Karachi: Prime Minister Yousuf Raza
Gillani on Monday said Pakistan has no "hegemonistic designs" in
the region and does not intend to get involved in an arms race
with any country.
Speaking at a ceremony to induct the second Chinese
made F-22 frigate, Gilani said,Pakistan had no expansionist
designs in the region but self reliance in defence sector is
necessary for the well being of the country.
"We believe that without having any hegemonistic
designs it is necessary to have effective defence as a
guarantee to peace in the region," Gillani said.
The PNS Shamsheer warship was built in collaboration
with China arrived at Karachi Port on Saturday. Gilani
announced Rs 50 million fund for the welfare of Pakistan Navy
sailors on the occasion.
He said Pakistan played a key role for the global
peace and stability but also believed that a strong defence
was an effective deterrent against war.
PNS Shamsheer is the second of the series of four
ships being constructed for the PN in collaboration with China
at the Hudong Zhonghua Shipyard in Shanghai.
The third ship is also nearing completion and is
expected to be handed over to Pakistan in the third quarter of
2010. The fourth ship is under construction at the Karachi
Shipyard under transfer-of-technology arrangements, and will
be completed by 2013.
PTI
First Published: Monday, February 08, 2010, 21:06