Islamabad, Apr. 8: Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gillani has said that his coalition government is committed to maintaining minimum credible deterrence through conventional and strategic capabilities.

Talking to the Chairman, Joint Chief of Staff Committee (CJCSC), General Tariq Majeed, who called on him at Prime Minister's House, Gillani said that Pakistan had a major role to play for peace and stability in the region.

He praised the role of Pakistan's armed forces in rescue operations during natural disasters.

Lahore, Apr.

Islamabad, Apr. 8: Pakistan Foreign Secretary Riaz Muhammad Khan appears to be on a collision course with the new coalition government led by the Pakistan People's Party (PPP).

According to sources, the government has expressed its annoyance over Khan raising objections to a United Nations probe into the assassination of former premier Benazir Bhutto.

Khan is reportedly in agreement with certain elements in the Foreign Office (FO) who were opposed to the idea of seeking UN assistance to investigate the bombing on December 27.

Islamabad, Apr. 8; Pakistan Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gillani has requested visiting British Home Secretary Jacqui Smith to provide British assistance for the development of his country's tribal areas.

In a metting held at the Prime Minister's House on Monday, Gillani was quoted by the Daily Times as saying that his government is keen on improving the socio-economic conditions, reducing poverty and generating job opportunities for tribals living along Pakistan's border with Afghanistan.

Islamabad, Apr.

Islamabad, Apr. 8: Dr. A. Q.