By Our Correspondent
LAHORE: Federal Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives Engineer Ahsan Iqbal has reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to peace while underscoring the nation’s robust defense capabilities during a meeting with the office bearers of Federation of Engineering Institutions of Pakistan ( FIEP) lead by Engr. T.B Cheema, Engr. Amir Zamir Khan and Engr. Usman Faruq.
Speaking about Pakistan’s military readiness, Minister Iqbal drew comparisons to recent tensions with India, stating that Pakistan would respond to any Afghan situation with the same strategic approach demonstrated during the recent Pak-India confrontation. He emphasized that Pakistan maintains significant air superiority and possesses advanced technological capabilities, including sophisticated equipment for jamming enemy systems.
The minister highlighted Pakistan’s investment in cutting-edge information technology equipment, which has substantially enhanced the country’s defense infrastructure. He expressed confidence in the Pakistan Armed Forces’ operational readiness and paid tribute to their professionalism and dedication to national security.
“Pakistan is fundamentally a peace-loving country,” Minister Iqbal emphasized, “but we will never compromise on our sovereignty or territorial integrity.” He stressed that while Pakistan consistently advocates for peaceful resolution of conflicts and maintains diplomatic engagement with the international community, it remains fully prepared to defend itself against any threats.
The minister linked Pakistan’s current stability to the nation’s resilience and maturity, developed through years of challenges. He acknowledged the tremendous sacrifices made by the armed forces in countering terrorism and restoring peace across the country. These efforts, he noted, have been instrumental in bringing Pakistan to its current state of relative stability and security.
Discussing state policy, Engineer Iqbal outlined the government’s strategic objective of positioning Pakistan as a responsible, peace-loving nation within the global community. However, he made it clear that this peaceful posture does not diminish Pakistan’s resolve to protect its borders and national interests.
“Our armed forces have demonstrated exceptional capability and commitment,” the minister stated, praising their role in maintaining national security. He emphasized that Pakistan’s defense preparedness, combined with modern technological assets, ensures the country can effectively respond to any security challenges while continuing to pursue peaceful relations with neighboring countries and the broader international community.
