March 20, 2008	Thursday	Rabi-ul-Awwal 11, 1429

ISLAMABAD, March 19: President Pervez Musharraf has said that economic stability is vital for strong defence of the country.

“It is the economic stability and its upsurge that need to be maintained for any kind of influence on security and other issues of national importance,” he said while addressing participants of the National Defence Course and Armed Forces War Course at the National Defence University (NDU) here on Wednesday.

He said Pakistan’s geo-strategic importance could not be undermined.

Because of its location, he said, Pakistan could be developed as a trade and energy corridor which would provide more leverage to the country geo-politically.

He said the key to the country’s future and way forward was sustained economic growth and control of extremism.

About national security, the president said Pakistan’s minimum deterrence strategy was vital for peace.

“We shall never compromise on our nuclear programme.”

The president said weakness invited aggression and peace could only be ensured from a position of strength. He said the nation must unite to eliminate the scourge of extremism and terrorism.

He dwelt at length on various issues related to national security and said that over the past five years, Pakistan had gained economic strength and it must continue the upsurge in this direction.

Emphasising on energy security imperatives, the president said that economic growth must match the progress in energy sector to maintain a good balance.

He also highlighted the importance of food security in view of the worldwide stress on food commodities.

“We must concentrate on progress in education, health and poverty alleviation as these are key elements for progress of any nation.”

Emphasising the role of media in building the image of the country, he said the media should project the economic rise and potential of Pakistan.