its 60th Independence Day amid heightened security.

''Kashmir is of vital importance in our foreign policy,'' Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz said, in his address to the nation after unfurling the national flag at a colourful ceremony held at the Jinnah convention centre here.

He reiterated his government's stance of seeking a resolution of the issue according to the aspirations of the people of Kashmir.

On the country's nuclear programme, Mr Aziz vowed to protect it at all costs and not to let any foreign forces interfere inside Pakistan's territory.

''We will never tolerate if anyone casts an evil eye on our nuclear assets,'' he asserted, adding that Pakistan is the only nuclear Islamic state and has put in place a strong command and control structure.

''Weak nations cannot maintain peace and that is why Pakistan has strengthened its defence,'' he said, stressing that they had ''enough strength, courage and ability to defend our nuclear assets.'' Stressing that the country's nuclear assets were a ''source of pride and sovereignty,'' he noted that the nation has always shown solidarity and stood united on this matter.

Speaking about the country's strong defence capability, Mr Aziz said it was a guarantee of peace.

''We have the ability to defend our motherland till the last drop of our blood,'' he said.

Referring to the recent statements by US officials threatening military action inside Pakistan's tribal areas against alleged terrorist hideouts, Mr Aziz asserted Pakistan's armed forces are fully capable of effectively defending its borders.

''We will not let any foreign force interfere inside Pakistan's territory,'' the Prime Minister categorically stated.

Earlier, the day dawned with a 31-gun salute at the federal capital and a 21-gun salute at the provincial capitals.

Sirens were sounded at 0858 hrs (PST) and entire traffic came to a halt for one minute. The flag hoisting ceremony followed singing of the national anthem and songs by school girls.

The nation celebrated its Independence Day this year in the wake of a series of bomb explosions and suicide attacks targetting security officials in the country's northwestern regions, which killed more than 200 people. Observers see the fresh wave of violence as the backlash of a military raid over the Islamabad's pro-Taliban Lal Masjid in July.

UNI