As a nuclear and missile power, Pakistan has an "impregnable defence" to "deter aggressive designs of the adversary" and possessed capability to protect its integrity, safeguard its economic and other vital interests, President Pervez Musharraf said on Tuesday.

"Pakistan has come a long way since 1965 (war with India) and we are now a country having an impregnable defence," he said.

"Pakistan is a nuclear and missile power" and achieved "self reliance," made "giant strides" in the field of defence, he said in a message to the nation on the occasion of the Defence Day being observed on Wednesday to commemorate the 1965 war.

"The Al-Khalid and Al-Zarrar Tanks, Augosta 90-B Submarine and the JF-17 Thunder Fighter Aircraft are shining examples of our achievements in enhancing our indigenous defence capability," he said.

Musharraf said the government would continue to provide total support to the Pakistan Air Force to enhance its effectiveness "as one of the best fighting outfits in the world."

"We realised that big countries seeking to impose their hegemony pay little heed to international laws and could violate the sanctity of borders of smaller neighbours with impunity," he said.

"The answer lies in being strong enough to deter aggressive designs of the adversary. We needed to possess the capability to protect our integrity; safeguard our economic and other vital interest," he added. 

Pakistan observes September 6 every year as the Defence Day.