Pak capable of thwarting "aggression" from the east: Zardari

Islamabad, Dec 24 (PTI) Amid a war of words with India
over the Mumbai terror attacks, Pakistan has said its armed
forces were fully capable of "thwarting any aggression from
the east" and New Delhi should not underestimate its military
might.

India should not underestimate Pakistan's military power
because it is "capable of thwarting any aggression from the
east", President Asif Ali Zardari said at a meeting with Gen
Tariq Majid, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee,
here Tuesday night.

Majid told the President that the armed forces were fully
capable of meeting any eventuality on the eastern front, Dawn
News channel said.

Separately, Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani said while
the operational preparedness of the armed forces was at an
"optimal level," both Pakistan and India cannot afford tension
along their border.

"Nobody wants tensions on the borders and we are moving
responsibly and with caution," Gilani told reporters on the
sidelines of an official ceremony here.

The military is fully capable of defending Pakistan's
territorial integrity, he said, adding that the operational
preparedness of the armed forces is at an "optimal level".

The nation and the army are united to defend the country
and its territorial integrity, he added.

"The government is aware of the situation in the region
and will act as things move," Gilani said.

During a meeting with Shahid Malik, Pakistan's High
Commissioner to India, Zardari said Islamabad wants good
relations with New Delhi but "on the basis of sovereign
equality". PTI RHL
RKM
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