Sunday, August 14 2005 15:41 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

Islamabad: Marking its 59th Independence Day, Pakistan today (Aug 14, 2005) vowed to improve its nuclear and missile capabilities while asserting that the resolution of the Kashmir issue was "a must for durable peace" in South Asia.

Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz hoisted the national flag at an indoor auditorium here (Islamabad) due to security concerns.

Without directly referring to India, he said in his speech that Pakistan would continue the process of improving its nuclear and missile capabilities to keep pace with the changing scenario in the neighbourhood, a day after Information Minister Sheikh Rashid stated that the country was on course to develop a 1000 km range missile.

"The most recent example is successful test-firing of Babur cruise missile. It is a great responsibility to safeguard our independence. Pakistan today is a nuclear power and no one can cast an evil eye on our beloved country," Aziz said.

He said regional peace is directly linked to justice and fair play. "Solution of the burning issue of Kashmir is a must for durable peace in South Asia. Its resolution must reflect aspirations of the Kashmiri people."

On the occasion, President Pervez Musharraf said the nation should reject elements who want to drag Pakistan into darkness, referring to his campaign against extremism.

"I appeal to the nation to reject the retrogressive elements politically and socially as they are opposed to progress," he said.

Information Minister Rashid told in a public meeting in Rawalpindi last night (Aug 13, 2005) that after the successful test of 500 km range Babur cruise missile, Pakistan was developing yet another missile with a range of 1000 km, local news agency 'Online' reported.

After the test firing of the cruise missile, Pakistan would further develop its missile capability, he said.

In his address today, Aziz said Pakistan's defence capability is a guarantee of peace and regional balance of power and all resources would be provided to strengthen this capability.

He also said Pakistan is trying to promote friendship and cooperation with India with a view to addressing all issues.

The composite dialogue process is proceeding ahead, he noted and hoped that India would adopt a "positive attitude to in it."

Aziz claimed that Pakistan is pursuing an independent foreign policy and would make every possible contribution for regional peace and security.

While appealing to discard the obscurantist forces, Musharraf, who last night sang and danced along with top musicians and artists to the tunes of patriotic songs at a function at the President's House here, said the August 12 cruise missile test was a gift of the "talented" scientists to the nation on the Independence Day.

"Nobody should harbour any doubts that Pakistan has come to stay - we shall make Pakistan a strong country," he said at the function telecast live by the state-run PTV.

The General, dressed in trendy ethnic clothes, danced for a while on stage along with his wife Sehba and Prime Minister Aziz and other top officials to the tunes of patriotic songs.