President General Pervez Musharraf stated by the grace of Almighty Allah, Pakistan was fully capable of meeting the external and internal challenges and the country was fast moving on the path of development. The President made these remarks while addressing troops of Hyderabad Garrison here on Tuesday morning. He said the government was making all out efforts to bring about rapid development in Balochistan province by overcoming the backwardness, completing all development projects and improving the living standard of the people.

However, he regretted some elements were against the development, progress and prosperity in the province. The President added the security of important installations and development of the province would be ensured.

Referring to South Waziristan, the President stated Pakistan Army played an excellent role in South Waziristan Agency and along with the intelligence organisations it had succeeded in unearthing and eliminating the terrorists' networks. He also spoke of the political initiatives that had been taken in the Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA).

The President stated efforts were being made to further strengthen the country's armed forces, and latest equipment for armed forces was being developed indigenously as well as being procured from abroad in that regard.

President General Pervez Musharraf expressed his happiness over addressing the officers and Jawans of the garrison. He recalled his old association with this garrison where he had served as Brigade Major. He appreciated the development work undertaken in Hyderabad Cantonment.

Corps Commander Lieutenant General Syed Athar Ali, General Officer Commanding Major General Muhammad Mustafa Khan and other senior officers were also present on the occasion.

Copyright Associated Press of Pakistan, 2005