MULTAN, April 18th:Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani said "Today’s spectacular display of military prowess would not only warm the hearts of all Pakistanis, but would also reflect the capacity to defend the motherland and to maintain peace and security in the region," Pakistan and its armed forces are fully committed in a fierce struggle on its western border and are continuing to retain their capability to deal with all possible threats in the region.Pakistan is standing as a bulwark against forces of extremism and militancy while bearing a very heavy cost to its economy and prosperity. Addressing participants of the military exercise Azm-e-Nou at Kherpur Tamewali (Bahawalpur) on Sunday. the Prime Minister said, "the world today finds Pakistan standing as a bulwark against forces of extremism and militancy." It is in this struggle where nation pledges to support armed forces in spirit, with its youth and its entire resources, he added. He said he was sure that the feat could be rivaled by no military in the world. He said the exercise was the epoch making professional activity of Pakistan Army which marks the culmination of a year long training process conceived and executed by it. He congratulated the participants on the commendable achievement reflecting par excellence standards of the armed forces. Gilani said Pakistan is faced with multiple challenges and opportunities as it is located at the crossroads of competing interests. As a responsible member of the comity of nations, he said, Pakistan desires peace and security both within and beyond. The national security paradigm of Pakistan evolved within the context of Pakistan’s own geography; history and culture determines the contours of national and military response, he noted. The Prime Minister said under the current global and regional environment, maintenance of peace and security is a key strategic objective of Pakistan armed forces. He underlined the need for the highest state of preparedness encompassing the full scale of capabilities as it remains the guarantor of peace and security. Gilani pointed out that Pakistan’s military strategy is based on credible minimum deterrence. "Our democratic system, economic potential, vibrant population, national unity, consensus and Pakistan armed forces all provide strategic stability against all possible threats to our great country," he added. He apprised about his recent interaction with the leaders of other nations saying he received applause and admiration for the commitment of Pakistani people and the achievements of the armed forces for the success in Swat and Waziristan.The sacrifices that the armed forces of Pakistan, the law enforcing agencies and the patriotic people of Pakistan have made to safeguard the sovereignty and independence of motherland have not gone unnoticed, he stated.He urged the world leaders to come forward and share the responsibility in helping them fight the menace of terrorism for global peace. "The leaders of international community have assured me of their support in military and other spheres to succeed in this war on terror where Pakistan is indeed a frontline state," he added. "Pakistan has refused to budge to the inimical forces and unreasonable voices of bigotry," he said. "I wish to deeply appreciate and thank our valiant soldiers for their sacrifices in the defense of Pakistan. The nation is proud of them all. Having witnessed the military capabilities and dedication, it is very reassuring for me that our integrity and security is in safe hands," he added. Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee General Tariq Majid, Chief of Army Staff General Ashfaq Parvez Kayani, Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Noman Bashir and Chief of Air Staff Rao Qamar Suleman, federal ministers and members of parliament watched the military exercise conducted in the desert of Bahawalpur.