Pakistan has no aggressive designs against any state: Gilani

Islamabad, Jul 27 (ANI): Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gilani has said that Pakistan has no aggressive designs against any state, but was determined to defend its territorial integrity and sovereignty.

"We, therefore, need to maintain conventional forces adequately supplemented by credible deterrence," Gilani said on Monday.

He said Pakistan would continue to develop its military potential that guarantees peace with dignity and honour.

The Daily Times quoted him as saying that Pakistan has been able to do so by significantly developing indigenous capabilities for production of sophisticated weapon systems and equipment.

"Our military capability is basically for deterrence while we yearn for peace. We believe that military weakness invites aggression from stronger nations, but we do not wish to be dragged into an arms race as we seek to invest in socio-economic well being of our people," Gilani added.

He expressed satisfaction that after meeting domestic requirements, the country's defence industry has now moved towards marketing products at the international level.

"Our arms, ammunition and more complex products such as tanks and other armoured vehicles, air-launched munitions and aircraft-related technology, are of world class standards," Gilani said.

The PM said the defence industry, though primarily geared to meet requirements of the armed forces, has great potential to export its products on a competitive basis through responsible arms trade. (ANI)