Pakistan does not want arms race, says Gilani

Local Tuesday, February 9th, 2010

Pakistan is a peace-loving country and does not want an arms race. Its strategic as well as conventional capabilities are focused towards legitimate defence needs and promotion of peace, Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gilani said on Monday.

He was speaking at the induction ceremony of PNS Shamsher at the Pakistan Navy Dockyard. The vessel is a multi-mission frigate and is the second of four ships to be acquired by China under the F-22 P frigate programme. Gilani said it was a matter of pride for the country that a potent frigate PNS Shamsher was joining the Pakistan Navy fleet and congratulated all those involved in the programme.

Gilani appreciated the focus and hard work of the Defence Production Ministry, Pakistan Navy and the country’s Chinese partners for such a successful programme.

He said it was another manifestation of the Pakistan-China friendship, which was regarded as a model relationship based on mutual respect, trust and confidence. Gilani said, “Our friendship and strategic partnership with China has been and will always remain the basis of Pakistan’s foreign policy.”

Direction: He said these ties were based on the principle of non-interference in each other’s affairs and were not directed against any country.

Gilani said the long-standing defence cooperation between Pakistan and China is growing from strength to strength providing mutual benefit. The prime minister also thanked the government and people of China and congratulated them upon reaching another hallmark in Pak-China friendship with the induction of PNS Shamsher in the Pakistan Navy fleet.

He said, “The government recognises and admires the Pakistan Navy’s efforts to counter the threats of terrorism and piracy; the two phenomenal undertakings, especially considering the limited assets it possesses.”

Gwadar: Gilani also appreciated Chinese cooperation in the development of the Gwadar Port, which had significantly contributed towards strengthening the maritime infrastructure in Pakistan. He said the port had opened new avenues of growth and prosperity in Balochistan.

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