PESHAWAR, April 11: President Gen Pervez Musharraf has lauded the motivation, devotion to duty and professionalism of the armed forces during the recent escalation of tension, which, he said, had ensured security of country’s territorial integrity.

The president made these remarks while addressing officers of Peshawar Garrison here on Friday. Expressing complete satisfaction with the state of preparedness of the armed forces, Gen Musharraf emphasized upon the need for intensive peace-time training in order to maintain and enhance qualitative edge over the adversary.

The president spoke at length about the prevailing geo-strategic environment in the region. He said by the Grace of God the armed forces of Pakistan had withstood every challenge with courage and fortitude.

The president said policies of the last three years had contributed to strengthening the country’s security. These policies also safeguarded vital strategic interests and resulted in the economic turnaround of the country, he added.

He stressed upon the need for greater vigilance and said on no account must we lower our guard or allow complacency to creep in as it affected efficiency and state of operational preparedness.

The president’s address was followed by a detailed question and answer session.

Earlier, Gen Musharraf visited the corps headquarters where he was given a briefing by Corps Commander Lt-Gen Ali Mohammad Jan Aurakzai about matters of professional interest, including operations, training, administration, welfare of the troops and development works being undertaken in the Federally Administered Tribal Areas.—APP