Tuesday, July 4 2006 18:37 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

Islamabad: President Pervez Musharraf paid a visit to troops posted in a mountainous district and announced an ambitious plan to modernise Pakistan's defence so that 'the enemy would not be able to cast an evil eye'.

Musharraf, who visited Diamir in the Northern Areas Monday, said that work on a 15-year 'comprehensive plan' was under way, said Online news agency in a report from there.

"After completion of the plan, the enemy will not dare to cast an evil eye on Pakistan," Musharraf said in an address to the light infantry regiment centre at Bonjhi.

"Pakistan is not facing any external threat. We guarantee solidarity, security and strong defence of the country, and a strong defence in this era is extremely imperative. Under the 15-year plan, the armed forces will be modernised and will be equipped with modern and sophisticated weaponry," he said.

He also reiterated that all big water reservoirs including the Bhasha Dam at Diamir would be built by 2016.

He said steps would be taken for the development of the Northern Areas to bring it on a par with the rest of the country.