In an apparent reference to India, Pakistan today said it was concerned over the "massive arms acquisitions" in the region and that it is committed to defend itself against all external and internal threats.
"We are a peaceful nation with no aggressive designs. However, we are concerned at massive arms acquisitions in the region," Army Chief Gen Ashfaq Parvez Kayani said, addressing a parade at the military academy in Kakul to mark Pakistan's Independence Day.
Though Kayani did not name the nations involved in arms acquisitions, India is the only country in the region that has concluded several big-ticket weapons deals in the past few years.
India also launched its first atomic-powered submarine last month, giving a significant boost to its nuclear deterrence capabilities.
While emphasising that no extremist or terrorist would be allowed to impose his "distorted version of Islam through violent means, Kayani said no attempt to impose a "pure military solution" would succeed.
Apparently referring to the ongoing operations against militants, he said the ultimate objective must be "to reconcile and reunite and not to divide and destroy".
Kayani assured the country that "we will preserve our azadi (independence) with honour and dignity and from a position of strength".