Islamabad: Pakistan Army will remain on high alert following assertions by top Indian Ministers about India's right to launch pre-emptive strikes against Pakistan, even as President Pervez Musharraf told an annual conference of the formation commanders of Army that his government is in touch with United States, China and Saudi Arabia about the growing threat perceptions in the region.

The two-day conference of formation commanders, which began at Rawalpindi on April 15 discussed the recent statements by top Indian Ministers on pre-emptive strikes against Pakistan on the lines of the US-led war on Iraq and decided to remain on alert across the borders with India despite the recent withdrawal of troops by both the countries.

The conference, presided over by Musharraf, in his capacity as the Chief of the Army, was informed that Pakistan's armed forces were on high alert despite withdrawal of troops from the borders, the local daily 'Dawn' quoted officials as saying.

The commanders took into account the recent statements made by Indian leaders including Defence Minister George Fernandes.

The meeting was told that Pakistan's armed forces would continue to exercise restraint though they could launch a pre-emptive strike against the enemy.

PTI