According to the ISPR, the conference was attended by Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee, General Ehsan ul Haq, Vice Chief of Army Staff, General Ahsan Saleem Hayat, corps commanders, principal staff officers and all general officers.
The President dwelt at length on the international, regional and domestic environment. He said with important geo-strategic location, Pakistan is and will continue to play its rightful role and contribute positively toward peace and harmony in the region.He said with pragmatic policies and progressive approach to develop our potential, Pakistan can play a significant role and become an important economic and trade hub and an energy corridor.
The President paid rich tributes to the army for successfully managing the October 8 earthquake. He lauded the role of army troops for their dedication, commitment and whole-hearted participation in relief operations.
He also commended support and assistance provided by NGOs and contingents from friendly countries in rescue and relief work. The President also appreciated the work of Federal Relief Commission.
Talking about the internal security, the President made a special mention of extraordinary work done by the army, para-military and intelligence agencies and other governmental departments in combating terrorism and success achieved in this regard in Fata, Balochistan and other parts of the country.
Appreciating efforts of law-enforcement agencies and Frontier Corps Balochistan, the President hoped development works in Balochistan will take off and go on uninterrupted.
The President said no one will be allowed to inflict damage to national assets and writ of the government will be established at all costs.
He appreciated high state of operational preparedness and training efficiency and an all-time vigilance of the army despite its employment on multifarious tasks like combating terrorism, disaster management and internal security duties.
Paying tribute to the outgoing scientists, Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission former chairman Dr Pervez Butt and Dr A.Q. Khan Research Laboratories (KRL) former chairman Arshad Mirza, the President said they along with the other scientists and members of strategic organisation have made tangible progress toward consolidating deterrence and strategic assets.
Talking about role of women in armed forces, the President said there are over 3000 women in the army but they are mainly in the Army Medical and Dental Corps. He directed women may also be inducted in other branches of the army.
In the second session, Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz, State Bank governor Dr Shamshad Akhtar, adviser to prime minister on finance Dr Salman Shah and Earthquake Reconstruction and Rehabilitation Authority (Erra) chairman Saleem Altaf also joined the conference.
The Prime Minister addressed participants on the elements of stagecraft, various initiative being taken to sustain the high economic growth, improve the life of common man and enhancing the functioning of various government departments.
Talking on the elements of stagecraft the Prime Minister spoke on economy, democracy and governance, diplomacy and media freedom and fee political culture.
The Prime Minister underscored the need of continuation of reforms beyond 2007 for sustained growth.