Defence of the Pak made 'impregnable': Musharraf

Pak Prez claimed reforms and policies initiated during the last seven years had led to many achievements.

Claiming that the defence of the country has been made 'impregnable', Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf on Sunday said a comprehensive strategy is in place to ensure it goes from 'strength to strength'.

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Those on the 'fringes of society' and 'obscurantist elements', who do not wish to see Pakistan on the path of progress and prosperity, should not be allowed to succeed, he said in his independence day message.

Pakistan will celebrate its 60th Independence Day on August 14.

"It is our collective duty as citizens of the state not to let such elements succeed in their evil designs," Musharraf said, adding "we have the example of our founding fathers before us to emulate. We cannot afford to let down the vast majority of moderate and peace-loving citizens".

He claimed reforms and policies initiated during the last seven years have led to many achievements in all fields but there were still challenges ahead.

He said the "far-sighted policies and reforms over the last seven years have given Pakistan correct strategic direction and the country is beginning to realise its tremendous human, geo-strategic and economic potential."

"Consistency and transparency of policies have resulted in economic stability; our focus is now on transferring these benefits to the people".

"On this occasion, I would like to reiterate that we stand for democracy and have taken far-reaching measures to ensure its sustainability. There is total freedom of speech and expression in the country," he claimed.