Islamabad, Oct 21 : Maintaining that Pakistan is against an arm race in the region, Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz has said that the country would keep the minimum deterrence capability to protect its integrity and solidarity.

Aziz reiterated Pakistan’s commitment for peace at a meeting with Vice Chief of Army Staff General Ashfaq Pervaiz Kayani, who called on him at Prime Minster’s House.

Pakistan is a peaceful country and believed in the resolution of all outstanding issues through dialogue and diplomacy, the Daily Times quoted him, as saying.

Speaking to Kayani, Aziz commended the role of the Pakistan Army both in defence and the development of the country, saying the army was a source of pride for the nation and played a very important role in maintaining internal and external security.

Aziz was quoted as saying that the army was a world-class fighting force, which has ensured peace and security, and because of this Pakistan is a major supplier of peacekeeping troops to the UN.

He went on to say that the people of Pakistan could not forget the unprecedented role that the army played in handling the challenging situation after the devastating October 8, 2005 earthquake.

On army’s requirements, Aziz said the government was aware of it, adding that necessary resources would be made available to enhance and improve the capabilities of the army and to modernize it with the latest weaponry needed to maintain security.

He also appreciated the self-reliance initiatives taken by the army to produce the necessary equipment to domestically meet Pakistan’s security needs, the paper reported. (ANI)